Audiolab 8000A/8000P Amplifier
This pair of the British amplifiers was not quite "correct" two-block amplifier. And if in reality 8000P is a power amp, the "preamp" 8000A is a complete integrated amplifier which acts in this configuration as a preliminary one. And it copes with this task quite successfully as 8000A has the output of pre-amp for connection of internal power amplifier to it. Moreover, it also has its own power amp, so if desired 8000A can be used not only as an integrated amplifier (i.e. for its intended purpose), but also as a pre-amp or even a power amplifier at work with other amplifiers. Such versatility opens wide possibilities to the owners of this amp for the modernization of the system by purchasing more improved components for work with it. The combination of 8000A with an internal power amp - 8000P gives the possibility to connect your speaker systems by bi-amping method. Here it is such a universal model!
Structurally, both of these amps are a typical Audiolab and were made in typical for this company design. The "branded" control handles with oval rib in the middle and big oval buttons will unfailingly tell you that this is Audiolab. 8000A (hereinafter we will call it as pre-amp) has a full "gentleman's set" of service opportunities of a modern amplifier, including separate input selectors and record selector, except the remote control. A special ability of this amp, which we noted, is the availability of separate pin jacks for the connection of vinyl player with magnetic pickups of MM and MC type, and the selection of pickup's type is carried out by help of the button on the back side of the amplifier.
The same we can say about a slim and elegant power amplifier - 8000P: it was made by Audiolab. There is the same oval button and the same graphics of metallic body with typical for this company sizes. This amplifier is not remarkable from behind, except, maybe, two pairs of very qualitative screw terminals for speaker systems for each channel. In addition, there are Load pin jacks near the gilt input connectors.
Audiolab sounds surprisingly clear and airy. The scene is unusually voluminous and full of air. Middle and high frequencies are especially delightful and amaze by their clarity and extra high resolution of the finest music details. The sounds of brass wind instruments without slightest hints on any distortion. But we found fails here. The most notable of them was some tonal imbalance of sound with off-stream timbres: at the same time middle and mid-high frequencies dominated in the sound at a noticeable shortage of basses. Although turning-on of timbres corrects balance, but the amplifier's sound immediately becomes less charming. With disabled timbres the sound was very natural and melodious.
