I believe the 8000S is by far the best amplifier under the A$3000 price bracket. It is a highly analytical amplifier that is able to reproduce the emotion of the original music. If you're after a clean, detailed no-nonsense amplifier, then you can't do better than the 8000S. And ignore the fact that it is British made - the quality of finish is up there with its Japanese counterparts.

The Audiolab 8000S is a nice little integrated amp. The build quality is very good and the sound is extremely clean and unfatiguing. All the controls operate well and there are no annoying pops or hum during operation. The remote control capabilites are a great convenience and the unit is very flexible and configurable. My only complaints are that it doesn't have enough power to drive inefficient speakers (it couldn't drive a pair of the smaller Magneplanars to high volume levels without going into thermal shutdown, even when the panels were used in combination with a powered subwoofer) and that it lacks a balance control. I am currently using the 8000S in "pre" mode to drive an Acurus A150, which I find to be a good match.

Tend to agree with David Spear's comment except for the power part. My speakers are Audio Physic Step SLE ( which are 4ohm with 84db sensitivity ) and my room size is about 18 by 20 by 9 feet. Volume knob at 9 or 10 o'clock position is OK for most of my listening and I never have to turn the knob more than 11 o'clock. I know a person use them to drive Martin Logan SL3 with satisfying result.

After using a second-generation 8000A for years, I finally had a chance to spend some time with an 8000S courtesy of the local distributor. Like the A, the S is an immensely persuasive performer whose neutrality might not endear it to those who like their sound somewhat coloured. But it's definitely more poised and powered in sound retrieval than the A. The bass is more supple and controlled and the highs are more naturalistic; they don't have the "glassy" character that is generally associated with the early-generation A's. The styling is austere in typical British fashion, but at least you get tone controls and bi-wiring and pre-amping benefits. Neat ergonomics and first-rate performance for a reasonable price. This might just be the last integrated amp a regular Joe would need to satisfy his sonic dreams. If you're ever in Malaysia, you'll get the best deal on it from Sapphire Audio Systems, 65, Jalan Pasar, 55100 Kuala Lumpur (Contact Vincent at 03-2417862/2414014).

mics

This is a superbly clear amp, with no coloration of the sound at all. Everything sounds "real", it is especially good with vocal tracks. I listened to other amps when I bought it, and nothing at the price (or even a a few hundred UK £ above) could compete with it's clarity and precision.
If you drive it hard, you can trip the protection (I did it after driving it with the volume a 1'o'clock for 5 hours solid), but until you do this it does not clip or harden up at all. Anyway, you can always add a PX later which can drive even harder, and improve the sound.

Even though I tripped the protection, it was at silly volumes and it does not detract from the fact that thic is the best sounding amp you can buy under £1000

I am the proud owner of a 8000A. With the Audiolab Brand now not available anymore, I decided its a good time to hunt for a bargain and I have found one. What a absolute surprice, the 8000S sounds stunning. Detail, making fine musik and everything not presented with the 8000A. For anybody looking for a upgrade search for a 8000S.

Clarity, neutral sound & tight base.

None

I Purchased the 8000S and 8000P this summer.
I listened to the SimAudio Moon I-5 and The YBA Intregre,both are excellent amplifiers and do sound better than the 8000S. When I Heard 8000S and the 8000P together (bi-amped) this system ran circles around the Moon & YBA at a $400.00us savings.
Sounds even better after 3 months of use.

Driving Mission 753F's with Kimber 8TC cable.
Source Alpha Arcam MCD.
Interconnects, Kimber Hero (MCD)& Kimber PBJ's (8000P-8000S)

As the owner of a Leeds city centre shop I am surprised to find that nobody has reviewed the 8000s bi-amped with the 8000p. It works a treat and in demonstration after demonstration outsells any of it's competitors, I strongly recomend a listen.

The Audiolab 8000s is truly great, it adds nothing and removes nothing from the music. It is demanding of the partnering sources since, if your CD is harsh this will not be hidden! It will drive all but the most unsensitive speakers with grace (unlike earlier Audiolabs that could be a little overprotective). Its flexibility is amazing since it is configurable to work in several combinations of integrated, pre- and power- configuration. The specified 60Wpc into 8 ohms is less than what is actually available. According to one technical review I read it will put 72Wpc into 8 ohms, 128Wpc into 4 ohms and an amazing 240Wpc into 2 ohms (this last figure was short term <10ms) before clipping.

THE AUDIOLAB 8000S IS FANTASTIC AMPLIFIER FOR THE MONEY (A$2000). ITPRODUCES A VERY CLEAN, DETAILED SOUND OTHER AMPLIFIERS FIND HARD TO
MATCH. AT PRESENT I HAVE IT CONNECTED TO A 8000CD AND A PAIR OF MISSION
751 FREEDOMS.