Audiolab’s first product was the 8000A. This hugely-successful integrated amplifier was launched in 1982 and was instrumental in establishing the brand as a major force in the market. That original design was a serious attempt to offer a sensibly-priced, fully-featured stereo amplifier that needed no excuses. It was beautifully made for the time, displaying a level of slickness that made most (British) rivals feel homemade.
The 8000A spec list was a match for any rival. We doubt there were many systems where that amplifier’s generous spread of inputs fell short. It belied the simplicity-first approach of most purist rivals by offering tone and balance controls alongside a headphone output, yet still remained in the conversation when it came to performance.
