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
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.
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 :-)
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.
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!
Last I heard, Tag Mclaren was considering dropping out of the Audio business. Parts could be a problem even if Artech is around to do the service.