Audiolab 8200DQ

The Audiolab 8200DQ is still regarded as one of Audiolab’s most respected DAC/preamp units from the early 2010s. It combines a high-end DAC, analogue preamp, headphone amp, and balanced outputs in one chassis. Even today, many audiophiles still keep it in secondary or even main systems because of its strong analogue stage and musical sound quality.

Here’s why the 8200DQ became popular:

Key strengths
ESS Sabre32 9018 DAC chip
Fully balanced Class A output stage
XLR balanced outputs
Asynchronous USB input
7 selectable digital filters
Built-in headphone amp
Can work as:
DAC only
Digital preamp
Analogue preamp
Headphone amp

It was designed by John Westlake, who was well known in DAC engineering circles. Audiolab put serious effort into the power supply and analogue section, not just the DAC chip itself.

Condition: Working condition (8/10 due to age)
Meet up KL/PJ to COD
Package come with standard power cable and remote