STATUS - AVAILABLE
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Description :
The Audiolab 8000CD features a topology dedicated to high-quality audio reproduction, with twin power supplies to separate digital and analogue stages of the player. Thanks to the audio-only transport, disc reading is fast and mechanical noise is very low, indeed barely audible under any circumstances, even with one's ear close to the machine. The front panel buttons are obviously a bit of a feature which some will hate: they move a long way against a moderately strong spring before finally operating with a last little click. It prevents accidental operation of the Audiolab 8000CD, but takes a little while getting used to. The back panel has two analogue outputs, both RCA, and a digital output via BNC interface. Inspection of the inside reveals solid mechanical construction. Transport is fully screened, surely it is intended to minimize interference coming from the motor. All the electronic circuits reside on a big PCB shaped like a 'straightened up' letter Z. Power supply is on the right hand side. The toroidal transformer of the Audiolab 8000CD is surprisingly big. Elna smoothing capacitors are used, two 6,800uF (35V) and one 10,000uF (16V). Power supply voltages are stabilized by several three-legged chips fitted with small radiators.

The Audiolab 8000CD has an impressive unfussed presentation. The bass will not necessarily please those who like bass to be really stomping, but it has firmness and extension that, on extended listening, proves probably more pleasant, and certainly more realistic, than low-frequency exaggeration. It also has an exceptionally tuneful quality that helps reproduce low-lying melodies with the same aplomb as percussion and sound effects, and with considerable grace too. Tonally, the midrange and treble seem very fine; the former not favoring one particular voice range or instrument, the latter sweet and free from the dreaded dryness and constriction that can weary the listener. Image width is both extended and specific. Depth, however, seems a little uncertain, the more so as textures thicken and more instruments are added. At the same time, instruments become less clearly differentiated and their individual lines less easy to follow. Throughout, the bass remained calm and unflappable, which is a welcomed result. Overall, the Audiolab 8000CD's success depends to some extent, on the music one plays through it.

Specifications :
Analogue
Connectors......................................2 pairs RCA phono
Output Level....................................2.4V RMS
Frequency Response.......................20Hz to 20kHz, +/- 0.5dB
Output Impedance............................100 ohms
Signal-to-Noise Ratio.......................Better than 100dBA
Channel Balance..............................Better than +/- 0.5dB at 1kHz
Channel Separation..........................Better than 100dB at 1kHz
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise......Less than 0.003%, 20Hz to 20kHz
                                                 ......>-90dB/2.4V at 1kHz
Digital
Digital-to-Analogue Converter.............24 bit 192kHz, 5th order Sigma Delta
Output Format.................................SPDIF
Connectors......................................75 ohms BNC, RCA phono, optical
Output Level....................................550mV p-p nominal, +/- 10%
Output Impedance............................75 ohms, +/- 5%
General
Operating Temperature Range...........10 to 40 degrees, ambient
Power Requirements........................Depending on region
                              ........................50 to 60 Hz 100V, 110 to 120V, 220 to 240V models
Power Consumption.........................Less than 25 watts
Dimensions(w x d x h)......................44.5 x 33.5 x 7.5 cm
Weight............................................6kg

Miscellaneous :
Matching.........................................Audiolab 8000Q Preamplifier
             .........................................Audiolab 8000P Power Amplifier
             .........................................Audiolab 8000S Integrated Amplifier
Remote...........................................Yes
Made In...........................................UK, England
Condition.........................................6/10

Product Information :
http://www.audiolab.co.uk/ (Manufacturer's Website)
http://www.mw-audio.de/assets/own/manual_audiolab_8000cd.pdf (Manual)
http://www.avrevolution.com.au/SiteMedia/w3svc1114/Uploads/Documents/Audiolab%20brochure%20lo-res.pdf (Brochure)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audiolab

Reviews :
http://www.techradar.com/reviews/audio-visual/hi-fi-and-audio/cd-players-and-recorders/audiolab-8000cd-94941/review
http://www.eng.hifi.pl/reviews/cd-audiolab-8000cd.php
http://www.audioreview.com/cat/digital-sources/cd-players/audiolab/8000cd/prd_116805_1586crx.aspx
http://www.audioenz.co.nz/acrobat/Reviews/A/audiolab_8000cd-8000s.pdf