2. digital
  3. 1291654574

Audiolab 8200cd and dac

Hi,

Could anyone share their perspectives on the latest audiolab 8200cd? The reviews have been glowing, it can operate as cd and dac, and it comes with the ess dac chip.

The price seem very reasonable too at about $1100.

How does it compare with sacs like w4s dac1 or benchmark?

Thanks!!

JF
mizuno
elberoth2's avatar
elberoth2
1,219 posts
 
Yes, dCS is far superior. But you have to put that into perspective - Audiolab costs only ~ $1000 (not sure of US pricing).

For the money, Audiolab is excellent IMO.
dsholl1
76 posts
 
Is it a warm sounding player?
elberoth2's avatar
elberoth2
1,219 posts
 
I would say it is fairly neutral. Sounds warmer than my dCS Puccini for sure, which I find a bit cold/sterile sounding.
rick_tar
3 posts
 
I just picked up the 8200CD, the hi-res 24/96 stuff is sounding great, love the filters esp. Optimal Spectrum. Way better sounding for the $ than Benchmark USB, which I found too sterile. 8200CD has all the snap and clarity I look for, with way more connectivity options than the competition.
gmsasso
31 posts
 
I just got the 8200 CD yesterday, listened to CD's last night and hooked up to files on PC-USB today. I am really impressed with the sound and the features, especially the filters. Had been running a MF V-DAC with upgrade power supply but didn't use it because the sound was thin, uninvolving, almost tinny.

Very happy with the 8200 so far. Looks good, sounds good, very nice price.
More to discover