I used to own a pair of Audiolab 8000C/P pre power amplifiers. Assuming they share the same sonic signature as 8000S, they are typical mild and "polite" British sound. No deep bass, no exciting dynamic range, mediocre sound stage but reasonably good in imaging. After several years of listening I found them brand and boring. After trying other makes, e.g. Bryston, I could not recommend Audiolab amplifiers even for $620. To me, Audiolab is a somewhat overrated product, especially by the British hi-fi magazines in the 80s.
