Audio lab integrated stereo amp replacement

[williamson]

Hi folks, I am on the stereo upgrade path and have posted here once before. I mainly play vinyl using an RP3 turntable, kef bookshelf speakers, ortofon bronze cartridge, rega fono stage, chord cables and my amp is an audio lab 8200a. I generally love the sound I get from this set up but I'm always looking for improvement and think my audio lab amp is now the weak point in my system. If I could trade my audio lab and a few other bits I've got for a few hundred quid then I could perhaps spend £1000 to £1500 on a new amp. Any suggestions?

 

[agarwalro]

Hi folks, I am on the stereo upgrade path and have posted here once before. I mainly play vinyl using an RP3 turntable, kef bookshelf speakers, ortofon bronze cartridge, rega fono stage, chord cables and my amp is an audio lab 8200a. I generally love the sound I get from this set up but I'm always looking for improvement and think my audio lab amp is now the weak point in my system. If I could trade my audio lab and a few other bits I've got for a few hundred quid then I could perhaps spend £1000 to £1500 on a new amp. Any suggestions?

Which specific Kef speakers are you driving?
Since the 8200a doesn't have a phono input, do you use a phono pre-amp?
Why do you feel that the amp is your weak point?

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I don't there will be any significant audible improvements as long as you don't use any type of EQ in your system (like Sub EQ or Dynamic EQ, etc.).

 

[williamson]

Thanks. I use the Kef Q100 bookshelf speakers, on stands. My phono pre-amp is the Rega that retails at about £200. I guess I can't specifically say the amp is the weak point because i actually quite like the Audiolab, but I sense with my turntable set up I might get a better sound if I moved up to an Arcam or Naim, or in fact any higher end amp. I don't play CDs very often now so I guess it's an amp for vinyl playback that I'm particularly looking for, any suggestions/advice welcome. Thanks again

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Thanks. I use the Kef Q100 bookshelf speakers, on stands. My phono pre-amp is the Rega that retails at about £200. I guess I can't specifically say the amp is the weak point because i actually quite like the Audiolab, but I sense with my turntable set up I might get a better sound if I moved up to an Arcam or Naim, or in fact any higher end amp. I don't play CDs very often now so I guess it's an amp for vinyl playback that I'm particularly looking for, any suggestions/advice welcome. Thanks again

It's about power requirement.

The loudest I've listened in 2.0 CH Pure Direct mode is a total of 94dB from 2 speakers. So let's assume this is the max volume for you. The Q100 is 86dB/2.83v/m. Let's say distance is 3 meters from speakers. Then it would require 28W of power for each speaker into 8 ohms or 56W into 4 ohms.

Chances are, you don't need more power.

 

[williamson]

Thanks, no, it's not power I'm looking for, a sound upgrade, I do realise that it might be wiser to upgrade my speakers and leave my amp alone though!

 

[slipperybidness]

Thanks, no, it's not power I'm looking for, a sound upgrade, I do realise that it might be wiser to upgrade my speakers and leave my amp alone though!

I think you just answered your own questions.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Thanks, no, it's not power I'm looking for, a sound upgrade, I do realise that it might be wiser to upgrade my speakers and leave my amp alone though!

I think you need to add a Subwoofer & a Denon AVR to use Subwoofer EQ and Dynamic EQ.

 

[williamson]

No subwoofers for me. I listen to music using two speakers. Anything else would be heresy

 

[anamorphic96]

Thanks, no, it's not power I'm looking for, a sound upgrade, I do realise that it might be wiser to upgrade my speakers and leave my amp alone though!

I would try working on the acoustics of the room and a possible speaker upgrade if possible. This would get you the most for your money.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

No subwoofers for me. I listen to music using two speakers. Anything else would be heresy

If you don't care for a lot of bass at all and don't use subs, then I think changing the pre or amp will not do anything for you. Just keep it until it dies.

Now if you want to try new speakers for a new 2.0 setup, that's a different story.

 

[williamson]

Thanks, I was hoping someone could recommend an amp specifically for vinyl, but I've been reading around and there's plenty of options out there, but a speaker upgrade might be more appropriate having thought about it a little. On the other hand, I could allow myself to be satisfied the excellent sound I already have

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Thanks, I was hoping someone could recommend an amp specifically for vinyl, but I've been reading around and there's plenty of options out there, but a speaker upgrade might be more appropriate having thought about it a little. On the other hand, I could allow myself to be satisfied the excellent sound I already have

What is stereo fund look like now? How much in a year? Save your money.

 

[williamson]

After some consideration I think all comments are right. If I need an upgrade it's the speakers not the amp. In the meantime I've dampened my sound nicely by a more strategic placement of a rug in front of my system! Quite amazing how much of a difference that's made. Bass response improved. Slightly warmer and more solid sound

 

[williamson]

Stereo upgrade fund is £1000