Audiolab 8000A

Probably the finest amplifier every made. It smacks of quality, just look at the thing. I know as well as the next man that looks shouldn't matter with audio equipment, but the fact is they do,, you part with your money you dont want to be looking at an ugly box sat on a shelf. The audiolab simply emanates good looks, its an 'head turner', it always was, and still is, you just know this piece of kit is special, even before you hear it. Its a clever design, well built, all that you could ask for. Loads of inputs, including phono inputs for mc or mm, tape loops, even pre amp outputs, so you can add a power amp of your choice for more muscle, assuming you live on the moon that is. Its versatility is unequalled. The tone controls are perfect, they allow you to tailor your sound between different sources, cd, dvd, etc, contrary to what purists will tell you, tone controls are a real bonus on an amplifier, dont get me wrong, the ones on the audiolab 8000a are very subtle, dont expect massive swings of bass and treble.

The sound is perfect, nothing added, nothing taken away, what goes in, comes out. Again purists will tell you its clinical, cold sounding. These are just words they have picked up from hifi magazines. One mans cold and clinical is another mans 'accurate and precise'. As always putting together a satisfactory hifi system is about matching components, listening, experimenting, dont listen to me, or so called experts, use your ears, this amp continues to represent the very best that can be achieved on a reasonable budget,theres bargains to be had on ebay. The best thing audiolab could do is to start selling this amp again, a true classic

I had one of these amp's for about 5 years and it did serve me well. The build quality is very good and has several line inputs and an 8000p can also be added.

The amp gives a good clear sound with a nice stereo image. However, I feel this is a good starter amp, the treble can be a little bright witch becomes tiresome after about 30mins of listening. The real downfall though is the bass, very one dimentional with very little tone or control, almost a very low monotone noise.

As i previosly mentioned, a good invitation into the hi fi world, but be sure to move on as there are plenty of better more rewarding ampout there.

Audiolab 8000A Integrated Amplifier

I have two of these. One at home and one at a store where it has been used for 10 hours a day for the past 12 years. This is a great device. It is the most die hard thing I have ever seen (I have seen a few!) and delivers great sound with almost any speakers. I have tried old and new ones. From Marantz DS-900 to Wharfedale Evos. You can connect two pairs of speakers at the same time.it also supports both MM and MC cartridges in the phono stage.

I have also tried the newer 8000 series. they sound exactly the same as the old one but lack the Phono stage and the Bass/Treble knobs. These knobs are not much influence either way (Just 3 db.) The new models have remote controls instead. Which might be good.

The only negative thing I can think of is that it might not be too easy to work with in the dark. If they added some phosphor to the writings and indicators that would have been awesome.

I've now had my system, Audiolab800A, Denon CD and tape, and Revolver redwood since I bought them in 1987. Only the speakers got changed, originals were mission 770 freedoms. The then future wife said they'd be too big for the flat. Swapped them to a pair of bose AM3's which had just come out at the time. Never regretted anything so much. Clannad live on the missions was a lump in the throat listening every time. Jeez, them were the days. Anyway, audiolab to me will always sit in my hifi unit, irreplaceable.

8000A was given as a present (owner got himself a TagMac) and has been used by me daily over the past 1 year. It had been used previously for 4 years. Sound very good partnered with a Marantz Cd player. Pure DAB tuner, Pro-jet Classic turn table and Leak 2030 speakers which is the weakest link, but overall still good sound. Only problem I do not have a manual to confirm whether I require a phono box. Can any one help me with a copy - PLEASE

Bought early '85 (I think). Given the confines of our 'listening room' - the sitting room of our cottage - I had to accept something smaller than the huge speakers of my youth: the 8000A worked very well with a pair of Rogers LS3/5a's and an AudioPro B-240. The B-240 has now expired - the roll surrounds of the cones have completely disintegrated after 25 years. So I am in the process of replacing the speakers with a pair of Spendor SA1's and a BK XXLS400. But even in its presently impaired condition, my visitors (not all cloth-eared) still comment on the clarity of the system.

My 8000a has had something of a varied life.I got this amp in the mid 80's and loved it, I arent even sure to this day why I sold it on. I actually sold it to a family member, and due to unfortunate circumstances I re-aquired the amp. I had been using a denon 3850 and basically out of curiousity I hooked up the 8000a. All I can say is I was really amazed, I expected the modern denon, at £1200.00 to see the 8000a off easily. The complete opposite is the truth of it, the 8000a makes the denon sound very, very average. Its so neutral and , I dunno, 'honest' is the word that springs to mind, so unintrusive and in my opinion, impossible to fault. It looks elegant and reserved. There is no better amp than this, and the easy upgrade path makes it an amp with no competitor. Long live the 8000a, Audiolab would do well to re-release this amp, as it was.

bought my Audiolab 8000A new in about 1985 and still at the heart of my kit. any equipment upgrades are carefully chosen around its own sound and i have never been disappointed. it failed in its warranty period and was given a cambridge whilst in the workshop, adequate but not in the same league! otherwise absolutely faultless and childproof - my kids destroyed my turntable. not for sale, no desire to change, it's brilliant.

I got the audiolab amplifier for 15 years now, and Im very happy about it. I got it recomanded from a friend, and I bought it when I was 18 years old, my first self payed amplifier and I will say it was a good investment.

I picked up my 8000A over 15 years ago and it's been in daily use since then. I DJ, so often have it pushing the limits and and it's never let me down. I'm running mine with a Beresford DAC and PMC DB1i speakers when at home and the quality is crystal clear. I'll never be parted from mine :)