Best Speakers for Audiolab 8000A

Best Speakers for Audiolab 8000A

The Audiolab 8000A was one of the top amplifiers when it was first debuted, getting praised left, right, and center. Even now, there are audiophiles who speak of nice things about this classic integrated amp and the 8000A is still been sought after even to this day. If you are a proud owner of the Audiolab 8000A and are currently seeking a pair of speakers to match with this wonderful amplifier then there’s no need to look further and please continue to read on.

There are so many speaker choices on the market, to pick the right pair to partner with the Audiolab 8000A will take some time and effort. Firstly, we will be learning more about the amplifier’s sonic characteristics and find out if there are any limitations. Once we have learned more about the Audiolab 8000A, we can then prepare a list of the best speakers to pair with this vintage stereo amplifier.

Sonic Characteristics and Important Specifications of Audiolab 8000A

The Audiolab 8000A is a sleek-looking and compact amp, no wonder it was been praised for its stylish design back in the day. We still find it look handsome though and it will fit in nicely inside most modern homes. Matching aesthetically with speakers will not be an issue as well. The rated power output of the Audiolab 8000A is 60 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms and with a speaker load impedance from 4 Ohms to 16 Ohms which is good. Bookshelf speakers will be the ideal choices and floor-standers that are easy to drive will also be considered as potential loudspeaker partners. The frequency response of the 8000A is 20Hz-20kHz.

It doesn’t have modern digital features but if you are a turntable user, you will be delighted to know that the Audiolab 8000A has a nice phono stage for MM and MC. There is also a pre-amp output for you to connect an additional power amplifier or an active subwoofer to improve the overall bass performance. This pre-output will be very useful if you ever decide you need more power to drive difficult and demanding speakers. If you find the bass response is lacking when using bookshelf speakers, connecting a powered subwoofer will solve this issue.

The Audiolab 8000A is capable of delivering a detailed music presentation and has an amazing level of transparency. The deep bass reproduction is really impressive, it is accurate, producing authentic low ends details and prominent enough without being overbearing. It fills the listening room with a musical presence and the scale of the sound is bigger than expected. The Audiolab 8000A is certainly an incredible amplifier at this price range. To make full use of the amp’s bass performance, you might want to add a sealed subwoofer into the mix which can dig deep down to 20Hz bass extension.

It also possesses an astonishing level of clarity, the overall sound reproduction is cleanly delivered where the musical details and nuances can be heard clear as day. The highs are clear sounding too but can get a bit harsh when you crank up the volume. The soundstage of the Audiolab 8000A is wide and with ample depth, rich music details fill the stage and the stereo imaging is impressive as it weaves the sonic images with precision. There is good stereo separation and the high-resolution sound reproduction of the amplifier helps to define each musician distinctively.

It may not be forgiving to bad recordings due to how revealing this Audiolab amplifier can get but for critical listeners, this will be a wonderful amplifier to get your hands on. The Audiolab 8000A is an agile performer with impeccable music timing and it is very enjoyable to listen to as long we don’t excite the treble by too much. Integrating an active subwoofer into the mix is recommended and you might want to really consider it. We have the information and data we need to prepare the list of the best speakers to pair with the Audiolab 8000A amplifier. Please continue to read on to check out this speakers’ list.

Audiolab 8000A Specifications

  • Power Outputs: 60 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms
  • Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.05%
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
  • Speaker Load Impedance: 4 Ohms to 16 Ohms
  • Inputs: 1 MM Phono input, 1 MC Phono input, 2 Tape inputs, 4 Line inputs
  • Outputs: Preamp output, Headphone output, 2 Tape outputs. Line output
  • Dimensions: 445mm x 74mm x 335mm (17.5″ x 2.9″ x 13.2″)
  • Weight: 7.6kg (16.8lbs)

Best Speakers to pair with Audiolab 8000A

The Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 is one of the best speakers to match with the Audiolab 8000A and the amp is muscular enough to drive these award-winning speakers with ease. The Diamond 12.1 is a pair of forgiving speakers which will add more warmth and smoothen the rough edges of the Audiolab 8000A sonic characteristics, providing a more pleasant-sounding music presentation. The easy-going nature of the stand-mounters does not compromise their capability of delivering musical details and the Audiolab 8000A can further improve this area.

More Details at Amazon – Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 (Black Oak, Pair)

The Monitor Audio Bronze 2 is another amazing pair of stand-mounters to go for and pair with your Audiolab 8000A. The sonic characteristics of the Bronze 2 are quite similar to the 8000A as it is insightful and well-balanced. The bass performance of the Monitor Audio Bronze 2 is agile and articulate, able to deliver taut low ends delivery. The low-end prowess of the Audiolab 8000A complements these bookshelf speakers too. When it comes to midrange reproduction, this is where the team-up is at its greatest. We would suggest hearing them out first as it might sound too bright for some listeners.

More Details at Amazon – Monitor Audio Bronze 2 – Walnut

This is a pair of bookshelf speakers that have garnered many awards over the years and it is still well-regarded by audiophiles. The price point of the Q Acoustics Concept 20 makes them even more attractive and worthy to match with your Audiolab 8000A. Other than its reputable status, the Concept 20 has exceptional sonic performance that will work well with the 8000A integrated amplifier. It has a high level of clarity where it can produce plenty of details and has punchy performances to reel you into the music. The stereo imaging is incredibly precise and is capable of delivering a spacious soundstage.

More Details at Amazon – Q Acoustics Concept 20 (Pair, White)

When it comes to classic vintage loudspeakers, the Ruark Sceptre will be an excellent choice to pair with the Audiolab 8000A amplifier. The amazing midrange reproduction of the Ruark Sceptre works really well with the mids performance of the 8000A. The midrange clarity is astounding, enabling us to hear the delicate and intricate details, making the vocals and instrument sound realistic. The highs are smooth and the Ruark Sceptre bass delivery is taut which suits the sonic characteristics of the Audiolab 8000A. Furthermore, these vintage loudspeakers do not sound harsh when pushed.

The KEF Q350 is one of the best speakers to go with your Audiolab 8000A and their visual aesthetics seem to match well with one another. The sonic characteristics of both HiFi components are also suitable with each other, the neutral character of the KEF Q350 and the knack of delivering a high amount of details with clarity fits in nicely with the Audiolab 8000A. The clean and clear overall sound reproduction of the Q350 stand-mounters also has scale which easily fills the room with a rich musical presence. You might want to audition them first to see if is too analytical for you and this pairing might not be suitable for listeners who are used to warm-sounding stereo systems.

More Details at Amazon – KEF Q350 (Pair, Walnut)

Another vintage classic to go for will be the Epos Acoustics ES11, it is a pair of bookshelf speakers which are still well-received today. The Wharfedale Denton will be an ideal choice for listeners who want a classic speaker with modern improvements and upgrades. The Wharfedale Denton 80 has a warm characteristic that helps ease the harshness if there’s any and will provide a more laid-back music presentation. If you are interested in adding an active subwoofer into the mix. We will suggest checking out subwoofers made by Rythmik Audio especially their sealed cabinet models. These are powerful and high-performance active subs that will be exemplary for music playbacks.

More Details at Amazon – Wharfedale Denton 80 (Walnut)

To Sum It Up

The speakers mentioned here are quite closely matched with the current price points of the Audiolab 8000A but if you have a higher budget, you can feel free to use this list as a reference and seek other speaker brands/models. We will highly recommend auditioning these speakers listed here and see if you like the sound quality they are producing. Do include the subwoofer you are using or planning to get during the speakers’ auditions, so as to get a more accurate result.

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