Audiolab 8000A try out

[HackneyRF]

It's been a long while since I made any meaningful changes to my set up. However I have an Audiolab 8000A integrated on loan just now and I'm impressed. It seems to have a lot more balls that the Arcam Delta 60 I've been using since the dawn of time and a grip on my Kef Reference 103's that i have been missing I think. Listening to Genesis - Supper's Ready on Seconds Out for example, can sound a bit too subdued, but through the Audiolab it really comes forward and the powerful sections really are up front and with clarity. The TT is still my beloved Thorens TD160 with a Denon DL110 MC through a Firebottle Plus phonostage into the Kef's. I wanted to change the Arcam a long time ago but since renovating our house any funds to buy something decent have disappeared into a black hole. Could this Audiolab be the cheap short term answer I'm looking for?

Cheers

Loz

[AJSki2fly]

I remember this Amp in the day and they were pretty well thought of, these reviews hold that up, although the second one points out some things to consider.

http://www.audioreview.com/product/amplification/amplifiers/audiolab/8000a.html

http://www.highfidelityreview.com/audiolab-8000a-integrated-amplifier.html

If its been looked after and not too pricey £150-£250 depending on how good, there is is serviced one for £200 https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Audiolab-8000A-Grey-UK-made-Serviced/163639920111?epid=110918165&hash=item2619b305ef:g:bToAAOSwj~Vcq1kO

[Martyn Miles]

I have used an 8000A for years and it matches my Spendor BC1s perfectly. I can imagine it wouldn’t sound so good with bright/forward speakers.
It has just gone for a service ( it was built in ‘93 ) and the engineer showed me how well it’s built, with quality components.
He said very few modern amps. ( with Chinese components ) are as well built.

[Martyn Miles]

It’s back and the service has made subtle improvements without losing the 8000A’s basic character.
It is slightly smoother and detail is enhanced to some extent, but it’s still the Audiolab I know.
At a cost of £100, plus £10 for a socket replacement, it will see me out...

[HackneyRF]

Thanks for the comments. Sounds good. I might be able to get this one for a nice price too. :-)