Add Remote control to Audiolab 8000A amplifier

mikeos03

I use an Audiolab 8000A integrated amplifier (UK) which does not have a remote control. Is it possible to attach an external remote controlled volume control to this amplifier? Any advice appreciated.

Mike

oldcootstereo

Given the dearth of replies... This is a typical "niggle" issue when facing the upgrade-or-not conundrum.  Curious on why the need for a remote, I ran into this when I began using my stereo with the TV (mute ads), and to deal with the volume variations when using Shuffle in iTunes.  (I shut off the Soundcheck feature as it just sounded better without it.)  Besides, no need for a remote when you have to get up to change the record...

Few people with decent gear want to spend for a high-quality-equivalent preamp with remote to put in front of the an otherwise stellar amp section... but will any remote-control preamp or even integrated amp sound better than the 8000A?  Tough call.  

I was upgrading speakers/amp so needed a new integrated amp anyway, and most come with remotes these days.  

This is an advantage of computer/mobile digital music source, the volume can usually be remotely controlled from a wifi or bluetooth device (phone/tablet).

Hixs

                                                Amazon.com: MCM CUSTOM AUDIO 50-8394 LINE LEVEL VOLUME CONTROL IR REMOTE: Industrial & Scientific                                                                                                        Buy MCM CUSTOM AUDIO 50-8394 LINE LEVEL VOLUME CONTROL IR REMOTE: Remote Controls - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases                                                                                                                                                                                                        www.amazon.com                                                                               
Did a quick Google and this came up.

Timmy C

If you can live without tone controls and phono pre amp then you could sell it and buy this instead....

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Audiolab 8000S Stereo Integrated Amplifier UK Made Remote-Amazing Sound  | eBay                                                                                                        Full Working Order Except CD Input(one channel gone).                                                                                                                                                                                                        www.ebay.co.uk

oldcootstereo

Nice idea, not sure about the execution.  

From the comments on that Amazon link:
"EDIT, APRIL 2019: After spending more time with this product, I have found that it adds an occasional static noise into my audio -- it sounds like a static vibration that lasts for about two seconds and happens once every minute or two. It's not very noticeable unless the volume is turned up near the top. I'm not sure if I got a defective unit or if this is common."

This item requires the actual amp volume control be set to the maximum system volume your speakers (ears?) can tolerate... hopefully this circuit fails to minimum volume, not maximum, otherwise it may fail giving WFO power to the speakers.  

A lot of reviews were good, but the 1-2 star reviews raised some quality control issues.

mikeos03

well I can't, but appreciate the reply.

mikeos03

interesting, thanks.

BlueWizard

Sorry to be ignorant on this issue, but did the 8000A ever have a Remote Control or Remote Control Capability?

If it never had a remote control, then likely their is not much you can do about it. The MCM IR Remote linked by someone else, has ONE Input and ONE Output, which means it will only work on one input channel. For example, it can be put in the CD Input Line but it won't effect any other Inputs. And by One Input, of course I mean one Input Pair (left/right). If you only use one input, that probably will work, but if you have multiple inputs, no so much.

If the 8000A has a Remote Control but it is lost or broken, then likely a Universal Remote will solve the problem.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Logitech Harmony 350 for Universal Control of Up To 8: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics                                                                                                        Free delivery and returns on eligible orders. Buy Logitech Harmony 350 for Universal Control of Up To 8 Entertainment Devices ( Renewed ) at Amazon UK.                                                                                                                                                                                                        www.amazon.co.uk                                                                               
I am generally familiar with AudioLab being quality products but the specifics related to the absents or presents of Remote Capability escapes me on older models.

Steve/bluewizard

mikeos03

I see, thanks. No the Audiolab 800 never had a remote. I did consider "upgrading" to a later Audiolab which would have a remote, but later versions do not have all the user funcionality I require. One, for example, did not have a phono input and a later version restored the phono but omitted the tape loop facility which was one reason  I originally bought the 8000A. Other tha the absence of remote I'l more than happy with the 8000. Seems I'm stuck with it as it is!