Recommendation - Rotel vs. Audiolab

Audiolab built no-nonsense, high quality amplifiers that will last 20+years with minimal attention, and use generic parts for easy service/replacement.

Their sound is very very neutral, so some find it a bit lifeless, but if accuracy is your aim you will not find a better amp for the price.

For an 8000S in mint condition I would not pay over $400.

I'm with Sfar, it's hard to beat Rotel as far as budget equipment is concerned.

I have a 14 year old Audiolab 8000A that has worked flawlessly. It's not my main amp anymore but I won't part with it. They are very well built and sound great for what you pay. I think you will do fine with either.

I've owned two Rotel RA-1060 integrateds, But no Audiolab products. The Rotel never gave me a problem but Didn't own them all that long. Sorry no help. My reason for posting is to ask a question. With all the different integrated amps in your price range, what caused you to zero in on those two amps? I'm curious.

Thank you all for the responses. The price of either amp would be roughly $350. At this point, I'm leaning toward the Rotel.

I used a PS Audio Elite for many years, but recently sold it because I didn't like having the outboard power supply and the amp's switches were not reliable (noisy) and needed cleaning from time to time. My speakers are modest - Mordaunt Short MS20ti - but I've always been very happy with them.

Because of their price point (used) and availability, I did consider the Audio Refinement Complete and the Thule Spirit IA60. But they were a bit more money and I'm not convinced there's anything more there but flash.

I'd prefer it if the Rotel was even a bit more basic - no tone controls and no remote - but I suppose the RA972 is reasonably priced and will serve my purpose fine.