Audiolab 8200MB Amplifier
The monoblock develops a continuous power of 250 W at the load of 8 Ohm and this means that it can completely satisfy the demands of the most powerful models of home acoustics. Three pairs of 17-ampere transistors (2SC2922/2SA1216) are used in the output cascade, when two ones will be enough by all the standards. In the result 8200MB is able to give unprecedentedly high pulse current - 40 amperes - in the load. Consequently, the short-term output power is 400 W (4 Ohm) or 1600 W at the load of 1 Ohm! The opportunity to work at 1 Ohm is perceived with enthusiasm, because in home acoustics the local failures up to 2-3 Ohm are common. With such current potential we have the guarantee that a listener won't suffer from the loss of dynamics. The long-term power is limited by the possibilities of the power transformer (380W), so the manufacturer specifies it only at the load of 8 Ohm. By the way, mentioned above transistors are produced in the MT-200 cases; low thermal resistance of such cases allows you to save on the size of the radiator and reduce the construction weight up to 9 kg. It is not very much for the amplifier with such energy potential and says about the effectiveness of the technical solutions.
In home stereo system a pair of monoblocks is always more expensive than one two-channel amplifier - it the law of nature. What benefits do we receive? First, we get rid of mutual influence of the channels to each other; in fact, two monoblocks are interconnected only through the circuit 220 W. It's no accident that the most advanced systems are made exactly on the one-channel amp. Second, due to the fact that monoblocks are independent, their total output power equals to the sum of the capacities of each. Such dependence is realized rarely in two-channel amplifiers, in multi-channel - never. You have, maybe, noticed that often there is the inscription "7x100 W, one channel driven" in the output power specifications of 7.1-receivers. Why? Because if you set the signal on all channels at once, each of them will hardly have 20-30 W... So, the mentioned above refers to theatrical systems even in a greater degree: the most advanced home and real commercial cinemas are built on monoblocks.
The amplifier is available in black and silver versions; the size of the front panel is chosen in such a way that two power amps fit the brand pre-amp - 8200Q - or AV-processor - 8200AP. There is only power on indicator on the front panel; if armor activates, the indicator blinks. There is no power on button - it is the principal position of the developer. The function of "autostart" through input signal and the additional control from 12W trigger are used here. By the way, the sensitivity of power on automatics can be adjusted depending on the magnitude of the signal at the preamp output (the switch key on 3 positions on the back panel). Audiolab 8200MB is equipped with not only input but output that enables you to connect several amplifiers in "garland". The amp has both asymmetrical (RCA) and balanced inputs (XLR). The developers didn't put an additional switcher in the audio path (and rightly so), but in order not to gain too much noises while using asymmetrical input, XLR connector is short-circuited by jumper strap. The stabilization system of rest current is worth mentioning; it is the special pride of the developers. This system guarantees the lack of current failure in all thermal conditions and this means that rest current can be made lower, reducing consumption in the standby mode. Looking ahead we will note that during all test time the case temperature was a little different from the air temperature.
At the listening two monoblocks Audiolab 8200MB were connected to Magnat Quantum Signature (the flagship giants can receive up to 700W), so we were sure that a serious power of the amplifier would fit here. The track "Money" from immortal disc "Dark Side of the Moon" (Pink Floyd) is good for the test of bass potential. There the beats of snare drums go synchronically either with pull of bass-guitar string or without it. Starting with a certain volume level, the difference between "even" and "odd" beats of drums appears in almost every amplifier. This situation was not observed here: beat dynamics was clearly kept even in the presence of serious pressure at bottoms. The volume was not only concert but killing! Go further: we had recorded fireworks explodes on the one of the discs. Many amplifiers play them confidently, but the feeling that this is a record but not "life" stays. Speed Audiolab 8200MB revived impressions and even showed "stiction" of the microphone from a sharp attack of pressure in the sound wave. In General, macrodynamics is on the top! The scene depth is drawn out with confidence, without simplification of special details. The voices are mobile, tones are plastic and accurate without extra "beauties". Such strict control can create the feeling that emotions are quite restrained. To interpret this as a disadvantage or advantage of audio feed is a question for discussion. One thing is clear: Audiolab 8200MB has little competitors for such money. The reason of such situation is simple: previously invested in the development serious intellectual and financial resources were fully converted almost at all 300% in a new product - remember the difference in price?
And you say miracles do not happen.
