Интегральные усилители — Audiolab 8300A

The 8300A is a stereo integrated amplifier by Audiolab which the maker describes as a complete redesign from scratch compared with its forerunner, adding more power and a phono stage. Audiolab's site now shows it as a discontinued model. The fine textured aluminium case was offered in black or in silver. Crosstalk between channels is quoted at below -80 dB at 10 kHz.

Key specs that matter

Rated maximum output is 2 x 75 W RMS into 8 ohms and 2 x 115 W into 4 ohms at under 1% THD with 230 V mains, and peak output current reaches 15 A in either direction. Line inputs are labelled CD, Video, Tuner, Aux 1 and Aux 2, joined by a balanced XLR input and a phono input that switches between MM and MC cartridges. Line inputs present 50 kohm with 100 pF, the MM phono input 47 kohm with 100 pF and the MC input 100 ohms with 1.5 nF. The preamp section delivers up to 2.3 V at below 0.02% THD from a 120 ohm output impedance through two RCA outputs. Line THD is below 0.001% and phono THD below 0.002%. The power stage has 29 dB gain, 840 mV sensitivity for 70 W into 8 ohms and a damping factor above 100. The case is 80 x 444 x 330.3 mm and weighs 7.8 kg.

Engineering and use context

Audiolab uses a dual-mono power amplifier layout with a Complementary Feedback output topology, chosen for linearity and thermal stability. Active Current Drive places current limiting under microprocessor control, programmed to let the amplifier supply high currents into complex loads. Volume uses a logarithmic ladder design. Frequency response is within 0.1 dB from 10 Hz to 20 kHz and within 3 dB from 1 Hz to 100 kHz, with channel imbalance under 0.2 dB. Line signal-to-noise is better than 107 dB, or 109 dB A-weighted, while the phono figures are 78 dB A-weighted for MM and 73 dB A-weighted for MC. RIAA accuracy is within 1 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. A separate RCA power amplifier input with 15 kohm impedance lets the power section be driven on its own. A 2.7 inch OLED display with 128 x 64 pixels shows status, and there is a standby function and a 12 V trigger.

Pairing

The balanced input and matching 444 mm width suit the Audiolab 8300CD from the same series, which offers XLR analogue outputs. Both cartridge types plug straight into the built-in phono stage, and the preamp outputs can feed an extra power amplifier.

Alternatives

The Audiolab 7000A is a newer integrated amplifier from the brand that adds a built-in DAC with HDMI ARC, USB and Bluetooth inputs.