STATUS - AVAILABLE
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Description :
The Audiolab 8000Q is a simple, high quality, remote control preamplifier with a wide range of inputs and output, and provides all of the functionality and control expected of audiophile preamplifiers without imparting any character of its own to the delicate audio signals. All signals are switched through signal relays and the volume control is a motorized potentiometer. The low impedance line amplifier is a miniature class A power amplifier with current mirror bias, which is also ideal for use with long interconnects to multiple power amplifiers. In the Audiolab 8000Q, there are 6 line inputs and 3 tape outputs. Gain is adjustable in 3dB steps from 0-15dB, to match a wide range of hifi systems with different power amplifier and speaker sensitivities. A direct coupled headphone output, and two sets of audio outputs make it a very versatile preamplifier. The mechanical design and printed circuit layout are optimized to keep all signal path as short as possible.

The Audiolab 8000Q controls low-level signals from sources, including allowing the user to select the record signal independently of the listen signal, without overlaying its own character on the sound, and leaving an uncoloured signal for power amplifiers to boost. Naturally, it looks after the selection of line inputs, such as CD, tape, tuner and so on and so forth. It also manages signal output to recording devices, which these days will probably involve something with a hard disc. But what sets the Audiolab 8000Q apart from the rest is the ability to adjust gain on the signal prior to its passage to the power amplifier. It tickles up the incoming signal via a high quality class A amplification circuit, which might be very useful if long interconnects are used in a bi-amp setup where the power amplifiers tend to sit very close to the speakers and relatively distant from source components. On the front panel, 'power mains' is to the far right, input selector adjacent, then the master volume farther left. The far-left gain trim can scale back the amplification factor to expand useful volume range. High-sensitivity speakers will benefit from reduced gain, low-output sources from higher gain. In use, the Audiolab 8000Q has a setting that opens the volume control a fair bit before things get really loud.

The Audiolab 8000Q preamplifier has a magnificently natural and open sound with superb resolution of detail and dynamics. Neutrality is hard to achieve, yet it is the secret of its enduring appeal. There is no special emphasis in the frequency band anywhere; it is very linear and transparent, specifically zero hardness. Another key attribute after tonal neutrality is first-class dimensionality. Even during stormy and dense passages, placement precision of instruments does not waver. The organization of the soundstage and instruments simply make it easier to listen into an orchestra. The excellence of both qualities -- tonal neutrality and brilliant depiction of recorded space is what defines the Audiolab 8000Q.

Specifications :
Inputs
Impedance......................................CD, Tuner, Aux, Video, Tape 1, Tape 2: 20k ohms
Gain...............................................Adjustable by 3dB steps, 0 to 15dB, corresponding to
Nominal Sensitivity..........................100mV, 140mV, 200mV, 283mV, 400mV, 562mV
Headphones....................................Gain adjustable 18dB to 33dB in 3dB steps
Signal-to-Noise Ratio........................IHF, rel. 0.5V output
                              ........................Any input, any gain setting: 97dB
                              ........................Headphones: 80dB
Frequency Response.......................10Hz to 20kHz, +/-0.2dB: 1Hz to 75kHz, -3dB
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise.....Less than 0.007% ref 7.7V RMS, 20Hz to 20kHz
Channel Balance.............................Within 1dB
Channel Separation..........................Better than 100dB at 1kHz any input, any setting
Preamp Output................................Max output: >7.7V RMS (20dBm)
                      ................................Output impedance: 75 ohms
Headphone Output...........................>7.7V RMS; 100 ohms
                           ...........................For headphones 8 ohms to 2k ohms impedance)
Record Output.................................Video Out, Tape 1 Out, Tape 2 Out: Gain 0dB (x1); 100 ohms
Muting............................................Attenuation: >63dB, controlled automatically
Operating Temperature Range...........10 to 35 degrees
Power Requirements........................Depending on region
                              ........................50 to 60 Hz 100V, 110 to 120 V and 220 to 240 V models
Maximum Power Consumption..........15VA
Dimensions(w x d x h)......................44.5 x 33.5 x 7.5 cm
Weight............................................6kg

Miscellaneous :
Matching.........................................Audiolab 8000CD Cd Player
             .........................................Audiolab 8000P Power Amplifier
             .........................................Audiolab 8000M Power Amplifier
Remote...........................................Yes
Made In...........................................UK, England
Condition.........................................6/10

Product Information :
http://www.audiolab.co.uk/ (Manufacturer's Website)
http://www.avrevolution.com.au/SiteMedia/w3svc1114/Uploads/Documents/8000Q_M_P.pdf (Manual)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audiolab

Reviews :
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/audiolab/8000.html
http://www.audioenz.co.nz/2007/audiolab_q-p.shtml
http://www.audioreview.com/cat/amplification/preamplifiers/audiolab/8000/prd_118180_1591crx.aspx
http://www.reevoo.com/p/audiolab-8000q-pre-amplifier