Audiolab 8200 - review

[leonsound]

Hello,

I found this product quite amusing. I mean it really still has 2 tape loops, and you can control what you record separately from what you listen to.  In 1985 that was Nirvana, in 2011 it's a bit odd.
The amp itself looks a lot like their older 8000 series, which was perhaps made in a time when cassette & tape recorders were still very much required by any audiophile.
I had to check to make sure I'm not reading the April issue of AVSA.

Cheers
Leon

[ghostinthemachine]

Hello,

I found this product quite amusing. I mean it really still has 2 tape loops, and you can control what you record separately from what you listen to.  In 1985 that was Nirvana, in 2011 it's a bit odd.
The amp itself looks a lot like their older 8000 series, which was perhaps made in a time when cassette & tape recorders were still very much required by any audiophile.
I had to check to make sure I'm not reading the April issue of AVSA.

Cheers
Leon

I agree. I also find tape loops on modern amplifiers VERY ODD.

"Pull out the ol tape deck and make a mix tape for your 1980 Merc Benz"

[---------]

I also find tape loops on modern amplifiers VERY ODD.

+1

I have often wondered why the manufacturers of audio equipment do not adopt the same approach as automobile manufacturers. Sell a basic amplifier, for example, and provide a list of optional extras for the customer. One could then purchase an amp that suits your requirements and save money by eliminating unnecessary additions. My AV receiver (Marantz SR7005) has a phono stage, which I will never use. Are there any vinyl enthusiasts who think a phono stage in an AV receiver is a good idea?

[Eclaire]

+1

I have often wondered why the manufacturers of audio equipment do not adopt the same approach as automobile manufacturers.

Or Automobile radios have even adapted USB and I Pod sockets so why not on home amp.

Audiolab used to be Tag Maclaren Audio who used to be Audiolab.  Audio Lab  products look and feel the same as they did in the 90's.  Tag Maclaren was high end

[leonsound]

Hey my 2004 Audi A6 still had a (very good!) cassette player in the factory radio, and shuttle in the boot.

It does seem as if Audiolab discovered a lost warehouse full of their 90's products.

[kamikazi]

If I ain't broke don't fix it! Reminds me of how tape recorders are still popular in most aircraft today even though digital storage has long since taken over the rest of the world!

[CAD]

My AV receiver (Marantz SR7005) has a phono stage, which I will never use. Are there any vinyl enthusiasts who think a phono stage in an AV receiver is a good idea?

Have same receiver and agreed it is something I will never use.
Good question though.

[J.S.]

It is British, what did you expect? 

[KlyvQ]

I have often wondered why the manufacturers of audio equipment do not adopt the same approach as automobile manufacturers. Sell a basic amplifier, for example, and provide a list of optional extras for the customer. One could then purchase an amp that suits your requirements and save money by eliminating unnecessary additions.

I might be mistaken, but it seems Arcam has/had this feature.
A quick read through this article - paragraph 5/6 mentions this. http://www.stereophile.com/integratedamps/1298arcam/index.html

It would really be great though, especially if it will narrow down the cost of gadgetry that is not relevant.

However, as odd as it maybe - i visited a gentleman yesterday (Tom) who was kind to show me around his home studio, after i picked a few records from him - he records analog material, converts it to digital material - and he seems to be doing this for a living if i am not mistaken.

That AudioLab might do good for his work - i think....  

Have u guys heard the Audiolab? If u have, verdict?
Must say... it looks the part....................................... Jisliak.... Quaint it is.... if equipment was purchased on looks - this would make the shortlist for sure.

Klyv...  

[chipwelder]

Wouldn't it be nice, if that was digital passthrough? or you can use it to monitor what you are ripping from the lp at the same time.

[mahleu]

If I ain't broke don't fix it! Reminds me of how tape recorders are still popular in most aircraft today even though digital storage has long since taken over the rest of the world!

My Audiolab is broken

There's something to be said for simple design though. Some of the Audiolab things only have 2 knobs.