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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
lall
122 posts
 
I had the Audiolab 8000S, 8000A and 8000DAC for several yrs before entering the world of ultimate high end gears.

Audiolab 8000S and 8000A have a surprising control over speakers and sound very powerful, rich and with a tight bass.

The company did not go out of business, but was purchased by Tag MacLaren. Today, the 8000S is sold under TagMclaren name. For more info, Go to http://www.audioreview.com/PRD_116281_2717crx.aspx
seandtaylor99
1,262 posts
 
My guess is that the audiolab 8000s will be rather more precise than the NAD equipment. Lall is correct that the company was taken over and renamed ... you'll find that TagMclaren still support the audiolab products. Have a look on their website.

I own an 8000C preamp and have used an 8000A and they're very fine amps ... at the artech price they will not be beaten. However it is not by any means a warm sounding amp, so you'll have to pick speakers that have reasonable bass response to avoid a thin sound. I used to own a NAD 3020 ... the audiolab 8000A was a much better amp, but in the end I got a Cyrus2, which had a bit more dynamics than the 8000A.
miketw
14 posts
 
I have several Audiolab products, they are all fine pieces of equipment. The 8000S is a very good integrated, but be warned it runs hot!. Needs some air around it. It has a very neutral response, and is a very flexible amp in set up options, I am currently running it as control to front left/right in an HT set up.
jverona OP
8 posts
 
Thanks for the info. I know TagMclaren absorbed Audiolab, but I wasn't aware how close their products are to the Audiolab originals. As for the warmth issue, I'm considering a Njoe Tjoeb 4000 for a CD. Would the tubes in that player warm the Audiolab's sound?
infinitebaffle
51 posts
 
Audiolab amps have received universally poor reviews in the US audiophile press when compared to other British names such as Creek, Naim, Arcam, Musical Fidelity. I was Unimpressed when I listened to it. Do yourself a favor and ckeck out these other brands and also include NAD & Rotel. You will save much money and get a better amp if you buy used here on audiogon.
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