New addition to my home cinema set up:

[jon_s]

We have been spending again today:

1x Audiolab 8000-P Power Amp
http://www.audiolab.co.uk/model.php?id=3
http://www.audiolab.co.uk/downloads/...0%20Series.pdf
1x Kef iQ5 Speakers
1x Merlin Black Widow IEC Mains Cable for the Plasma TV

Our 'Zone 2' was on the hit list of 'to be done soon'. Not it has!

We have a temporary CD player which is more than a few years old currently standing in until we decide to get the Audiolab 8000-CD (which is a further £600). The speakers have been ordered and will be with us shortly.

The Power Amp up and running through some old speakers.

I have not given it any grief yet, as I am putting the amp through it's burn in period.

For those who are not aware, the Audiolab 8000 is the old Tag McLaren stuff. Have a read of the review to understand further.


Pics:





The speakers will look like this but in a darker wood:




And the old CD:

[Toronto]

why arn't you usings phono man... it would sound amazing.

[jon_s]

Explain? I have not quite followed you?

[TransAm]

I think he means phono (RCA) plugs? Banana-type speaker cable? I dunno TBH

Jon, what is the advantage of that black widow power cable for the Plasma? I need a UK mains lead for my Plasma sometime in the next 6-12 months so rather than buy the Sony one...

[jon_s]

Umm, they can probably explain better that me:

"Mains cables and blocks that actually combat background noise resulting in a dramatic reduction in high-frequency distortion and listener-fatigue, most notably at higher sound pressure levels. The improvements across the whole audio spectrum can be exemplified by an enhancement in clarity and projection of the mid-band, giving greater agility in associated bass performance."

http://www.merlincables.com/mainSt.htm

In terms of the TV, it cleared up a kind of fine 'noise mask' that was due to electrical interference. It also retalis at £85!! I should just note that my local shop put a 60% discount on it as we are good customers.


As for the 'phono' reference. The speakers are bi-wired. I have those banana type plugs, so I am a little confused - the picture of the speakers is only an example....not mine

[TransAm]

Hmm, I think I will see if I have interference in the UK first then lol

[Toronto]

phono means = phonograph the best type of audio source.
CD's suck in audio quality, and dvd's suck even more...

[DeanGTI]

loving the state of the art, top of the range cd player

[jon_s]

Ahh, phono may happen, but not yet.

And Dean....SHUT IT! - I could always try and photoshop the 8000-CD in

[dutchmasterflex]

Yeah definitely get your hands on a nice turntable and some records..

Those speakers are nice.. aluminum cones?

[jon_s]

Indeed they are 8)

I am loving the new set up. I am currently in the spare sitting room (zone 2) on the tinternet through the new laptop 8)


Even though I am using old AR speakers at low volume, the amp has gven them a whole new lease of life. The new Kef iQ5 speakers should sound awsome!!