The Audiolab 8300A integrated amplifier is the successor to the legendary 8200A, which at one time became one of the most successful amplifiers ever released by the British industry. The Audiolab 8300A amplifier has a dual mono design and operates in class AB, delivering up to 75 W per channel into 8 ohms.
Compared to the previous generation, the Audiolab 8300A is equipped with a higher power transformer, larger storage capacitors and larger heatsinks, which allows for increased output power. In addition, due to the resurgence in popularity of vinyl, engineers developed a phono stage for the 8300A that supports both MM and MC cartridges.
New technology – Active Current Delivery guarantees clear sound until the signal reaches the clipping level, after which the microprocessor forcibly limits the output to eliminate the appearance of noticeable distortion even at maximum volume and power of 75 W RMS. In addition to the best sound quality, renowned amplifier designer Jan Ertner also thought about ease of operation – implemented on the basis of a new display. The fact is that the Audiolab 8300A can be used as an integrated amplifier, as a power amplifier, as a preamplifier, and as a separate pre-amplifier and amplifier, which makes it possible to easily include it in a wide variety of Hi-Fi systems. The Audiolab 8300A volume control is implemented on chips containing resistor assemblies with a logarithmic ratio of precision values. Loopback via a 12V trigger signal allows all components in the audio system to be turned on or put into standby mode simultaneously. Two sets of speaker terminals allow for a two-cable connection
The quality of the design is expectedly high. The black (pictured) or silver finish of the rugged case is impeccable. We especially like the precision and neatness of the round control knobs, as well as the quality of the remote control, which is well thought out and easy to use. The rear panel has several line inputs, including balanced XLR, as well as an MM/MC phono preamplifier for turntable owners. Two sets of terminals for speakers allow you to organize a two-cable connection. This is the company’s first amplifier to feature a display; This is useful both for tuning and for making changes such as phono gain or standby duration. It is quite large and easy to read from a distance.
In many ways the Audiolab 8300A is very good; It boasts impeccable design quality and excellent sound at high volumes. But, unfortunately, it lacks the versatility to receive the highest rating; we can’t recommend it enough. Most importantly, of course, the new, ultra-efficient circuitry and improved components inside the Audiolab 8300A create a whole new listening experience for your favorite music.
Specifications Audiolab 8300A
Display: OLED 128×64 pixels, 2.7″ diagonal
Inputs: CD, Video, Tuner, Aux 1, Aux 2, balanced on XLR, 12V Trigger, Phono (MM/MC)
Outputs: 2 x RCA
Preamp section
Input sensitivity (Phono RIAA): 50K // 100pF
Input impedance (line inputs): 50K // 100pF
Input impedance (phono inputs) 47K // 100pF (MM), 100R // 1.5nF (MC)
Output voltage: 2.3V max. % THD)
Output impedance: 120 Ohms
Frequency response (Line): +/- 0.1dB (10Hz – 20kHz), +/- 3.0dB (1Hz – 100kHz)
Frequency response (Phono RIAA): +/- 1.0dB (20Hz – 20kHz)
Channel Imbalance: <0.2dB (10Hz – 20kHz)
Distortion (THD) Line: <0.001%
Distortion (THD) Phono: <0.002%
Signal to Noise Ratio (Line): > 107dB, >109dB(A-weighted)
Phono S/N Ratio (MM): > 73dB, > 78dB(A-weighted)
Phono S/N Ratio (MC): > 68dB, > 73dB(A-weighted)
Crosstalk: < 80dB (L->R & R ->L at 10KHz)
Power Amplifier Section
Gain: 29dB (20Hz-20KHz)
Input Sensitivity: 840mV (Power Out = 70W into 8 Ohms)
Input Impedance: 15K // 100pF
Nom. output power at THD < 1%: 2 x 75W, RMS (8 ohms), 2 x 115W (4 ohms), (at supply voltage = 230V, THD < 1%)
Peak output current: +/- 15A
Frequency range: + /- 0.1dB (10Hz – 20KHz), +/- 3.0dB (1Hz – 100KHz)
Channel imbalance: < 0.2dB (10Hz – 20kHz)
Distortion (THD): <0.002% (Power Out= 50W at 1KHz, BW = 20Hz – 20kHz)
Signal-to-noise ratio: > 107dB (BW = 20 – 20KHz ), >109dB (A-weighted BW = 20 – 20KHz)
Damping factor: >100 (at 8 ohms, 1kHz)
Inputs: 1 x RCA
Outputs: screw speaker terminals
Dimensions: 80 x 444 x 330.3 mm, Weight: 7.8 kg
Finish: Fine textured aluminum (black / silver)
