Audiolab 8000a Series 1 upgrade options

[hybridauth_Facebook_560900438]

Hi WH forum,

I'm looking to get some opinions / advice on a sensible upgrade path for my Dad.

He's owned an original 8000a new since the mid-80's, originally through a set of HB1's (since given to me). He then purchased a pair of Mordaunt-Short MS908's about 15 years ago which were budget-buys from Richer Sounds at the time. He's now determined to upgrade to a set of PMC floorstanders and was wondering whether the the Audiolab would be a) a good match & b) capable of getting the best out of a set of PMCs.

Knowing my Dad he'd spend silly money on what he thinks reflects a sensible buy, but he's not really up to scratch with understanding system matching or value for money - although I've suggested he tries to spend time auditioning stuff. I think he'd be best suited with something that offers a fairly clinical level of detail and not a necessarily laid-back sound. He's also using a P3 / RB300 / Elys & Jupiter CDP as sources.

Any suggestions are much appreciated!

 

[Thompsonuxb]

The 8000a wad s well regarded amp it'll drive the smaller PMC's no problem - GB1'S would work fine.

Still fairly expensive used at £500+ but worth browsing for if new is not a requirement.

 

[Troy62]

If your dad still likes the 8000A I'd be looking at adding an 8000P and use it to drive the low's and the 8000A for the high's. Made a big difference to my set up and didn't break the bank either

 

[hybridauth_Facebook_560900438]

Thanks for this - we looked at a pair of GB1is and these seem like a sensible second-hand buy.

 

[hybridauth_Facebook_560900438]

Thanks. This could be an option, although I'd say it'd be worth sending the 8000a away for a re-cap / upgrade and stick with it as an integrated as opposed modifying it to accept an 8000p (don't think there's a pre-out already on it, but would need to check).

 

[Troy62]

Thanks. This could be an option, although I'd say it'd be worth sending the 8000a away for a re-cap / upgrade and stick with it as an integrated as opposed modifying it to accept an 8000p (don't think there's a pre-out already on it, but would need to check).

i would hazard a guess that there is. Mines a very early grey case one and that has. Definitely worth checking out