Audiolab 8200 CD or factory upgrade to Cyrus CD8Se?

[admin_exported]

Hi all

I have just spotted that Cyrus will upgrade my (almost 10 year old) CD7 to CD8se for £750. I was thinking that was a great deal, but have just seen the reviews of the Audiolab.

Presumably the Audiolab has bested the CD6se, which is in the same price category, but the CD8se is a more expensive machine.

I don't really play music from computer or other sources at present, but it does seem a useful feature I could start to use and enjoy the functionality of itunes.

I will be listening to the source through Cyrus Pre vs and Smartpower combo with tannoy Eyris speakers.

Any comments welcome.

 

[Anonymous]

Comments anyone...?

 

[the record spot]

If it was my money, I'd be very tempted by the new Audiolab - at least shortlist it. Cyrus are offering an upgrade, but, ultimately, you'll have a very good CD player with either. It then becomes a question of how much you might see yourself using the additional functionality offered by the 8200. They're not the sole considerations obviously.

 

[Anonymous]

If I wasn't to audition then the idea of product synergy counts for a lot. I'm with the RS on this, check out the new Audiolab products and audition. I'm going to do the same next year and will also compare the Rega DAC.

In my experience, CDP/DAC choice depends on what sort of music you like. A lot of my classical music begs for a smooth and warmer CDP, yet most other programme prefers a little more pep and forwardness. If you audition then at least you can see what works for you.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks, both of you.

I always wonder quite how much you can tell from an audition as the rest of the system and room acoustics will be different. That said when I auditioned my original Cyrus against a Roksan I remember having a no-contest preference for the Cyrus sound. I don't think my usual Cyrus supplier does Audiolab to let me compare side by side, but maybe someone else in my area does.

 

[Anonymous]

Excuse my ignorance here, but if I were to get the Audiolab and want to play music from my computer how do I actually do that?

If I connect with a USB cable does my computer recognise the machine and I just choose on the computer where I want the audio output sent to...?

 

[the record spot]

It's at this point I'd point towards:-
i) other more knowledgeable heads including any passing reviewers, or,
ii) the instruction book!

Sorry!

 

[Anonymous]

Yellow Kid:
Excuse my ignorance here, but if I were to get the Audiolab and want to play music from my computer how do I actually do that?

If I connect with a USB cable does my computer recognise the machine and I just choose on the computer where I want the audio output sent to...?

• In practice USB is normally just plug in and play. Should probably auto install some software when first connected.
• My computer has a coaxial output so I just run a cable from that.
• Some computers have an optical digital output so you can run a 'Toslink' optical cable to the CD/DAC.
• If you want you can get a coaxial or USB to optical converter then run a Toslink cable to the CD/DAC.

You can then optimise settings on your computer software to get the best resolution sound being sent to the CD/DAC. Search the Digital forum for more info.

 

[Anonymous]

By the way the 'optimisation' I mentioned is optional - but worth it if you can be bothered. In most cases you should be able to get sound coming through your HiFi speakers via a DAC with little or no effort.

Interested to hear your views on the 8200 once you have auditioned, as your amplification is very similar to mine. I intend to change my digital source next year. The 8200 is one on the list, although at the moment I'm leaning more towards units that also have SACD compatibility.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks Manassas, that's really helpful.

If I audition the Audiolab, I will make sure to post some feedback.

 

[Anonymous]

I listened to the 8200CD and plugged my laptop in myself with USB cable to get it up and running. No software, it just works by selecting the correct digital input. Only comment is to load itunes or your media player after you have connected up.

I listened to it with Rotel pre-amp and quad 909, it was absolutely stunning. Am waiting for CDQ end of Nov, can't wait.

Pete

 

[cstanwhf]

You can download the manual for the 8200CD from http://www.audiolab.co.uk/Manuals/8200CD%20Manual.PDF .

It tells you how the USB connection works.

User and Service manual for their 8200 series availble at their website also.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Manassas and all

I said I would post feedback if I auditioned the Audiolab.

I wasn't able to find a dealer where I could listen to it side-by-side with the CD8se, however I took my CD6s in for a comparison, I also made two copies of a 'hifi audition' CD so I could swap between machines while playing the same track. The shop had run it through a £300 yamaha amp which may not have been the best for comparison though.

Given WHF rated it better than the CD6se, I expected it to beat my Cyrus machine and it did. The Cyrus seemed a bit dull and boxed-in compared to the Audiolab, which really brought the sound out into the room. The lab gave much better defintion to the multiple vocals and layers of guitar effects and feedback on another track. My girlfriend (although reading a newspaper!) was also in no doubt that the 'lab sounded better. I did wonder if the difference was partly that it was a brighter sound that might be hard on the ears after a while

When I went to the Cyrus shop they had set up a Cyrus Pre/Power, which I guess would be the current equivalent of my system. The guy in the shop said that if I couldn't hear the difference over a
couple of tracks then it would not be worth my spending the money. This set-up made my CD6s sound a lot better, but the 8se was miles better than that, revealing amazing amounts of detail in tracks I know very well. Again, my girlfriend was clear it was a huge upgrade on the 6s.

Conclusion: The Audiolab was disadvantaged by being played through a much cheaper set up but still managed to sound great. On that listening it didn't prove it could compete with the CD8se (which though a factory upgrade to my existing machine would be around the same price), but the Audiolab still produced a great sound even through modest amplification and would be a great buy if not comppared with the 8se and factory upgrade offer.

 

[audioaffair]

Yellow Kid:
Excuse my ignorance here, but if I were to get the Audiolab and want to play music from my computer how do I actually do that?

If I connect with a USB cable does my computer recognise the machine and I just choose on the computer where I want the audio output sent to...?

You can use one of the digital inputs for this, which will purely use the 8200CD's DAC - you may have to adjust the output on your soundcard - sometimes this is as simple on Windows as right clicking the volume icon and selecting "Playback Devices" - otherwise as suggested the manual may be the next port of call.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks Audioaffair