Audiolab 8200CD as a DAC with built-in drive

Audiolab was founded in 1983 by two enthusiasts, Philip Swift and Derek Scotland, who were disappointed by the high cost of modern Hi-Fi equipment and decided to make affordable, high-quality equipment. Their first product was the 8000A integrated amplifier.

In the first releases of the amplifier, there were no letters in the serial number. In the future, depending on the year of manufacture, you can find the letters A, B, D, E, F - then the era of the first coming of audiolab ends.

In 1998, audiolab was purchased by the TAG McLaren Audio group. Under the TAG roof, the equipment has lost the main principle of the English company’s philosophy - accessibility. TAG changed the name to TAG MacLaren Audio, raised prices and positioned this equipment as Hi-End.

As a result of the economic downturn in early 2000, TAG Mclaren closed its audio business and sold it to the Chinese IAG (International Audio Group) in 2003. IAG owns brands such as Quad, Mission, Wharfedale and Castle Acoustics. In 2005, Nick Clarke, Director of Research and Development, revived the legendary English brand and the 8000 series with minor changes. We refreshed the appearance and added silver to the decoration. Improved power supply. The power remains the same. This phenomenon was a balm for the soul of audiolab fans, since Nick Clarke worked for the audiolab company almost from the very beginning of its foundation, and is well acquainted with the original concept of the company.

These years we are already seeing the third regeneration of the Audilab line - the 8200 series

Integrated amplifier audiolab 8200A (RUB 37,400) 25,000

The type of input transistors has been changed. The inputs are switched through a relay. The input selector and volume knob are motorized. Review in English

CD player audiolab 8200CD (45900 RUR) 31500

or rather, it’s not just a player, but a DAC + CD, that is, you can use it as an external DAC. 5 digital inputs, including USB for connecting to a computer.

theme on the chest

user's restrictions (PDF)

Audiolab 8200CD

Manufacturer IAG Group Ltd.

Made in not specified

price, rub. 45900

www.audiolab-hifi.ru

The 8200CD CD player is based on an ultra-modern 32-bit ES9018 chip from the American manufacturer ESS Technology. The device's specifications are impressive: a dynamic range of 133 dB with a signal-to-noise ratio of more than 120 dB! The same crystal implements a sound processor with four digital filtering algorithms, which allows you to change the sound character to your liking. The analog section has a symmetrical configuration and is completely assembled using separate audiophile-grade components. Considerable attention is paid to the mechanical chassis of the player. The powerful body is made of thick metal sheets, tightened with an internal partition for additional rigidity.

The device is richly equipped with communication interfaces. As output terminals, you can use both traditional RCA and symmetrical XLR, which the manufacturer considers more preferable. In addition to coaxial and optical outputs, the player also has a pair of digital input jacks - you can use it as an external converter. The USB Type B port allows you to connect the player directly to your computer as an external audio device. And with the release of new firmware, you can thus easily update the system software of the device.

During the comparative listening, it was decided to install the Optimal Transien digital filter. However, it is worth noting that regardless of the selected preset, the sound basis of playback from Audiolab remains unchanged - maximum neutrality and accuracy reign in the sound, without any emphasis on a certain part of the range. The enviable capabilities of the latest 32-bit DAC are realized in simply phenomenal sound resolution across the entire spectrum. In seemingly thoroughly familiar records, new details are revealed, usually ignored by other sources. The sound is most impressive when connected via XLR. In this case, perhaps due to the higher signal-to-noise ratio, better macrodynamics and more elegant development of mid- and high-frequency transitions are felt. The device creates a very precise and orderly sound space, foreground images are strictly defined, localization does not deteriorate even at the edges of the base. The depth of the sound stage also has sufficient length (depending on the quality of the phonogram). The player performed brilliantly as a sound card. His performance is especially impressive with high-resolution recordings made in 24/96 format.

Audiolab 8200CD

• Playable formats (CD drive) CD, CD-R, CD-RW
• USB Type B
• CD-Text Yes
• Display off Yes
• Digital input Opt./Coax. x 2
• Digital output Opt./Coax.
• Headphone Out No
• DAC chip ES9018
• SOI, % <0.0025 (RCA)
• Signal-to-noise ratio, dB N.a.
• Channel separation, dB >120
• Dynamic range, dB >98 (RCA)
• Output signal level, V 2.05 (RCA)
• Power consumption, W N.a.
• Dimensions, mm 440 x 80 x 300
• Weight, kg N.d.

PLEASED

Excellent sound with the ability to fine-tune the playback character, impressive performance as an external sound card.

DISAPPOINTED

Lack of 24/192 signal support via USB.

OUR ADVICE

If you have not yet decided to completely abandon CDs, then this player will be an excellent option for a gradual transition to audio files.

CD players with USB 39990 - 57280 rub.

• Atoll CD30 RUR 46,259
• Audiolab 8200CD RUB 45,900
• Denon DCD-1510AE RUR 39,990
• Marantz SA-KI PEARL LITE RUR 57,280
• Primare CD22 RUR 54,259

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Tags: Audiolab Grand Prix

CD player and preamplifier audiolab 8200CDQ (RUB 63,250) 34,000

built on the same chassis as the player, but in addition it has 3 analog inputs with the ability to control the volume in analog mode. The question remains whether it can adjust the volume from digital sources and from CDs. The pred can operate in both digital and analogue modes. And just like in a CD, there is also a DAC.

DAC M-DAC (RUB 39,100) 26,000

DACs from audiolab have one advantage over other DACs - these are 7 digital filters, each of which has its own sound.

Doctorhead topic

instructions in Russian

review on hifinews.ru

Specification

a new DAC from audiolab is expected

Audiolab Q-DAC

The entire 8200 line is also available in black.

Large showrooms and audio equipment sellers seem to have an agreement on pricing policy; their prices are the same up to a ruble. But if you search, you can find the same new equipment with a guarantee for 30-40%

brochure for the modern 8200 series (PDF)

Audiolab 8200DQ - Stereo

The new product from Audiolab combines the functions of a preamplifier with a DAC and is intended to become the basis for a new generation audio system. The strict design of the device is made in a classic manner and fits perfectly with any units from Audiolab and most other manufacturers of home electronics.

ADVANTAGES

* Headphone amplifier * Wide range of settings * Good sound

DISADVANTAGES
*
No inputs on the front panel
*
High price

SPECIFICATIONS

•
32-bit

ESS Sabre32 9018
processor • USB 1.0 24-bit/96 kHz audio transmission without drivers
+
• USB 2.0 24-bit/192 kHz audio transmission
+
• Asynchronous USB transmission with minimal jitter
+
• Digital filter set
+
• Balanced audio outputs XLR and regular RCA
+
• Digital input
2xS/PDIF
• Input signal frequency
32, 44.1, 49, 88.2, 96, 176.4,192 kHz
• Dimensions
445x74x335 mm
61,000 R*

If a digital source needs to be connected to a finished audio system via a separate DAC, then by assembling the kit from scratch, you can save some space and money by choosing a converter in combination with a preamplifier. The new product from the well-known British Audiolab is just such a hybrid.

Externally, the device is made in a traditional manner and at first glance is no different from preamplifiers or integrated amplifiers of the Hi-Pi class. The differences are obvious only on the rear panel, where there is one USB port and two sets of optical and coaxial S/PDIR. For analog sources, there are three unbalanced RCA stereo inputs. The outputs, in addition to the usual stereo pair, are also available in a balanced version. For control system integration, there are two 12V trigger outputs and a wired IR pass-through.

The highest class DAC gives the user complete freedom to calibrate all the most important signal processing parameters to their taste and color.

The role of the processor is played by the 32-bit ESS Sabre32 9018. The digital filter has five preset positions, each of which is optimal for a certain type of signal, as well as recording quality. Volume control is performed using both digital and analogue circuits. Digital is more modern, but lovers of everything analog have not yet disappeared. You can select the desired option from the menu. Those who prefer headphones will love the built-in Class A amplifier for them. The initial volume of each source is set separately with memory, there is a pass-through “home theater” mode, you can even turn off the preamplifier stage completely.

The remote control not only aesthetically matches the high position of the device in the table of ranks, but is also convenient in all respects.

Popular Apple devices are best connected via S/PDIF. To do this, you will need the so-called “Camera connection kit”; any of the docks with the output of the required format will do. For example, Onkyo ND-S1 or Wadia 171iTransport, descriptions of which are in this issue.

The remote control features a brushed aluminum finish and is also designed to control the Audiolab tuner. There are no problems with its use; everything is intuitive and ergonomic.

The sound quality with good headphones is excellent, the advantage compared to old digital-to-analog converters is beyond doubt. The device also performed excellently within the High-End test system, replacing a significantly more expensive preamplifier and DAC of a CD player in the path without any complaints execution. To realize all the advantages of the device, the stereo system must be selected from the best components.

[02] - The port selection is designed to accommodate the most extensive stereo systems. The balanced connection is optimal for sound quality, and a pair of triggers is designed to simplify the work with active acoustics.

*THE PRICE IS APPROXIMATE

Based on materials from the publication Stereo & Video Author Sergey Rakov