It’s a long standing dream in the pursuit of real hi-fi: the separation of a system into it’s basic components. Every unit serving a singular function, resulting in minimal interference from power sources – and the highest fidelity you can manage.
However, actually compiling an entire separates system can be a little daunting, especially if you consider how many variables (makes, models and brands) that can attribute to the overall effect. Having several different units that were designed and built without any of the others in mind – simply to function as a separate entity – may result in some confusion. Miscommunication and the units simply not complimenting each other, even if the brand is the same. But what if we were to tell you, there’s a way of creating an entire high-end separates system that is designed completely to work in conjunction with one another? There is such a way. And that way, is via the acclaimed Audio Lab 8200 series.
The Audiolab 8200 range was the replacement to the Audiolab 8000 range and many of the models within it have won recognition for being the best in their class. The 8200 is one of our favourite ranges for building a high quality hi-fi separates system and offers several options for every budget along with several upgrade paths, all of which we’ll explore below. Yes, it’s going to be a long one – but we promise it will be worth your while. And we’ll keep it as quick and simple as possible too.
So, without further ado, here is one of our favourite ways to welcome a separates system into your life. And that way, is the series 8200 way.
1. The Amplfication
There are a number of ways of looking at this, so lets break it down into the main options:
BASIC
The 8200A Integrated Amplifier (perfectly suited to the fantastic KEF LS50 Speakers 50th Anniversary speakers, as pictured) the successor to the original Audiolab 8000A and Audiolab 8000S amplifier models. With 60W of power (into 8 ohms) and 6 standard inputs, the 8200A is a solid hi-fi amplifier and a good start to a proper separates system.
8200A Integrated Amp + KEF LS50 Speakers
UPGRADE PATHS
A] Add 8200P: You can upgrade the 8200A by adding a separate matching power amplifier (by using the “pre out” outputs on the back, you will bypass the 8200A’s power section and effectively use it as a pre amplifier). This gives 100W (into 8 ohms) per speaker over the 8200A’s standard 60W (into 8 ohms) per channel. This extra surge in power, achieved by the combination of the 8200A and the 8200P means this set up would be nicely suited to the ATC SCM11 Speakers, as pictured.
8200A Integrated Amp + 8200P Power Amp + ATC SCM11 Speakers
B] Add 8200M x2. If Path A doesn’t quite cut it, you can replace it with two 8200M power amps. A dedicated mono power amplifier for each speaker with a more substantial 125W (into 8 ohms) per speaker. For the 8200A + 2x 8200M combination, we can recommend the ProAc Studio 148 Speakers.
8200A Integrated Amp + 8200m x 2 Power Amps + ProAc Studio 148 Speakers
C] Add 2 x 8200MB: For the highest upgrade for the 8200A itself, you can add 2 x 8200MB power amplifiers for a substantial 250W (into 8 ohms) per channel. For such powerful amplification achieved by 8200A + 8200MB x 2 you need powerful speakers. And there aren’t many better suited than the stunning Focal Aria 936 floorstanders.
8200A Integrated Amp + 8200MB X2 Power Amps + Focal Aria 936 Speakers
So, why is it worth upgrading? There several reasons. The additional power output these upgrades give allow you to use more power hungry speakers – which means more depth and volume – but they also provide even greater dynamic headroom for your speakers. Big shifts in the music – shifts in heaviness, for instance – sound better, owed to the higher power on tap. Upgrading to separate power amplifiers also improves sound by virtue of circuitry and dedicated power supplies on each model, rather than them needing to share resources.
… One more note for amplification (told you it was a long one!) If you’re starting from scratch and want to go for the pre/power combo straight away rather than adding power amps to the 8200A integrated later, you can go for a pre amplifier straight away – either the 8200Q or the 8200CDQ (a CD player with pre amplifier – more on this model a little later on…).
With any of the amplifier options above, you only need to add speakers and a music source to enjoy hi-fi separates quality sound. And remember, good amplification is wasted without decent speakers to match. The above are fantastic starting points, but there are plenty of other options.
2. The DAC
A decent DAC is key to unlocking the potential from your digital music. For those unfamiliar, a DAC is a little box – either inbuilt into another unit or a separate, in this case a separate) which converts a digital audio signal, such as that from a CD player, television or computer, into an analogue one for connection to a standard amplifier. And the 8200A series has it’s very own answer.
BASIC
The M-DAC is the What Hi-Fi Awards 2014 winner of ‘Best DAC £500-£700’, and that’s just one of the many awards it has received. It is one of the most successful and popular DACs ever made and is our best selling DAC ever! If you prefer streaming sources, the M-DAC is the only source you’ll ever need – just add an amplifier and speakers! Perfect for use with a computer source via USB and for streaming from Spotify, iTunes, LastFM. It features additional coaxial and optical inputs, useful for listening to CD collections via your CD player’s digital output or even upgrading sound from a Sky Box or gaming console. Not bad for a little box!
8200A Integrated Amp + M-DAC + KEF LS50 Speakers
UPGRADE PATHS
A] You can combine the M-DAC with the M-PWR – a matching power amplifier – and use the M-DAC as a pre amplifier, a completely different alternative to the amplifier options we mentioned before. This is ideal for a much smaller desktop sized system. We’ve found the M-DAC with M-PWR combo sounds excellent with Dali Mentor Menuet speakers.
8200A Integrated Amp + M-DAC + M-PWR Power Amp + Dali Mentor Menuet Speakers
B] The highest DAC in the range is the 8200DQ, which is a full-size matching option for an Audiolab system, combining a higher quality DAC with pre amplifier and allowing direct connection to one of the power amplifier options above.
8200A Integrated Amp + 8200DQ DAC + Dali Mentor Menuet Speakers
3. The CD Player
The sales of digital music has outstripped physical music sales in recent years and we’ve seen digital streamers and DACs soar in popularity while CD players sales have slowly reduced. However, for those of you that still enjoy playing your CDs, a dedicated CD player still has a place in a hi-fi separates system, much like a turntable does for those who like their vinyl. And yes, the 8200A series has a CD player too.
BASIC
The 8200CD is one of the most popular CD players we’ve ever sold and like the M-DAC, has received numerous awards and accolades for its performance. The major benefit of this model over other CD players is that you can use it as a DAC for your digital sources as well. While its more expensive than buying a separate M-DAC, you’re getting the best of both worlds with CD replay and DAC in one. Digital inputs include USB, coaxial and optical, so when you’re not listening to CDs, you can take advantage of the USB input and play analogue quality music from your computer.
8200A Integrated Amp + 8200CD CD Player + KEF LS50 Speakers
UPGRADE PATHS
The 8200CDQ is the alternative to the 8200CD, which includes all of the same features, but adds a pre amplifier, giving you yet another system option. Essentially, if you want CD replay and you’re starting a system from scratch, you can use the 8200CDQ directly with a power amplifier (such as the 8200P, as mentioned above) and speakers.
8200A Integrated Amp + 8200CDQ CD Player/Pre Amp + KEF LS50 Speakers
4. The Tuner
… Really? Yes, really. There is still space for a traditional hi-fi tuner, despite the internet radio options available, While units that incorporate internet radio (such as Linn’s DSM range) are highly popular, many of our customers have shown us there is still demand for a dedicated hi-fi tuner that offers both DAB and FM reception.
BASIC
The 8200T is an award winning tuner and perfect choice for an all matching Audiolab hi-fi system. The ideal solution for customers whose core stations are Classic FM, Radio 2 and the like.
8200A Integrated Amp + 8200T Tuner + KEF LS50 Speakers
5. The AV Processor
… Really? Once again, yes. Really. Yeah, it’s not technically hi-fi, but we couldn’t help but mention the AV Processor in the 8200A series.
BASIC
The 8200AP AV processor and the matching 8200X7 multi channel power amplifier are still very popular options for a highly powerful home cinema system. We’ve had many customers add the 8200AP – as mentioned many times above – to all sorts of systems, but we still have a soft spot for putting it with the matching 8200X7, a combination that sounds fantastic with music as well.
8200AP AV Processor + 8200X7 Multi-channel Power Amp + KEF LS50 Speakers
Congratulations, you made it to the end. And hopefully you are now a little bit more enlightened as to the process of separating a system, and the options available to you. Whatever level of system you’re looking to put together, we hope this summary – yes, that was the summarised version – of the Audiolab 8200A range has been helpful we’re available to offer advice on system and speaker matching and answer any further questions, just give us a shout!
Don’t forget, we now – as of November 2014 – offer 0% finance on orders over £500 and can work with you to apply for a 0% finance package that suits your requirements. Money shouldn’t be an issue, not when it comes to something as important as high fidelity. And separating your system means you’re one (large) step closer to exactly that.