Just a little while ago, Audiolab announced a new series, designed exclusively to replace the universally acclaimed 8200 series (which still proves to be one of our most popular separates series to date). So far, that series is composed of the M-DAC+, an exceptional audiophile-grade DAC, the 8300A, an integrated amp (with an inbuilt phonostage) that has absolutely blown us away… and now we bring you something truly special.
So, what do we know so far? It’s a CD player based on the somewhat legendary 8200CD. That much is a given. It also functions as a high-end DAC and a pre-amp too, making it a replacement for both the 8200CD, and the 8200CDQ, From what we can gather, Audiolab’s intention is to take everything they learned upon creating the 8200 series (and sitting back and watching the feedback roll in) and are using what they have learned to both improve and simplify the next range. There will be less units than there were in the 8200 series, but what there is, will suffice. Quite adequately.
But what of the 8200CD itself? Here’s what the people behind it had to say…
“It is both an exceptional CD player and a top-class external DAC/digital preamp, able to make the most of your CD collection. While delivering an enormous sonic boost to external digital audio sources it now extends its resolution to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD compatibility via USB.” ~ Audiolab
It is built in such a way that it can be used as a standalone DA (ESS Sabre32 9018 chip), pre-amp or CD player, as well as all three of those things combined into one. There is even a USB slot for direct connection to a computer! It’s rigid and sturdy, yet offers a fine level of transparency and depth, promising an even greater quality of sound than its predecessor. And quite frankly, we were rather big fans of its predecessor.
Well, we’re excited. We haven’t had the chance to try it out ourselves yet, but the first shipment is due any day. If you’d like to jump the queue and give it a try yourself, then give us a shout! We’ll put your name right at the top of the list. Well, right under ours…