Audiolab
The 8000A and everything it made possible
History
Audiolab was founded in 1983 in Cambridge, England by two electronics graduates, Philip Swift and Derek Scotland. The company's mission was to produce high-quality audio components that offered exceptional performance at realistic prices.
Their first product, the 8000A integrated amplifier, released in 1983, became an instant classic. With its dark gunmetal grey finish, robust sheet steel construction, and orthodox Class A line amplifier design with separate power supplies for each channel, the 8000A set new standards for affordable high-end amplification.
The 8000A was "one of the original barometers in the 1980s British hi-fi press and test circuit" according to What Hi-Fi?, and it remains highly respected today, frequently appearing in "Best of" lists worldwide.
The company expanded into CD players with the 8000CD, which became another benchmark product. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Audiolab maintained a reputation for no-nonsense engineering and neutral, accurate sound.
After various ownership changes, Audiolab is now part of the International Audio Group and continues to produce well-regarded amplifiers, DACs, and streaming products.
Key Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1983, Cambridge, England |
| Founders | Philip Swift & Derek Scotland |
| Philosophy | Engineering integrity, honest performance |
| Key Innovation | Class A line stage in affordable amp |
| Famous Product | 8000A integrated amplifier |
| Current Status | Active, owned by IAG |
Legendary Products
Audiolab 8000A (1983-1990s)
The 8000A was Audiolab's debut product and remains their most famous. With 60WPC, separate power transformers for each channel, and a Class A line amplifier, it delivered neutral, accurate sound with exceptional build quality. It went through three main revisions (mk1, mk2, mk3) during its long production run.
Audiolab 8000CD (1980s)
One of the first British high-end CD players, the 8000CD established Audiolab's reputation in digital audio. Its neutral, detailed sound became a reference for the era.
Audiolab 8000 Series
The 8000 range expanded to include the 8000P power amplifier, 8000C control amplifier (preamp), 8000M mono power amps, 8000T tuner, and 8000DAC, allowing users to build complete Audiolab systems.
Classic Models Reference
| Model | Year | Type | Power | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8000A mk1 | 1983 | Integrated Amp | 60WPC | Original design |
| 8000A mk2 | 1980s | Integrated Amp | 60WPC | Revised phono stage |
| 8000A mk3 | 1990s | Integrated Amp | 60WPC | Final revision |
| 8000P | 1980s | Power Amp | 100WPC | Stereo power amp |
| 8000M | 1980s | Power Amp | 100WPC | Mono power amp |
| 8000C | 1980s | Pre-amp | N/A | Control amplifier |
| 8000Q | 1990s | Pre-amp | N/A | Quattro preamp |
| 8000CD | 1980s | CD Player | N/A | Benchmark CD player |
| 8000T | 1980s | Tuner | N/A | FM/AM tuner |
| 8000DAC | 1990s | DAC | N/A | Digital converter |
Sound Signature
Audiolab amplifiers are known for:
- Neutral, accurate sound - Little coloration
- Clean, extended treble - Detailed but not harsh
- Tight bass control - Good damping factor
- Wide soundstage - Excellent imaging
- Transparency - Reveals source quality
Collecting Audiolab
Vintage Audiolab gear is popular because:
- 8000A classic status - Highly sought after
- Build quality - Over-engineered construction
- Serviceability - Well-documented designs
- Upgrade potential - Many improvement mods documented
- Value - Good performance per dollar
Restoration Tips
Common Audiolab service items:
- Replace electrolytic capacitors (especially power supply)
- Check thermal compound on output devices
- Clean input selector switches
- Verify DC offset and bias
- Clean volume potentiometer
All Models in Archive (4)
| 8000A | 1983-1990 |
| 8000C | 1985-1990 |
| 8000P | 1985-1990 |
| 8000T | 1987-1990 |
Amplifiers, CD Players
Amplifiers
Cd Players
Dac
Preamps
- 8000C - 1985-1990
Tuners
- 8000T - 1987-1990