Audiolab 8000AP Pre-Amplifier High End Digital Audio Processor with HDMI
IAG are proud to announce the launch of the new generation Pre amplifier 8000AP from Audiolab. The new HDMI enabled 8000 series Audio Processor is a reference quality 7channel audio processor and preamplifier.
An Audiophile approach to home cinema
The Audiolab 8000AP offers superb quality audio processing and switching with capacity for stereo and multi-channel analogue sources, co-axial and optical digital inputs and twin HDMI inputs. Multi-channel HD audio can be passed via the HDMI connections from appropriately equipped source components. The emphasis is on high-quality audio offering an unequalled sound quality whatever source is used. The Audiolab 8000AP Audio processor features the latest in Digital signal processing; A dual core Cirrus Logic DSP with a 24bit front end and 32bit post processor. High End Digital to Analogue conversion is handled by 24bit/192KHz bitstream D/A converters with differential outputs, followed by phase linear active filters and ultra low distortion analogue volume controls. For details, please contact your audiolab sales representative.
IAG HiFi Division July 2007
Audiolab 8000AP Pre-Amplifier

Key Features:

Dual DSP , Cirrus Logic CS494003, 24Bit front end / 32Bit Post processing Audio Processing Modes: Dolby Digital / Dolby Digital EX Dolby Pro Logic II / Dolby Pro Logic IIx DTS / DTS ES Matrix / DTS ES Discrete DTS 96/24 / DTS NEO:6 PCM Stereo (24bit / 192KHz) HDCD 2 - 8 Ch. PCM 24Bit / 96KHz via HDMI 5.1 Analogue Bypass Video: HDMI max resolution 1080p OSD (On Screen Display) Composite Video (PAL/NTSC) Connectivity: 2 HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI output 3 Coaxial Digital SPDIF inputs 4 Optical Digital SPDIF inputs 1 Optical Digital SPDIF output 5 Analogue Inputs via RCA phono Connectors 8 Analogue Outputs (7.1) via RCA phono connectors 1 Analogue Tape Output via RCA phono Connector 6 Analogue Inputs (5.1 Bypass) via RCA phono connectors 1 OSD (On Screen Display) output (Composite Video) 1 RS232 Communications port D/A converters: 24Bit / 192KHz bit-stream A/D converters: 24Bit / 48KHz A/D bit-stream Adjustable D/A filter response 2x Up-sampling (on Digital PCM, HDCD & Analogue sources) Separate Analogue and Digital Power Supply with 10 Regulated Supplies. Q-SET , Easy system set-up via front panel display.
HDMI circuit. The HDMI is a discrete section included as standard, which features 2 x HDMI inputs fully HDMI1.2 compliant and certified to HDMI 1.3 - and a single output. The audio streams are read from the HDMI data and passed to the DSP section of the processor for subsequent decoding and D/A conversion. Both inputs and the outputs are fully HDCP compliant and are capable of all video resolutions up to and including 1080P. The HDMI signal sent to the display is an exact replica of the signal fed into the machine. 8 Channel analogue volume control A high quality digitally addressed, analogue volume control is applied at the end of the output stage. This volume section is either fed from the post DAC active filters, or directly from the 5.1 bypass inputs if these are used. In the event that the 5.1 bypass inputs are used, the signal purity is fully retained with a direct path, bypassing all processing circuitry. Analogue input circuits The 8000AP has provision for up to six line level analogue inputs and a 5.1 bypass input - which connects directly to the analogue volume control (2). All standard analogue inputs can be fed into the DSP and encoded by a variety of processing modes including Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby Pro Logic IIx and all versions of DTS NEO:6. Power supply A high quality torroidal transformer, linear power supply is used for the 8000AP. The PCB design ensures that there is minimum electromagnetic interaction with any sensitive components. A series of quick-blow fuses protect the circuit from high in-rush currents or power spikes.
The OSD (On Screen Display) The OSD section allows full control of all menu functions of the 8000AP. A separate composite output carries this menu, allowing configuration of inputs, speaker sizes and distances, HDMI decoding options, and bass management. In addition to the OSD menu, the remote control acceses a Quickset menu which allows the user quick and easy calibration of all essential functions.
6. Post DAC Phase Linear active filters. Phase linear active filters are utilised after the D-A conversion, using components chosen for their excellent sonic characteristics. This moves DAC noise outside the audible spectrum, lowering the noise floor significantly and optimises the analogue output prior to amplification. CODEC (SPDIF receiver, Stereo A/D, 8 Channel DAC) The 8000AP uses a high quality 8 channel CODEC which includes the following features and performance. 8. A/D converters: 24Bit / 48kHz D/A converters: 24Bit / 192kHz S/PDIF receiver 8 Channel SPDIF input multiplexer Differential analogue architecture -100 dB THD+N

Microprocessor A powerful microprocessor ensures all the component parts of the 8000AP work together seamlessly. DSP The 8000AP uses a "Dual" DSP which integrates a multi-channel audio decoder and a 32-bit audio processor with an audio optimised software framework. This allows the 8000AP to decode all of the popular processing modes listed below.

SPECIFICATIONS

Digital Inputs Frequency Response Distortion (THD+N) Dynamic Range Input sensitivity Frequency Response Distortion (THD+N) Dynamic Range Input sensitivity Frequency Response Distortion (THD+N) Dynamic Range Output level Volume control HDMI OSD Mains voltage : Power consumption : Dimensions (WxHxD mm) Colour 10Hz - 20KHz (+0.2dB), 5Hz - 75KHz (+3dB) less than 0.002% greater than 103dB 0dBu (775mV/), Max 3.5V (2) 10Hz - 20KHz (+0.2dB), 5Hz - 24KHz (+3dB) greater than 0.003% less than 100dB @ 1kHz 0dBu (775mV), Max 3.5V (2) 10Hz - 20KHz (+0.2dB), 5Hz - 100KHz (+3dB) less thean 0.001% greater than 110dB 0dBu (775mV), MAX 3.5V -90dB to +15dB in 1dB steps, Channel C19imbalance <+0.1dB Max resolution 1080p, HDCP compatible, 'Type A' Connectors 1.5Vp-p, 75ohm, PAL or NTSC 230VAC +/- 10% 15W , (< 7W in Standby) 445 x 74 x 338 Black / Silver

Analogue Input

5.1 Analogue Bypaass input

Analogue Outputs

Video Outputs Power Supply Finish

90 AUDIOLAB 8000AP & 8000X7 1,000/1,500 www.audiolab.co.uk

Simply seductive

A nostalgic Richard Stevenson nds an old friend offering a brand-new take on multichannel AV amplication
or those of us whose birthday cakes have candles representing decades rather than years, Audiolab is a name one will remember with affection. Back in the hi- bonanza years of the 1980s, this UK brand all but dominated the mid-priced range. And rightly so; the original Audiolab 8000 series two-channel components were fabulous. The new 8000 series AV kit reviewed here not only re-kindles that nostalgic ame but throws in
a gallon of petrol to re-ignite a hitherto forgotten area of the multi-channel market; simplicity. Without falling into a complete historical article, Audiolab was kickin in the 1980s. The in the 1990s it got bought by a bunch of Germans with more money and good intentions than sense to become Tag McLaren. Those boys threw some epic F1-style parties, and some of the esoteric Tag McLaren kit was stunning too. Regular readers will know my reference
Return to brand values: Can the new Audiolab recapture past sonic glories?
processor until this year was the companys AV32R-DP. But market forces did not favour the bold, where multi-thousand pound price points were concerned, and the company fell on its face a few years later. Then in 2004, IAG picked up the wreckage and began recreating the brands values at far more realistic prices. Enter the rst AV processor and multichannel power-amp from the new Audiolab the 8000AP and 8000X7.
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REVIEWS 91

In a class of its own, Audiolab takes PCM audio processing to a new level
Now, dont even look at the spec sheet of the processor if youre hoping to nd HD-audio processing, auto-setup, RoomEQ or video processing technology. Youll be disappointed. What, no full colour GUI? No Ethernet networking or iPod docking port? No 12V triggers, no IR extenders, no multiple remote controls, no DAB modules or lists of three-letter acronyms set to out trump the competition? Not even S-video or component inputs? No, absolutely not. Put off already? Dont be.

Fresh air

Having recently had a run of megacomplex amps and receivers on the test bench, the Audiolab duo is a breath of fresh air. It raises a rather contemptuous middle nger at the Japanese feature-laden AV amps and comes to the table with signalto-noise and THD gures that the behemoths struggle to get close to. Consider this as the quintessentially British Lotus Elise or Aerial Atom, against the Nissan Skyline or Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. Audiolabs whole philosophy is about a simple passion for the perfect experience, rather than driver aids, xes and features. There is little point in speaking about the Audiolabs feature list because it doesnt really have one. The lack of decoding for the new HD audio formats is likely to elicit most angst, but is it really necessary? Both Blu-ray and the now-defunct HD DVD have specications that necessitate audio decoding within the player itself and transfer over HDMI in multichannel linear PCM. And Audiolabs logic is rather sound. If you are likely to spend 2,500 on an AV amp, then the chances are you
Product: Bare-bones audiophile processor and multi-channel power amp Positioning: At the top of Audiolabs select product range Peers: Denon AVR-4808 NAD T163/T975
Consider what you actually need for multichannel surround sound rather than what is nice
to have, convenient or simply handy. Some basic HDMI AV-switching, multi-channel bass management, ber-clean handling of Dolby, DTS and LPCM audio, and a copious supply of high-quality analogue power over seven channels. Thatll do nicely. Wrap this is in a couple of neat cases with huge power supplies, a simple interface and basic remote control, and you have the Audiolab 8000AP/X7 setup.
will have rushed some 1,000 or so for a top-end disc-spinner with rst class HD-audio decoding on board anyway. Why duplicate the cost? The setup is stoically manual and about as straightforward as it gets. The menus and operation have a basic, organic approach that makes you feel part of the system. There is nothing to trip up those who like to recycle manuals as relighters before playing the rst disc. On the downside, the HDMI output doesnt carry the OSD GUI, so you need a separate analogue composite video link or the frontpanel display to get control of the thing. Add to this the lack of component or S-video inputs, the limited connectivity and shunning of anything remotely resembling multi-room or networking features and you get a feel of just how basic, basic can be. The shadow of Tag McLaren remains in the form factor, as the case and layout of buttons are clearly from the same mould. Moreover, the architecture is dual-processor DSP design (thus the DP sufx of the AV32R-DP) and the display is a remarkably similar blue dot-matrix

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Specifications
Dolby True HD: NO DTS-HD Master Audio: NO THX :NO Multi-channel audio: YES 7 x 100W amplifiers Multi-channel input: YES 5.1 analogue input Phono-stage: NO AV inputs: NO HDMI: YES 2-in 1-out Video upscaling: NO Component video: NO Dimensions (8000AP): 455(w) x 338(d) x 75(h)mm Weight: 6kg Dimensions (8000XP): 455(w) x 338(d) x 130(h)mm Weight: 19kg Also features: Bridgeable main L/R channels, RS232 control and. er, thats it Links: http://www.techradar.com/263576 http://www.techradar.com/263683
Pure audio: The 8000AP (top) is a unique product in that it has no truck with video processing
affair. Yet IAGs chief engineer Jan Ertner is keen to point out that this is a completely new design.

Pirates, ho!

I loved the Tag for its super-clean sound and a noise-oor that was lower than sub-basement. The good news is the 8000AP has exactly the same character. I discovered this while spinning the complete Pirates of the Caribbean. series, which arrived on Blu-ray at the same time as the Audiolab kit. With the trilogys uncompressed 5.1 soundtracks, the Audiolab produces a clean mix with silences of epic blackness and dynamic swells that capture the thrill of the best commercial cinemas. While there is no video processing, the switch through is completely transparent, giving you a pixel-forpixel picture from HD sources. You will have to leave your TV/projector/ DVD deck to do any upscaling from standard-def sources. Captain Jacks voice is crisp and intelligible all things considered, quite a trick and the ship-to-ship battles lack nothing in sheer gusto. The sea-sound aural effects are realistically watery and allencompassing. Within moments of the movie starting I found myself drawn in to the action and adventure. Overall, I found this two-piece delivered a more subtle and evenhanded presentation than some similarly-priced receivers, and the accurate channel-steering and sheer space in the soundstage gets very close to Yamahas 5,000 DSP-Z11. That low noise-oor does wonders for the overall dynamic impact and requires careful use of the volume control. There is a tendency to nudge up the volume in
the quiet passages only for a sudden explosion of action to pin you to the sofa like a small nuclear blast. The 8000X7s copious current reserve belies its fairly modest claim of 100W per channel and it will go mighty loud before running out of puff. Our Tech Labs measured 120W in two-channel mode and 108W with all channels driven. Moreover, four of its channels can be bridged into two, with more power and headroom for your main stereo speakers in a 5.1 channel system. Stereo music ability is a real ace up the Audiolabs sleek black sleeves. There is real hi- pedigree to the sound with CDs, mixing an enthralling openness and clarity with bass coming at you in tight, welldened and quite sizeable chunks. The sound is right up there with the Pure Direct modes on some of the best AV amp exotica from the likes of Denon and Yamaha, making the 8000AP/X7 combo something of a bargain in pure performance terms.

Tech Labs

Manufacturers Output: 100W per channel 120W (2 channels driven, 8, 0.5% THD) 190W (2 channels driven, 4, 0.5% THD) 108W (5 channels driven, 8, 0.5% THD) 160W (5 channels driven, 4, 0.5% THD) Fidelity firewall: 115W (0.098% THD, 8, 1kHz) THD @ 50W: 0.0019% THD (1kHz, 8) Frequency response: 20Hz20kHz +/- 0.2dB Top-class performance all round, with power output way over stated specifications in all modes, and excellent results for fidelity firewall and distortion

A class of its own

This 8000AP/X7 partnership represents Audiolab right back on the top of its game, carving out a viable niche in the market for performance with simplicity. It is a complete tonic to the multifaceted complexity and GUI-polished nicety of the competition, and I can see it winning many fans, particularly among those who want a dual-role amp for both movies and hi-delity music. Of course, die-hard home cinema acionados will still crave the style, exibility and features of the Japanese super-amps, but if you want that sort of high-end performance at half the price, the Audiolab 8000AP/X7 is in a class of its own

VERDICT

Audiolab 8000AP/8000X7 1,000/1,500 approx Highs: Intoxicatingly clean sound ; bags of depth and detail; hi-fi class two-channel sound Lows: Lack of usual connections and features give it rather limited appeal; demands good speakers Performance: Design: Features:

Overall:

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