A Brief History of

Audiolab

 

Audiolab was originally conceived by two students, Philip Swift and Derek Scotland of the Imperial College. They both had a love of music and Hi-Fi and had decided to start their own brand after they felt that other manufacturers had too high a price, as well as finding operating their equipment too complicated for a vast amount of consumers in the Hi-Fi sector.

Audiolab became desired almost overnight because of their unique looks that promoted superb style and effortless functionality. Their first system consisted of the 8000C Preamplifier and the 8000P Power Amplifier. Swift & Scotland’s reputation grew because of the solid build, superb sound and the unique looks – allowing the group to expand to manufacture their own CD players, DACs, transports and radio tuners.

Audiolab 8200CDQ

As time went on, Audiolab was taken on by TAG McLaren. Sadly, in 2003, TAG McLaren Audio had financial problems from an economic slump of the early 2000s, causing Audiolab to be bought by the International Audio Group of Shenzen, China – a group who had acquired other reputable names, such as Mission and Wharfedale, to name only but a few. But, in 2005, a budding designer called Nick Clarke took the brand name back to the original look and feel of the legendary 8000C and 8000P. However, for today’s market, the 8000P and C now go by the names of the 8200 series. The 8200 series features the 8200CDQ pre-amp & CD combination, along with the 8200P Power Amplifier. Other new designs include the 8200A Integrated Amplifier and the 8200MB Mono Block Amplifier.

Audiolab 8200 A Integrated Amplifer

With updated designs like these, the world of traditional Hi-Fi is now able to function with USB and other digital-based applications or components. Let’s hope that they continue to strive in their revival as a premium, but affordable, manufacturer of quality components.

Tom Parker,

Sales & Website Admin