Audiolab 8200CDQ CD player line preamplifier with digital inputs available from Hifi Gear

The Audiolab 8200CDQ combines the CD player and DAC functions of the 8200CD with the additional functions of analog/ digital preamplifier with source switching and volume control.

Three line level analogue inputs are available - these unbalanced inputs are immediately converted to balanced mode to reduce distortion and noise to negligable levels. The digital inputs can be amplified either in the analog or digital domain, the choice is yours, see which sounds best. The DAC section has 5 digital inputs (USB, optical and coaxial) to allow you to feed it with any other digital music sources you may have, for example PC, Mac, Sky HD box, Playstation 3 or Sonos. A dedicated internal class A headphone amplifier feeds the front panel socket for private listening. Manufactured with over 1700 surface mount components on a multi-layer pcb, this design uses the new ESS Sabre32 9018 DAC which is 32bit resolution, meaning that HD audio sources will sound better than you can imagine. This product allows a direct connection to your power amplifier for simplicity and the removal of one additional component in the audio path between disc and your speakers - you will be stunned at the high level of fidelity achieved.

What a surprise!

Posted by Bjorn

I had been reluctant to try Audiolab at first, but I was wrong not to have given them a chance. This sounds beautifully sweet with treble that remains true and precise coupled with a prompt and strong delivery of every bass note. A serious contender against much bigger brands, (Posted on 04/07/2011)