Just about everything..this is a sweet sounding CD player

For 200 quid. There is absolutely nothing to moan about.

The Audiolab 8000CD is a great player...when it is working. It retrieves everything from the disc and produces a lean detailed sound. Certainly, flaws in the CD recording process shows up when inferior discs are played through this player. Unfortunately though my 8000CD has been inoperable for the last two of the three months that I have owned it. I have been told by the distributor in Australia that there is a tracking problem with the Philips CDM-12.4 transport mechanism used in the 8000CD and as a result causes CDs to skip intermitently. The fault with the mechanism has been put down to the use of an incorrect grease. Therefore its hard for me to say whether this is the wrong doing of Audiolab or Philips. Ultimately, I would recommend the 8000CD based on its build and sound quality. However just make sure it is operating perfectly before taking delivery - otherwise you might be left waiting for repairs for a very long time.

The Audiolab 8000CD is a great player...when it is working. It retrieves everything from the disc and produces a lean detailed sound. Certainly, flaws in the CD recording process shows up when inferior discs are played through this player. Unfortunately though my 8000CD has been inoperable for the last two of the three months that I have owned it. I have been told by the distributor in Australia that there is a tracking problem with the Philips CDM-12.4 transport mechanism used in the 8000CD and as a result causes CDs to skip intermitently. The fault with the mechanism has been put down to the use of an incorrect grease. Therefore its hard for me to say whether this is the wrong doing of Audiolab or Philips. Ultimately, I would recommend the 8000CD based on its build and sound quality. However just make sure it is operating perfectly before taking delivery - otherwise you might be left waiting for repairs for a very long time.

Extremely Revealing from the Highs to the Lows.

Too revealing of bad recordings.

I bought an Audiomeca Talisman about 3 months ago and I would probably never buy another CD player again. This is the best CD player I could get for the price (S$2000).
Listen to familiar records and you will dig out details you have never heard. Get overwhelmed by its enveloping soundstage...

Similar Products Used:

Marantz CD-7

I have had the pleasure of owning for many years, a NAD compact disk player (model 5325). When it came out, the unit utilized the very best DAC and transport technology available (at the time). Recently, the unit started acting up and skipping alot. I began casually shopping around for a new unit. When i went to audition the NAD players, i was very dispointed with what i heard, these new units sounded more like Yamahas or Technics than their predecessors. With that in mind, I went over to my Rotel retailer and auditioned the new Rotel line, (which uses the PHILIPS Digital to Analogue converter). I was very impressed with the smoothness, accuracy, and effortless overall balance in the sound reproduced. My ears made the decision for me, and I now enjoy the Rotel CD player in my home. I must say that although I don't directly own a Philips unit, mine uses the Philips chip, and I would recomend it to anyone seriously looking for an audiophile quality component at an outstanding value! Great jobs PHILIPS!!!

Great analytical power, clean, precise, very well balanced player, 2 analogue output jacks

Lack of optical output and no variable output

Long heard of Audiolab products but don't have a chance to have a serious listen with them. Finally found one thru direct order and paid for one unit immediately. Price is good as Audiolab has just been taken over by Tag Mclaren and dealers are clearing stocks.

On initial listen, sound is a bit recessed and music is uninvolving. Gosh, I thought it is because of Audiolab trademark sound (aka 8000a), but after running in for a week, the sound started opening up and sonic bliss!!!

I have owned many players, and none, yes,I say none, can extract details like this 8000CD. I am hearing stuffs that I have never heard before. Sound is very well weighted with no emphasis on either frequency extreme. System matching should be a breeze. Speed is good - rhythms are handled with precision. Able to conjure up a very realistic soundstage. Stunning with guitars and double bass.

I opened up this unit and was greeted with a very well-layout circuitry. Transport and DAC portion are separated and well shielded from each other. Care has been taken in the damping of critical parts and a huge torrodial transformer provides power to the componments. Build quality is very impressive.

However, I have some complains as well. The CD player lacks a variable output so you can't connect direct to a power amp. The power cord supplied is not up to the standard of this player.

Similar Products Used:

Musical Fidelity X-ray, Classe CDP0.5, Marantz CD17KI, Arcam 9, Sony XA5es, Philips CD850, Rotel 990, Denon S10 MKII

My brother purchased the Audiolab 8000 CD player to replace his Marantz CD player. He had tried several CD players and did not return this one after an audition. The only thing he went back to the retailer with was cash. After almost a physical confrontation, I borrowed it from my brother, to audition it myself. I hooked it up to my Yamaha DSP 3090, and hooked it up to my audio system consisting of Bryston Pre, and Amps. I was comparing it to the highly regarded Sony 7000 CD-DVD player. This CD player incorporates Sony's top of the line DA converter, which there top of the line $3000 dollar cd player houses.
After hooking up both CD player with Cardas Microtwin cables, I put both CD players through there paces, with the same familiar music. The Audiolab CD player won hands down. The sound was obviously more accurate, more defined.
Now I see why my brother bought it without question.

The 8000CDM is the CD transport! It is not the 8000CD player.and it certainly isn't a Rotel CD player (who's that joker anyway?)

Anyway, they all share the same unemotional, uninvolving, dry, clean cut sound.
'more accurate', 'more defined' compared to the Sony DVD-S7000, which is about the same standard as the $700 XA30ES (or worse), sure, but it lacks soul, and it would be wiped out by any CD player in its price class.

Typical Audiolab sound: clean, detailed, natural and not fatigue.Typical Audiolab look: slim, under stated and elegant.

Compared with Rega Planet, I like 8000CD much better. I also compare it with CAL CL-15, they have lots of similarities, both have good sound stage and imaging, both are clean, smooth and layered. 8000CD has more air and CL-15 is more laid back. I like them both. However, 8000CD looks better than CL-15.

I contacted the audiolab about the "Philips bug", they told me it only affects the unit with serial number (last 4 digits) below 0290 (Can anyone confirm this?) ( which are first 290 units I guess? ). Mine works fine without any problem.

This is fabulous product. It's one of the most revealing and neutral CD players you can find in its price range. I was amazed at the amount of detail it threw up on most of my favourite jazz, rock, pop, folk and classical recordings. The drawer mechanism did act up on the machine I had with me for a while, but I hear that problem has been rectified in later production units. Anyway, it performs impressively in the only area that counts for most audiophiles -- sound reproduction. And you'll have nothing but admiration for the naturalistic way it conveys the highs, mids and lows, all in perfect balance. 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).