[nlanks]

Hi all, first post so please bear with me!

Got an early (grey) 8000A and a B serial number P, which I love.
I know neither have been serviced in their 25 / 20 years respectively, and so am looking at sending them to the audio cellar as he gets very good reviews on here.

My question is: is it worth it for a) preserving longevity and/or b) sonic improvements?

Couple of the phono socket inputs ( cd and tuner) feel like they are on the edge of breaking too.

Comments appreciated please before I email Kevin. Thanks

[QRIO]

Originally Posted by nlanks

My question is: is it worth it for a) preserving longevity and/or b) sonic improvements?

Couple of the phono socket inputs ( cd and tuner) feel like they are on the edge of breaking

Hi,

Short answer, yes if the caps are gone or there is an issue with amp. Otherwise, No- there is nothing wrong with amp. Its not like a car it needs a oil change every few years! 

8000P

If there is no buzzing like noise coming from the tweeters when the power amp is connected then there is nothing wrong with the power amp. No point wasting your money, give your cash to charity! You can pop the hood of the power amp and take a jet of compressed air to it, outside. As dust is no good for components- same as a pc. Make sure you don't touch any of the large caps and the unit is unplugged before hand. If there is then the electrolytic caps might need replacing.

8000A

Do the same with this- ear to tweeter (When no music is playing). pop hood air duster outside. If your a dab with a soldering iron you can possibly repair the phono connectors yourself. Get them on Ebay, Maplin, RS Electronics, Farnell to name a few places. Caps are easy to replace too, need to make sure they are discharged before replacing. Like replacing a light bulb!  If you are uncomfortable with any of this then either Kevin or IAG (Audiolab) will sort you out. 

[nlanks]

Thanks for the reply QRIO.

I have noticed a buzzing, though this is mostly when volume is at. 12 o'clock when running the AV amp as processor through line in.

I thought this could be mains, so got hold of some second hand cheap mains products to have a play with. Not got round to it yet, will be next week prob.

Could this mean a service might be worthwhile, or is it to be expected at that volume setting?

[QRIO]

Originally Posted by nlanks

Thanks for the reply QRIO.

I have noticed a buzzing, though this is mostly when volume is at. 12 o'clock when running the AV amp as processor through line in.

Could this mean a service might be worthwhile, or is it to be expected at that volume setting?

Try disconnecting all inputs from amp, keep speakers connected. Try the 12 O'clock test described above. Is the buzzing in both channels? Does it vary? Or is a persistent buzz? I can't give exact advice unless I hear the amp. It can be a few things like mains noise, caps, MOSFET amps... Maybe better to get it looked over?

[Daviod Jackson]

Last month I gave my Audiolab DAC to Kevin as I has a hiss on the right speaker channel and he immediately advised me that the DAC would be the problem even though I had only contacted him by e-mail. After a couple of e-mail discussions I also decided at the same time to give him my Audiolab 8000P and PX ( I bi-amp to the speakers). I'd had these from new for about 10 years. He rebuilt the DAC card and PSU and upgraded the amps and adjusted the bias on all channels that were way out of where they should have been.

I dropped the equipment off on Wednesday evening and picked it uop on the following Friday morning (I live in Yorkshire but didn't want to risk damage using a courier). He'd cured the hiss and the resulting sound is improved and absolutely superb.

My advice is give your equipment to Kevin; it is far cheaper letting him upgrade/repair than it is to move to new kit.

I can't recommend the quality of his work and the value strongly enough. He is a superb guy to deal with; don't even think of going anywhere else with you Tag McLaren/Audiolab equipment.