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Audiolab info needed

I'm putting together a system for a small room, and I want to build it around a good integrated amp. The Audiolab 8000S is still available through Artech for a tempting price. I've looked around on the net but found scant information on it; not surprising, as the company went out of business years ago. If you own or have listened to an Audiolab 8000S, I'd appreciate your input on a couple of questions:

1) The sound has been described as "dry" or "neutral." I've listened to the Cambridge Audio 500 series equipment, and I found it a bit too warm for my taste. I also auditioned a Musical Fidelity A3.2, which has a clean, precise, detailed sound which I like, but it's out of my budget. Where does the Audiolab 8000S fit on that spectrum?

2) I plan on auditioning the NAD C320BEE/C350/C370 line, and the Myryad Z140. How does the Audiolab compare?

Thanks,
Jeff
jverona
larryb
101 posts
 
Anyone have opinions on the 8000Q? There's one on Audiogon and also new at artech. One seller once described it as "the most lush tubelike SS pre there is", but that doesn't sound like the majority opinion.
lall
122 posts
 
I feel that only those who have owned an Audiolab gear for some time can give a precise and honest answer. I owned the whole of 8000 series for several yrs and can find not many gears to come closer on a price-value ratio. Good, clean and enjoyable music at very low prices and, further, no reliability problems.
All reviews (well, most) I've come accross highly praise the Audiolab.
seandtaylor99
1,262 posts
 
Larry .. I own an audiolab 8000C, and have listened to 8000A, 8000S and 8000DAC. It seems to me that audiolab strives for accuracy ... telling you how it is. I like this trait, but I would never describe them as lush and tubelike. I think transparent is the best description. I would expect that the 8000Q is a great preamp, but I would not buy one in the hope that it would warm up the sound of my system. I guess that puts me in the majority :-)
hdm
1,061 posts
 
I have owned an 8000A for about 13 years now and am still using it. If you appreciate the overall accuracy of the amp, which I do, but want a slightly warmer presentation at the same time, I would suggest pairing the 8000A (or S) with a Cardas Golden power cord. You might want to experiment with other power cords as well, as my Audiolab benefits dramatically from a good cord. The amp will also run considerably cooler with a good, beefy cord. I can't bring myself to sell this combo because I figure I'd have to spend considerably (as in 2-3X) more to get significantly better sound.
kevy
3 posts
 
I once owned an 8000S and loved it, am sure it would give better sound than a NAD amp. I also bought a Tag Mclaren 60iRv... it seems pretty similar in sound, was able to use the Audiolab as a pre, and the 60iRv as the power amp... Sold the 8000S when I moved to Canada... I now own a Tag AV32r (the 60iRv too), and can say that I have had only good experiences with all their equipment... Buy one!
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