View Full Version : Help! Audiolab 8000S - lost a channel
Hi guys,
I've just discovered that I've lost the right channel on my trusty old Audiolab 8000S. At first, there was some sound, low in volume and distorted a bit, then no sound at all.
"Oh no!", I thought. "What's going on?"
I was going to switch the speakers around to rule them out but then I tried headphones first and I only have the left channel in those too. Also tried a different source and got the same result.
What could it be guys?
Cheers,
dantheman91
06-07-2016, 20:31
Hi Lee
Im not quite sure why you have had no replies with this...:scratch:.
First thing have you checked the fuses its probably not this but worth a try i would not use it as is i hope you have a back up to see you through...if distortion and low channel then it maybe something more serious im no expert in this field but i will try to help.
Hope you get it up and running...:)
Thanks dan.
Fuses. I'll check that.
I do have an 8000a in the attic which will stand in but I'd like to repair the S or replace it with something newer when funds allow.
Fuses don't degrade and suddenly die, they are either sound or dud (blown). If the R channel distorted and then died it suggests that a component has gone bad and then died. It could be a number of things, without doing some diagnostics it is impossible to say. If you are going to take the lid off it, have a look to see if there is anything obviously wrong, burnt components etc. If the h/phone out has also lost a channel it may be that the R channel output transistors have died and the h/phone circuit is a resistor network off the speaker output. It could be the power supply.
I checked my input path too; I have a caiman feeding the amp and the headphone output on that was fine. I guess that doesn't necessarily mean that the RCA outputs are fine though does it?
I've just plugged in my (even older) 8000A amp and that works fine, so that rules out the DAC input I guess.
I've just plugged in my (even older) 8000A amp and that works fine, so that rules out the DAC input I guess.
I'd recommend getting in touch with Kevin at http://www.theaudiocellar.co.uk/
He fixed my S with the very same problem, they tend to run rather hot and can burn out the PCB, when it eventually died he took it in for spares, as part exchange for some rebuilt Ms...:)
I'd recommend getting in touch with Kevin at http://www.theaudiocellar.co.uk/
He fixed my S with the very same problem, they tend to run rather hot and can burn out the PCB, when it eventually died he took it in for spares, as part exchange for some rebuilt Ms...:)
I'm in contact with him now.... what did it cost in the end if I may ask?
Edit: I leave mine on ALL the time. Is that not a good idea?
I'm wondering also what would be a suitable, equivalent amp to replace this with?
Considering the cost of repair may be up to £200, maybe I should consider putting that towards something newer, such as a Rega Brio-r?
walpurgis
07-07-2016, 10:46
Just buy this:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Denon-PMA-350SE-Stereo-Integrated-Amplifier-/272296165655?hash=item3f661dc117:g:VeQAAOSwkl5Xejj y
Save a lot of money and get an improvement in sound quality at the same time. I have some serious amps, but at modest cost these Denons are superb. I like them a lot. So do other members here.
Just buy this:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Denon-PMA-350SE-Stereo-Integrated-Amplifier-/272296165655?hash=item3f661dc117:g:VeQAAOSwkl5Xejj y
Save a lot of money and get an improvement in sound quality at the same time. I have some serious amps, but at modest cost these Denons are superb. I like them a lot. So do other members here.
Interesting! You think that'd be an improvement? I know Denon's are good but I thought this would've been below an 8000S back when it was new.
Edit: I was going to pm Alex_UK about his Brio but he seems to have disappeared.
walpurgis
07-07-2016, 11:15
Having used both, I would certainly have the Denon over an 8000S, even though the Audiolab would have been rather dearer. The one I linked to appears to come without the optional built in phono stage, but I see you have a Rega Phono Mini so no problem.
Clive197
07-07-2016, 11:49
The Audiolab 8000A & 8000S were (are)very special amps. I would suggest getting your 8000S repaired. When it comes back with a clean bill of health you will know that it will give better service than any other S/H amp at similar and higher cost because you will know it's provenance. Unless you intend buying a very much higher cost amp....and even then you may run into issues unless you buy new.
Arkless Electronics
07-07-2016, 12:47
I'm in contact with him now.... what did it cost in the end if I may ask?
Edit: I leave mine on ALL the time. Is that not a good idea?
Ah... VERY bad idea! Almost certainly dud electrolytics will be the problem. It will need a total re-cap.
Theadmans
07-07-2016, 17:39
I had an early 80s 8000A up to around 2004. I used to leave it switched on all the time too. Eventually one channel went bang in the middle of a hot summer! Took it in to an Electronics guy a work - but sadly no quick fix. I flogged it for repair on eBay for a decent price.
I then bought a second hand Creek 4330 for £120. Have to say I am still impressed by this little amp (Stereophile Best Amp under $500 in the late 90s). The Creek still gives good service but the on /off button has developed a fault ...so again I tend to leave it on - so probably go bang soon too!! :lol:
Leaving amps on is imo, not a good idea. Some very low draw stuff then fair enough, its maybe optional but amps, I wouldnt
Arkless Electronics
07-07-2016, 18:11
I can often tell an amp that's been left on all the time just by the smell! Leaking electrolytics don't smell good....
There's also the issue that if the caps are now leaking and a faulty one has caused the amp to fail altogether, then how long have you been listening to it with the caps totally fucked and the sound well below par?? It happens so gradually one can be shocked at how much better these amps sound with new caps in!
It has surprised me at times as to how some amps have kept going at all... I remember a Krell integrated amp I had to completely recap after it had been on 24/7 for a few years in which, surprisingly, the main smoothing caps actually measured in spec but all other electrolytics showed close to open circuit on my capacitor ESR meter :eek:
Q: would a power amp effectively replace the broken channel? For example an 8000P
TBH I don't have a clue what a pre or power amp do :scratch:
Well then, a dilemma. Do I get the 8000S repaired or go down the route of a new/2nd hand amp?
Repair: would cost around £120 plus carriage. Kevin at AudioCellar has been very helpful in his emails. if it cost £150 all in, this would obviously be the cheapest option.
Replacement: funds are tight, so my budget would be around £4-500 and I'd be happy with used equipment in good condition.
I've had the Audiolab for nigh on 2 decades and I haven't heard anything else in that time, so, a) I'm used to the sound of it (a touch more warmth would be nice) and b) I'm out of the loop as to what's good now and in comparison to it.
Perhaps Clive is right and the amp is well worth repairing; maybe I'd need to spend much more than £400 to equal or best it.
I would want remote control so the vintage Denon and such-like that Geoff suggested (thanks Geoff) are out of question.
I've been reading lots of good things about the Rega Brio R which seems to be universally lauded and is under £400 used. I know that Alex_UK replaced his 8000S for one but he seems to have left the forum now (?) so I can't get his input.
Other options??
For my £400 I'd be looking for a mint Sony ES integrated.
Remote control on many, power, build quality and great sound.
For my £400 I'd be looking for a mint Sony ES integrated.
Remote control on many, power, build quality and great sound.
Ok.
How about repairing the 8000S and adding a power amp? Would that produce better results than a replacement for the same price?
Well then, a dilemma. Do I get the 8000S repaired or go down the route of a new/2nd hand amp?
Other options??
Depends on whether you're satisfied with the 'Audiolab' sound. My previously owned 8000P (UK model) dropped a channel early last year, repair cost around £60 from local Audiolab agent / repairer. Mine had several dry joints and replacement components seen to, worked fine when I got it back but wasn't that enamoured with the dry sound, lovely piece of kit though.
As for other options, I would highly recommend anything by Exposure. I currently have the budget 1010 integrated and it's absolutely marvellous, got it almost half-price and mint from ebay, best amp I've owned, including the Brio R, hard to find used although you could get an older 2010/3010 model within a £500 budget. It's very basic which I like but makes glorious music, looking for a used Exp CDP now to match up and keep SWMBO happy from an aesthetic perspective.
Hi Lee,
Best amp I've heard in your budget is the Rega Brio-R, punches way above its weight and could get a minty one within your budget.
Been a few years since I heard the 8000S but my recollection of it was that it was quite "grey" sounding?
Dynamic enough but lacking that sense of life I enjoy in an amp, with different musicians playing off each other that kinda thing.
The Brio does that better than anythign else I've heard in its price range.
Me old mucker Brian has tried various amps in his system and he keeps coming back to the Rega, and this included a beefy Sony ES amp.
Brio-R Sounded superb with my Rega RS3's, lots of drive and grip which is what you want in an amp.
Your current speakers easy to drive?
No exaggeration in any frequency extreme...just gets on with playing the song, which I like.
More music that hifi.
Hi Lee,
Best amp I've heard in your budget is the Rega Brio-R, punches way above its weight and could get a minty one within your budget.
Been a few years since I heard the 8000S but my recollection of it was that it was quite "grey" sounding?
Dynamic enough but lacking that sense of life I enjoy in an amp, with different musicians playing off each other that kinda thing.
The Brio does that better than anythign else I've heard in its price range.
Me old mucker Brian has tried various amps in his system and he keeps coming back to the Rega, and this included a beefy Sony ES amp.
Brio-R Sounded superb with my Rega RS3's, lots of drive and grip which is what you want in an amp.
Your current speakers easy to drive?
No exaggeration in any frequency extreme...just gets on with playing the song, which I like.
More music that hifi.
Lee,
While I wholly agree with Gaz, IME the Exposure offers all this and a touch more and is my preference having owned both.
Nick
Cheers guys. My speakers are 86db but I'm told the brio will drive them no problem.
Gazjam,
I'm pretty keen on the Brio, but just reading up more about it there seems to be some doubt about it ability to drive 4 Ohm speakers. My Dyn's are 4 Ohm/86db.
Any thoughts?
Arkless Electronics
16-07-2016, 18:43
Gazjam,
I'm pretty keen on the Brio, but just reading up more about it there seems to be some doubt about it ability to drive 4 Ohm speakers. My Dyn's are 4 Ohm/86db.
Any thoughts?
It does indeed appear from the Stereophile measurements that it would not be ideal with your speakers. All down to cost cutting and trying to avoid user abuse related warranty claims probably....
Lee,
I've not heard your Dyn's with the Brio and I always prefer advising from personal experience...
BUT... :)
From what I've read the Brio-R will be fine running 4ohm speakers.
The Brio-R manual in fact states that "The output amplifier is capable of driving awkward loads as low as 1.7Ω, belowthis the amplifier is protected against shorted speakers and reactive loads."
So no problem with 4 ohm I'd think.
The amp may get a bit warmer as it has to work harder, but well within its operating parameters
http://www.rega.co.uk/uploads/brio-r-manual.pdf
In my estimation you'll be fine Lee.
Will sound awesome. :)
In fact, unless your blasting the amp 24/7 for weeks at a time, the manual states that
Gazjam,
I'm pretty keen on the Brio, but just reading up more about it there seems to be some doubt about it ability to drive 4 Ohm speakers. My Dyn's are 4 Ohm/86db.
Any thoughts?
I'd be surprised if it cant handle 4 ohm mid sensitive speakers. 86db is not that tough. Depends how big your room is and how loud you'd want it.
Arkless Electronics
17-07-2016, 14:56
There is no doubt that it will "handle" 4R loads but the Stereophile technical measurements do suggest that it is not at its best into 4R.
"Handles" down to 1.7 ohm Jez, I'd wager 4 ohm is well within its comfort zone?
*EDIT*
Is THIS the Stereophile measurement review?
http://www.stereophile.com/content/rega-brio-integrated-amplifier-measurements#j1xi0hbjikcEMl2m.
This is for the earlier Brio...not the Brio-R, which is a very different beastie altogether.
Arkless Electronics
17-07-2016, 15:10
"Handles" down to 1.7 ohm Jez, I'd wager 4 ohm is well within its comfort zone?
*EDIT*
Is THIS the Stereophile measurement review?
http://www.stereophile.com/content/rega-brio-integrated-amplifier-measurements#j1xi0hbjikcEMl2m.
This is for the earlier Brio...not the Brio-R, which is a very different beastie altogether.
Yes that was the measurements I was referring to and no I hadn't noticed it was for the non "r" model... whatever the difference is! Unless the difference is a new output stage than it's likely the same.
I won't go into technical arguments as to why many amps are far less suitable for 4R loads though.... other than to say there can be a chasm between the lowest impedance an amp can "handle" ie not blow up or activate protection circuitry, and the lowest into which it can maintain its optimum sound quality.
Its a completely new output stage Jez.
wee tee cee
17-07-2016, 15:23
Brian brought his Brio over to my place...it played very nicely with my statics. Encouraged me to get a SS amp back in my life. As Gary says the Brio is very musical and enjoyable to listen to.
Brian brought his Brio over to my place...it played very nicely with my statics. Encouraged me to get a SS amp back in my life. As Gary says the Brio is very musical and enjoyable to listen to.
Aye,
valves are pish! :)
wee tee cee
17-07-2016, 16:11
glowing bottles plumbed in down stream of a SS pre last night.....no complaints from this chap.
Hi guys, thanks for your input.
Really fancy the brio and I'm looking for one now on the usual internet selling places for a decent price.
Also on my shortlist is an Exposure 1010 or 2010s (used of course).
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