Re: Audiolab - discussion thread

[mohel]

hi bro Mugenfoo !

which part of Seremban or street this Maxx-AV shop located ?

thanx

[AlanL]

Hi mohel,
here's the address
66G, Jalan Toman 4, Kemayan Square, 70200 Seremban, N.S.D.K.

http://htkaki.com
http://maxx-ht.blogspot.com/

[mohel]

thanx bro AlanL

[khlim_77]

any one of here ever try to connect a pre tube amp to audiolab 8000A , i wish to know can i connect the pre tube amp to the SS amp , will it burn the whole system ?

[Apole]

hi...i'm newbie. any "sifus" here have audition 8200cd or 8200cdq?.

[cmboy]

It should be interesting IF its exhibited at the next KLAV show, IF its distributed here. As usual, its not going to be like dirt cheap, and people will still look for the more affordable used units.

[Apole]

cmboy..
i've quote the price for Audiolab 8200cd and 8200cdq at Par Audio, Singapore.
8200cd is SGD1,200 and for 8200cdq is SGD1,500. As 8200cd is CD player Product of the Year, Awards 2010, are SGD1,200 is still VALUE for money??

[chang]

Apole,
I have audition 8200CD + 8200A at Acoustic System at Amcorp mall. Sounds good to me.

[Apole]

Apole,
I have audition 8200CD + 8200A at Acoustic System at Amcorp mall. Sounds good to me.

chang...
how about the price?.
maybe end of this month, i'll visit Amcorp Mall for audition too..

[chang]

I understand that 8200CD is selling like hot cakes! Quoted RM3600. Please call Mr Lim 012-33933738 b4 u visit to confirm 8200CD still available.

Do u have a good preamp? If not I reccommend 8200CDQ.

[chang]

Sorry, Lim 012-3393738 correct no.

[samn]

TQVM chang. Didn't know Acoustic System is selling Audiolab stuff? Are they Malaysia distributor or reseller? Any idea on 8200CDQ quoted price?

[samn]

any one of here ever try to connect a pre tube amp to audiolab 8000A , i wish to know can i connect the pre tube amp to the SS amp , will it burn the whole system ?

If you read previous posts, there have been few suggestions/examples made by forumers to match it with tube/hybrid pre/power amps. 8000A can be safely connected to any power amp irregardless tube/hybrid/SS. The concern here is whether the tube can match sonically with your amp. However, you should see behind your amp, there's pre-out and power-in, those are for connecting to pre/power amp. If yours with jumpers, please remove them carefully and plug in with power DISCONNECTED, afraid your speakers might get burn if you do it with power on...

[Apole]

I understand that 8200CD is selling like hot cakes! Quoted RM3600. Please call Mr Lim 012-33933738 b4 u visit to confirm 8200CD still available.

Do u have a good preamp? If not I reccommend 8200CDQ.

i oledi have 8000C so mybe no need for CDQ... and the price for CDQ MAYBE around RM4.2k to RM4.5k, still expensive and out of my budget maa . Neway tq for the great info.

[samn]

Apole,
I have audition 8200CD + 8200A at Acoustic System at Amcorp mall. Sounds good to me.

chang...
how about the price?.
maybe end of this month, i'll visit Amcorp Mall for audition too..

hi Mr chang,
please share with us your 2sens after the audition. takkan sounds good to you only, please elaborate more your experiences with the combo and perhaps you could add like how 8200A sound compare to 8000A/8000S or 8200CD and 8000CD. If you don't mind sharing. Thank you.

[chang]

samn,

CMS is the distributor. Its better you audition them yourself. I am no audiophile and do not own any audiolab equipments to compare. I use exposure and marantz now.

But i have listened to 8200CD + 8200A twice, first with MS Mezzo 2 and 2nd time MA Silver RX6. On both occasion i can enjoy the music being play. Thats why i said sounds good to me, good enough 4 me to take out my credit card!

Apole,

You can consider selling your 8000C. 8200CDQ is better than 8200CD + 8000C I think? CDQ has XLR out, can add 8200MB when upgrade bug bites. Smell like poison, so ignore me...

[1541]

Plinius SA 102 can ?

[samn]

samn,
But i have listened to 8200CD + 8200A twice, first with MS Mezzo 2 and 2nd time MA Silver RX6. On both occasion i can enjoy the music being play. Thats why i said sounds good to me, good enough 4 me to take out my credit card!

Between MS & MA, which one do you prefer in the audition? What speakers do you partner with your purchases? I don't have the liberty to go there as and when I like coz I live in Kedah. I hope you don't mind me asking. I just want to have an idea what sounds they are like. Thanks.

[samn]

Audiolab 8200CD - B Stock.
ParAudio Singapore is selling a B Stock of Audiolab 8200CD at SGD799 (MYR1,917) instead of SGD1,550 (MYR3,720). Is there such stock in Malaysia?
http://www.par-audio.com/parnewsltr.html

[1541]

Since when Audiolab CDP sudden becomes talk of the table?

[Apole]

Audiolab 8200CD - B Stock.
ParAudio Singapore is selling a B Stock of Audiolab 8200CD at SGD799 (MYR1,917) instead of SGD1,550 (MYR3,720). Is there such stock in Malaysia?
http://www.par-audio.com/parnewsltr.html

Mr Samn
If i'm not wrong, Par Audio didnt selling a B Stock of Audiolab 8200CD but selling 8000CD.


Cheers...!!!

[chang]

I was at Amcorp mall this afternoon n saw a pair of 8200MB monos freshly bake from china. Its not even run in. Listen to it 4 1 hour with CD + Q . Those interested can head to Amcorp.

[kern]

I have tried partner 8000S with 8000P. The result are disapointed. Power , bass & dynamic have increase but detail is loss. Midrange is not as good as 8000S when stand alone. Latter I sold my 8000S & replaced it with New P-3 tube preamp and result are very good. Everythings from highs to lows have improved and had that extra tube sweetness. My suggestion is to get a 8000Q + 8000P or 8000C + 8000P or forget about solid state, just switch to tube.

[samn]

Now, partnering 8000S + 2X8000M = Superb and Fantastic. Now trying to find another pair 8000M for biamping + considering to buy 8200CD or 8200CDQ. Haven't find the time to travel to AmCorp yet. Read 8200M is already available in UK. Don't know whether it would be wise idea to mix and match with 8000M.

[enzo520]

Wandering is there anyone know the different between 8000 & 8200 for below combination ?
Coz 8200 already launch for quite some times, so 8000 old stock is selling very cheap @ some of the place, even an used unit too.


8000Q + 8000M + 8000M
8200Q + 8200M + 8200M

**８０００Ｍ　／８２００Ｍ　Monoblock
**８０００Ｑ　／８２００Ｑ　Pre-Amp

[cmboy]

I have the very rare 8000MX monoblocks, but not willing to part with it for any price. Great sound but valves seemed more musical anytime. 8000Q is an exceptional preamp and partner but sometimes uninspiring. Perhaps better mated with a better make of valve preamp for a warmer and wholesome tonality.
Trouble with Audiolabs is its also easy to find many that have tiny physical dents or nicks on the anodised front panel extrusion, all due to some form of mishandling one time or other. Mine are all 110% mint, just proud to own these from long ago.
My 2 sen.

[viper]

[ is there Audiolab dealers in Malaysia?[/

Audiolab dealers in Malaysia is Acoustic Systems located @ AmcorpMall.

Kindly Contact CN Lim @ 012-339 3738.

[hi5papa]

amp pairing up with anbother amp, same brand is always way to go..use other brand may have mismatch issue..ofcourse you need to justify it with cost what is the sort of end result you want to achieve..

Is it your speakers are hard to drive or you want better control..alternatively it can be achieve with high sensitivities speakers or with a high damping amplifiers. No matter which combination you try ,results are different,in the end ..is it justifiable with cost and application?

[khlim_77]

hi all audiolab fan
thinking to upgrade my audiolab
i current hv only audiolab 8000 A
shld i go upgrade by adding 8000P or sell off audiolab 8000A then change to 8000Q + 8000M ?
but the second option look like double jump

[cmboy]

Go for Q & M is obvious jump. You also get remote control with the Q.

If there's $$, there's other choices for power amp, unless you insist its all from the same house brand. Audiolab amps don't have a warm tone and fussy with some speakers. I still retain my Q and opted for valve amp after playing with M's for some years.

[khlim_77]

My audiolab int Amp is up for sales now

[elhefe]

Is the new Audiolab DAC already available in Malaysia?

[cmboy]

Had a brief session with the Audiolab 8200CD couple of weeks back. Give me the shivers with its performance. Immediate swap with an vintage Technics CDP, Ah!..its certainly kinder to my ears.

I hope the MDAC fares better.

[mugenfoo]

Had a brief session with the Audiolab 8200CD couple of weeks back. Give me the shivers with its performance. Immediate swap with an vintage Technics CDP, Ah!..its certainly kinder to my ears.

I hope the MDAC fares better.

Do u mean that the 8200CD sounds bad ?

[fuego]

everyone got different taste, must listen and judge for yourself but I have a friend in Singapore went to Par Audio having his mind set on getting an Audiolab CDP ... ended up buying the Quad 99 instead. Will be going SG in Jan, hope I have time to go Sim Lim.

[cmboy]

Do u mean that the 8200CD sounds bad ?

I don't think its fair to anyone if I use the word "bad" to describe any product, unless its detrimental to one's health.

I'm just not agreeable with its performance, moreover distant with the 8000 series, but obviously the new models are entirely a new design and SQ. I have to give it a benefit of the doubt because I'm unsure its already run in, seasoned, dried, cured..whatever, only assume its out of the box , demo model with little hours on the clock. Sweet sounding and finesse was right at the bottom of my conclusion.

[khlim_77]

Hi
just share my 2 cents
i did do some audition on the audiolab 8200 cdp pair with 8200 int amp ,
to me it nothing special, mid and low is acceptable but not well on high, i just can't enjoy the music especially on the high range
one thing i find out is this cdp will selected on the media especially on the CDR disk , second is the button let me feel that is a bit china make quality
hope that this comment not spoil the audiolab fan mood

[flyfly]

its a fine player made to specifically meeting base on today demands.
NEW ERA sounding..may not please those old ears

[Fulat]

Naim CD player sounds more much realistic regardless of cost.

Running with same make along the stream,result has proven,its a convincing match.

[elhefe]

Why does Naim sounds more realistic than Audiolab?

[Fulat]

bcos the Audiolab just simply doesnt DELIVER to that PRAT level!

[samn]

Agreed Naim is more realistic and off course cost more also. Audiolab is more like value for money mid-end hifi. My advise, if you have more money, look elsewhere than Audiolab. Naim will be one of the fantastic choice. I have built up Audiolab all the way. I'm very happy with it. But recently, Mr Lim of Acoustic Systems, AmCorp Mall showcased to me the new slim Audiolab Monoblock 8200MB 250W, that one sounded different than the original Audiolab Monoblock 8000M 125W. He played with Audiolab 8200CD. I can hear plenty of differences. Why not you have a listen, see if you like it.

Now, been thinking, should i consider to spend on Naim or just upgrade to Audiolab 8200MB?

[khlim_77]

Samn, poison man
Just upgrade to 8200m & sell your 8000m to me in cheap cheap prices lah.
Notice that some 1 from sarawak selling 8000m but keep on changing ID
any problem on this seller ?

[samn]

khlim_77,
As much many people hated how Audiolab's sound, I just love it. So mine not for sale for now.

Btw, I did offer lower price to this sarawak guy due to age but he didn't take up my offer. I thought I want to biamp with my existing 8000M. Suddenly, now he lowered the price already. Just see how much longer he can keep. I don't think Audiolab is high demand equipments, so it should not be so expensive. Afterall, many people hate how it sounds. Just read many threads in here...you would understand what I mean.

[cmboy]

I used to luv my full Audiolab system (with CDM, DAC, Q, pair of M's and a P for driving passive sub) for quite a number of years till I finally settled on my custom tube mono's. I still retain the Q pre eversince.
One fine day I'm going to check the output bias and see if I can tweak it to optimum. I always harbor that some of these amps are factory under biased a lil to be safe. Having said that, I still luv my Q pre very very much, as it was recapped with Nichicon fine gold, the output opamp replaced to something better. I have the advantage of having the original and confidential factory service manual and schematics for these components. I don't think I'll ever change this pre for something else. Its a gem!

[samn]

I used to luv my full Audiolab system (with CDM, DAC, Q, pair of M's and a P for driving passive sub) for quite a number of years till I finally settled on my custom tube mono's. I still retain the Q pre eversince.
One fine day I'm going to check the output bias and see if I can tweak it to optimum. I always harbor that some of these amps are factory under biased a lil to be safe. Having said that, I still luv my Q pre very very much, as it was recapped with Nichicon fine gold, the output opamp replaced to something better. I have the advantage of having the original and confidential factory service manual and schematics for these components. I don't think I'll ever change this pre for something else. Its a gem!

May I know how old is your Q? I actually looking for a Q to replace my S. Was wondering whether there's any difference between your Q with the new 8200Q or the last 8000Q model?

[cmboy]

IMHO, The Q in terms of circuitry and architecture, far exceed the performance of the C, or S. It have the motorized Alps black beauty volume pot, if that speaks for a high quality component used inside.
When the Audiolab range was re introduced again after Tag Mclaren left off, and considering its assembled in China, but when I looked at the internals when it was soft laucnhed at KLAV show few years ago, it looked almost identical circuitwise, pcb layout and all, except for some component updates, I won't know if all these translate to any superior performance. Maybe some golden ears may tell, I won't know. As for the new 8200Q design, I don't know how it compares, perhaps its another circuit design.
For the past many years, I'm still enjoying what the Q have to offer and its a very very quiet preamp and almost bullet proof if used with loving care.
As hinted earlier, there is room for better film caps, soft recovery diodes and small electrolytic cap upgrade can be done, just stick with the same exact values and you're safe. Don't try to be clever crackpot to mod this and that so it can perform like a RM10k preamplifier. The Q is a very well engineered pre at its price point and using or upgrading better components makes it cleaner (even sterile) sounding and possibly a lower noise floor, nothing much more.
Earlier models used a lot of industry standard Evox film caps, and entry level Elna electrolytics . Tag Mclaren used a lot of premium Elna, Wima film caps in their models, improved, stregthened on the chassis inclusive of better damping, all for a higher retail price. It appears the recent Audiolab models didn't pay attention nor implement what Tag had done, perhaps all to keep the price low and competitive.
If there's ONE thing with some Audiolab separate components, its not obvious to everyone but they HAVE implemented some amplifier construction fundamentals thats rarely seen in other pre's, DAC or transport. For one, they take the trouble to shield some critical components and partition the transformer section all to make it quieter and lower the noise floor, like inside the DAC or CDM. This is rarely seen in other DAC which everything is in the open.
Things like these impress on me when I discover these are done nicely.
Tag Mclaren priced their models to cater to higher end market but unfortunately didn't work out and resulted as a business failure in the audio sector.
The old Audiolab CD players and transport used a lot of critical Philips components and this is now unfavourable since Philips spares are no more being manufactured or supported. If something serious were to happen those CDP's are technically dead meat. Another fear is the transformer integrity. Should it fail, you had it, as its all custom windings by Talema and no 3rd party equavalents are to be found. I have the CDM and looking to buy a new optical mechanism when I feel the mood to revive it.

[samn]

TQ cmboy for a refreshing knowledge. I'm not really an expert in these technicality of what's inside the amplifier. I really do appreciate the sharing.

[samn]

IMHO, The Q in terms of circuitry and architecture, far exceed the performance of the C, or S. It have the motorized Alps black beauty volume pot, if that speaks for a high quality component used inside.
When the Audiolab range was re introduced again after Tag Mclaren left off, and considering its assembled in China, but when I looked at the internals when it was soft laucnhed at KLAV show few years ago, it looked almost identical circuitwise, pcb layout and all, except for some component updates, I won't know if all these translate to any superior performance. Maybe some golden ears may tell, I won't know. As for the new 8200Q design, I don't know how it compares, perhaps its another circuit design.
For the past many years, I'm still enjoying what the Q have to offer and its a very very quiet preamp and almost bullet proof if used with loving care.
As hinted earlier, there is room for better film caps, soft recovery diodes and small electrolytic cap upgrade can be done, just stick with the same exact values and you're safe. Don't try to be clever crackpot to mod this and that so it can perform like a RM10k preamplifier. The Q is a very well engineered pre at its price point and using or upgrading better components makes it cleaner (even sterile) sounding and possibly a lower noise floor, nothing much more.
Earlier models used a lot of industry standard Evox film caps, and entry level Elna electrolytics . Tag Mclaren used a lot of premium Elna, Wima film caps in their models, improved, stregthened on the chassis inclusive of better damping, all for a higher retail price.  It appears the recent Audiolab models didn't pay attention nor implement what Tag had done, perhaps all to keep the price low and competitive.
If there's ONE thing with some Audiolab separate components, its not obvious to everyone but they HAVE implemented some amplifier construction fundamentals thats rarely seen in other pre's, DAC or transport. For one, they take the trouble to shield some critical components and partition the transformer section all to make it quieter and lower the noise floor, like inside the DAC or CDM. This is rarely seen in other DAC which everything is in the open.
Things like these impress on me when I discover these are done nicely.
Tag Mclaren priced their models to cater to higher end market but unfortunately didn't work out and resulted as a business failure in the audio sector.
The old Audiolab CD players and transport used a lot of critical Philips components and this is now unfavourable since Philips spares are no more being manufactured or supported. If something serious were to happen those CDP's are technically dead meat. Another fear is the transformer integrity. Should it fail, you had it, as its all custom windings by Talema and no 3rd party equavalents are to be found. I have the CDM and looking to buy a new optical mechanism when I feel the mood to revive it.

Finally, after 2 years of hunting, I found a very good condition used 8000Q to match with 8000M+8200CD all the way from Singapore.  
https://www.hifi4sale.net/t35455-fs-audiolab-8000q-preamp-with-remote-etc

Thanks to James46 for having business with me. Very good dealer.  
https://www.hifi4sale.net/spa/James46

Now what am I supposed to do with the 8000S?

[chkl026]

Finally, after 2 years of hunting, I found a very good condition used 8000Q to match with 8000M+8200CD all the way from Singapore.  
https://www.hifi4sale.net/t35455-fs-audiolab-8000q-preamp-with-remote-etc

Thanks to James46 for having business with me. Very good dealer.  
https://www.hifi4sale.net/spa/James46

Now what am I supposed to do with the 8000S?

Hi Samn,

I've just found this topic and very Interesting read about the Audiolab Experience,
congrats for the 8000Q unit.

I am current also running 8000Q + 8000M and driving DLS R55 floorstander.  Prior to 8000Q and 8000M, i actually owned 8000S and SX in biamp mode and the latter really wow, i sold the 8000S for 8000M few years back when i changing to floorstander.

Since you have the sufficient setup now, do u mind to you share with us how is the performance of using 8000S + 8000M (as biamp) vs 8000Q + 8000M (pre-power) configuration ?

Not sure whether is my listening taste, i personally find 8000Q + 8000M is refined but is a bit dull or not sufficient details. I am not sure whether it is due to pre-amp or should i retain the preamp and add another power amp to biamp with 8000M.

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