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The Audiolab 8000A integrated amplifier is a "Classic British" HiFi amp. Given 5* ratings from the HiFi press at the time of release and in 2018 What HiFi? Lauded it as "one of the best stereo amplifiers of What Hi-Fi?'s lifetime" saying "The sound was smooth with plenty of presence and detail. Add its fine build and features the 8000A was great value." I bought this amp to replace another "Classic British" Amp (the Music Fidelity A1) while I set about repairing the A1. The 8000A, however may be even better than the A1. It certainly has a better array of Inputs 1xPhono plus 5xLine (3 of which are record loops allowing me to record to my PC/Cassette Deck or MD Recorder without having to disconnect anything - fantastic flexibility) Add to that a Pre amp out, a Power Amp in and 2 sets of switchable speakers for ultimate convenience. But it is the sound that impresses most. Fantastic control throughout the entire frequency range. The bass is weighty, tight and controlled, the mid-range is transparent and clear and the trebles are clear and precise without ever being harsh. It give a truly energetic presentation of the music with a nicely extended dynamic range and frequency range. The soundstage is nice open with individual instruments nicely separated in 3 dimensions giving a great sense of depth and space. If you close your eyes the speakers disappear and you become enveloped in the music. And! Boy does it go loud. Even at quite extreme volumes there is no hint of strain, just more of the same control, precision and weight (only much, much louder!) The inclusion of a phono stage is important to me and having the choice of MM or MC cartridges is a bonus! It's a good sounding input too! Switching between the Phono and CD inputs showed a slightly more relaxed scene for the Phono compared to the same album on CD - though this is more likely down to sonic characteristics of the record versus the CD than the Amp itself! Considering that this amp is now into it's 30's (in terms of age) it really is a fantastic bit of kit, and great value for money, certainly at the e-bay prices! It's a testament to this amplifiers design that Audiolab themselves still make a modern day equivalent - the 3rd generation 8300A - which to be honest is probably going to sound even better! It does, however, cost more than four times the price paid on e-bay for to original! All in all this is a highly musical amplifier with a great range of inputs and outputs that has enhanced my listening pleasure and added flexibility to my HiFi. Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
After researching all the information about this amp I was looking forward to its arrival to test its ability. I quickly realised a lot of the reviews were right but also wrong. Firstly yes the amp is very detailed and neutral. The current is high with this amp so it drives my speakers so much better than my old 200 watt Kenwood, it breathed new life into my music collection, I also was surprised how good my Michell Focus One / focus arm / AT150MLX combination sounded, also the base was so much deeper and controlled, my JPW P3's were producing sounds I haven't heard in thirty years! For me this was a huge "upgrade" to my system for little money, my only complaint is yes it does take time to warm up ( about 40 mins) but it's worth the wait.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Having become a sort of "vintage HiFi collector" ... or a "second hand but still working like new" HiFi collector via Ebay ... an Audiolab 8000A was on my wishlist ... A friend of mine had one from new and i always admired his system. I put "not good value" because as an Ebay purchase it does not represent any sort of "bargain". I've ended up paying almost the same amount ( over £300 including the postage) as the amp cost in 1983 ! However, it is a very clean "like new" example ... i can't see any marks on it, and it seems to work perfectly. To make it clear , i'm NOT complaining , it's exactly what i wanted.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
one of the best sub £300 amplifiers i have EVER heared! had one powered up and running my computer output for 7 years now and when it finally gives up the ghost i,ll get another NO QUESTION ceased making them now sadly but plenty of examples out there have a tendency for split or damaged rca sockets on the older models tho saying that mine works fine even WITH a damaged rca i just use another pair i,ll get all of them replaced one day lol .. i even use it in its pre amp setting with a quad 606 just got to sort out the dreaded on/off thump all in all a fantastic sounding amplifier much better than the mission cyrus in my opinion AND FOR AROUND 300 ONE IF NOT THEE BEST
Verified purchase: No
A very detailed amp.makes any type of music come to life with the right playing equipment. Paying 200 to 250. Is a steal for a good one. Seek and buy.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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