hello from Israel

[ml_c2]

hi there,

I found this forum while searching on the Audiolab 8000A that I've had for 17 years. Still working, but the connectors need replacing, as they are decidely dodgy.

I have a low end Pro-ject turntable that doesn's sound good but mostly listen through a cable-box that I guess is also low-fi. I'm particularly unimpressed with the radio channels so would be interested in moving to internet radio.

I replaced some Monitor Audio speakers about 5 years ago with some Anthony Gallo Referance 3.1. I've no complaints but wonder if they are wasted in my system... I bought it blind without listening

So was thinking of:
1. Getting a DAC but am not sure if the cable box is the real limitation. Maybe Audio-gd NFB 3.2
2. Get the connectors fixed on the Audiolab
3. Need some way to get internet radio.

I also wonder is the Rega Brio-r will be beter that the Audiolab. Price is about the same but 17 years is a long time.

Malcolm

[julesd68]

Hello and welcome Malcolm!

I bought an Audiolab as a "nostalgia trip" a couple of years back. I took the trouble of getting it serviced by an Audiolab specialist but found it to be desperately unsatisfying and uninvolving. I would strongly recommend you look at something else.

Can't help you with the Brio but it has its fans here.

[Batty]

Welcome ml c2.

The Audio GD DAC is great for the price (I have the NFB-2), but doesn't suit all systems.
I also found the Audiolab 8000A lacking when compared to my Cyrus 2 + PSX and a friend Claymore.

Internet radio is available in many ways, I use a squeezebox Touch, very simple with a good onboard DAC.

[ml_c2]

So not much love for the Audiolab...

There were a couple of ideas I thought about.

1. the Marantz NR1603 for surround/internet radio and playing music from Samsung phone. It has pre-out so can be connected to the Audiolab!

2. Naim UnitiLite. Wishful thinking here, but it looks really neat and would help get rid of a lot of clutter/wires (but never heard any Naim equipment).

3. Squeezebox Touch, but they are no longer available as new.

Steve, what do you mean by the Audio-gd not suiting all systems?

Malcolm

[Alex_UK]

Hi Malcolm, welcome to AoS from me too. No experience of the 8000A so can't help there (but I love my 8000S which was my main amp for 15 years and now lives on in a second system.) That said, it was ousted from my main system by a Rega Brio-R... ;)

Hope you enjoy the forum. :)

[Batty]

As with all components it is best to try before buying, I love the NFB-2 in my system but a friend tried it in his and it didn't sound so good as a Sabre based DAC he was using.

[MartinT]

Hello Malcolm and welcome to AoS. I'm afraid I too found the 8000A somewhat uninvolving. The Rega would probably perk your system up nicely and make those AG speakers work a bit harder for you.

[ml_c2]

Hi,

I was searching last night and found that the Brio-R is almost universally praised, and the most usual complaints are about humming and buzzing. The most verocious of these is http://www.vinylengine.com/turntable_forum/viewtopic.php?f=85&t=53138

So I'm wondering if any change was made to ameliorate the reported problems, or it's just lucky dip... ?

Interesting that those who like it often compare to Naim at far higher prices.