Audiolab 8000S Amplifier
The first amplifier with such a number and Audiolab logo was released almost thirty years ago, but with the index "A". At that time the company was British and now it belongs to the Chinese concern IAG, which also includes such famous brands as Quad, Mission and Wharfedale. The new owners did not change the sound concept of the amplifier, but only brought its functionality in the line with modern requirements.
The amplifier is assembled in a flat body (the height is only 74 mm), which can be either silvery or black. In addition to the volume control, there are three switches on the front panel. One of them selects the required input and there are only six ones, including two control TAPE1 and TAPE2. The source for recording is set by the second switch, and the third one, Mode, is the most interesting. With its help 8000S is converted either into a preamplifier, or into a power amplifier, or combined into an integral one. In this case, there is no need to rearrange any jumpers - the transformation is carried out via a relay inside the case. It allows you to include in the gap of the path the equalizer or sound processor, as well as combine several amplifiers to increase the power.
The red LEDs behind the narrow long window show the activation of the amplifier and the activation of the Mute mode. The volume and input switch are motorized, but as for Record and Mode switches you have to operate them manually. The remote is a bit old-fashioned, but comfortable - wide, with large oblong buttons.
The output power is 60 watts per 8 ohms, so the speakers should be selected with a sensitivity of at least 90 dB.
Listening. When communicating with the amplifier the first thing you pay attention to is the good build quality. Rotary switches operate gently and clearly and, at the same time, you hear how the relay clicks inside. When the power is turned on, the speakers are connected with a delay. Rough adjustment of volume from the remote control a bit upset: there are only two button presses from zero to normal home level.
But all of this is only small things in comparison with the main thing, i.e. sound. Audiolab 8000S perfectly holds the impact and accurately transmits the rhythmic structure even at a very fast pace. In the phonogram of AC/DC bass guitar and kick are clearly separated, and even when a powerful guitar solo is laid on the rhythm section the intelligibility does not deteriorate. This is also a rare quality for an amplifier of higher class. But the overall musical balance seemed to be a bit gloomy, shifted down. And this is strange, because the measurements showed an absolutely smooth frequency response of the path. The situation can be partly corrected by replacing the inter-unit cables, in particular, with silver or silver-plated copper.
In chamber genres the Audiolab 8000S amplifier correctly arranges space, but air is not enough, the atmosphere is as if dried. With a decrease in volume, the tonal balance changes insignificantly, the scene does not shrink, but as if goes away and gradually dissolves.
