Home > Other Good Stuff > Equipment Upgrades > Amplifier Upgrades > Audiolab 8300XP Amplifier Upgrade
Audiolab 8300XP Amplifier Upgrade
Why do we upgrade equipment?
Almost any Hi-Fi component can be upgraded to higher performance using our techniques and components. The two things go together – the know-how and the right component. Over the last 25 plus years, we have developed our knowledge of where the biggest problems lie and how to overcome them to unleash better performance from a given piece of equipment.
Audiolab 8300XP Power Amplifier Upgrade
The 8300XP is a classic audiolab stereo power amplifier, focusing on sound rather than a flashy exterior. Delivering 140W per channel into 8 Ohms, the 8300XP is extremely versatile and capable of driving pretty much any loudspeaker with audiolab’s class-leading sound.
Excellent build quality and reliability ensure that this is a power amp for all seasons, its versatility increased by a choice of balanced XLR and single-ended RCA inputs, bi-wire speaker terminals. In stock form the 8300XP has well-chosen components and very good power and signal wiring. Flexibility is further enhanced by the ability to add a second 8300XP and operate in bridged mode, thus increasing the power output to 480W per channel into 8 Ohms.
With a good budget and wanting to get the best out of this amp, we carefully picked parts and elements of the amp that would maximise the upgrade for the customer and get the best out of it. It is now a truly unique amplifier and in our opinion, the upgrade elevates its performance way beyond the combined amplifier cost and upgrade cost.
The upgrade builds on the strengths of the amplifier. Everything you love about the sound remains – it just gets so much better.
Component Upgrades
Over 65 significant upgrades/changes are made across the power supply, analogue circuitry and output sockets. We use Russ's favoured audio grade Panasonic capacitors which give a smooth and detailed sound.
The amplifier is completely disassembled and cleaned to gain access to key areas of upgrade. Post upgrade, the unit is then soak tested for 24 hours.
51 Panasonic audiograde capacitors are used throughout.
Why Panasonic? We have extensively tested not just electrically, but also by listening. We have developed a simple but clever jig that allows to listen to the 'sound' of a capacitor or resistor in the same way that you might test an interconnect. This specific range from Panasonic came out on top for detail, clarity and smoothness.
The 8300XP utilises 8 reservoir capacitors to help deliver instantaneous power for increased dynamic range. A big part of the amps sound is down to these caps, so these had to be upgraded. As good as the originals are, the new DNM Slitfoil 10000uF caps we fitted are the best we’ve ever heard.
'S' is for SuperFuse and Silencer
The 8300XP features four internal fuses which are a bit difficult to access, so it makes sense to have those upgraded to our SuperFuse while we have the amplifier disassembled.
Our Silencer mains filter is also fitted to the mains input ensuring clean power is delivered pre transformer.
Binding posts
All eight binding posts were changed. We fit our high performance, nickel plated binding posts which allows the connection of speaker cable terminated with bare wire, 4mm bananas or 6mm spades.
Phono/RCA Inputs
Where possible, we will endeavour to improve every aspect of a component and that includes critical contact points such as the binding posts (see above) but also the RCA sockets. We have chosen to fit the excellent WBT-0210Cu RCA sockets for the input. Expect increased clarity and detail from these.
Internal wiring
Internal wiring is taken care of with Kimber TCX Hyper-pure VariStrand™ copper. A thick (15 AWG), stranded copper, Teflon insulated wire perfect for use in high current situations such as mains voltages and internal wiring for loudspeakers.
Different Model?
If you don't have exactly the same model as listed above, but a very similar unit, then it's highly likely that the same upgrades will apply. But we can't guarantee that until we have the unit here for inspection.
How the service works
Equipment upgrades are proving hugely popular. During peak times there may be a wait of several weeks before we can carry out the upgrade. So before we get your equipment here, it must be booked in so we can ensure a speedy turnaround of the upgrade. Once you have placed your order, we will contact you to arrange a suitable week and getting the equipment here.
In Person
For those of you who are local enough or if you fancy a trip to the lakes, you can drop off your equipment personally and then collect it when it’s complete or we can ship it back to you.
By Courier
We can arrange a courier collection of your equipment for an additional cost. We currently use UPS.
To make things easier, we can offer several collection options.
1. We can arrange a specific day for the courier to call and collect your equipment. Someone will need to be available all day at the collection address as we’re unable to arrange a time slot for collections.
2. Dropping off at a UPS Access Point. UPS use a network of local shops to deliver and collect parcels from and to. We can either post you a collection label or email you the label (you will need to print the label at home/work). Securely box up your equipment, affix the collection label to the outside of the box and take it to your preferred Access Point where you will be issued a receipt. UPS Access Points can be found here (link opens in a new window), simply enter you postcode to find your nearest one.
Please note this is just an upgrade modification, it does not include the Audiolab 8300XP Amplifier.
