I had an 8000LX and it was a pretty decent budget offering. I loved it for the time I had it and ran it with Mourdant Short and Dynaudio speakers. When it came time to upgrade it was quickly shown up as somewhat gray and limp compared to other more costly options. Amoungst others I tried the Q/M combo (the later silver versions) which injected life and drive, great rockers if lacking in transparency and finesse and finally settled on Musical Fidelity. The A5 intergrated was a little recessed in the midrange, a little soft but still a big step on from the 8000LX and I settled on an A5 pre/pwr combo which I thought a fabulous combo for the money particularly when bought ex-dem from a dealer. I'm sure many of the amps mentioned would show the Audiolab a very clean pair of heels but if you're still enjoying it why worry, just keep on enjoying.
Audiolab, Rowland integrated - nothing in between?
Of course there is something in-between. Question is if it's worth it. I am thinking about uprading my Audiolab 8000LX integrated but even used Rowland or perhaps Gryphon are beyond the reach at the moment. How much would I really gain if I got, say, Naim or Plinius or whatever?
My Michael Green Design free resonance speakers need really good control or they become loose. Audiolab does OK but it's not good enough. And I want more resolution, better imaging, soundstage etc. Cables are Purist Audio Colossus.
So. what do you think?
My Michael Green Design free resonance speakers need really good control or they become loose. Audiolab does OK but it's not good enough. And I want more resolution, better imaging, soundstage etc. Cables are Purist Audio Colossus.
So. what do you think?