I have recently replaced my old Arcam Delta CD player and Aura VA-100 integrated amplifier with an Audiolab 8000 cd player and an Audiolab 8000S integrated amplifier. First I replaced the CD player and the difference was definetely noticeable, when I replaced the Aura though, the difference was barely audible (only in some CDs)and I noticed that I have to turn the volume control much higher to get the same level of sound from my B&W 620 floorstanding speakers, than when I used the Aura amp, despite the fact that the Audiolab is supposed to be more powerful in terms of current. Is it because the amp is still new? Any ideas why this is happening? I would also appreciate any advice on a worthy replacement of the B&Ws. Thanks a lot in advance.

It's likely that the input sensitivity is higher on the Aura than it is on the Audiolab. It doesn't mean that the Audiolab is not more powerful.

A newer amp with more power does not automatically lead to better sound. It may be that your Aura is a better amp. Also, wattage isn't the whole story. Current is a significant factor too. If you think the Aura sounds better, sell the Audiolab. I remember the Aura - It's a good amp. Transistor and valve amplifier technology hasn't really moved on in the last few decades (although digital amps have).

One other thing to bear in mind is that when you get a new component, you do have to acclimatise to it. Running in is something that the listener does as well as the component and it can take a while to get used to what you've just bought.

Thanks for the advice Christopher. I can't sell the Audiolab though. I had been trying for some months to get my wife to agree to this "upgrading", if I sell it she will kill me!
I suppose I will have to acclimatize to it as you say.
I would appreciate any tips on suitable speakers. Thanks alot again.

How much did the B&W 620 cost when new? I'd think in terms of an equivalent amount of money and then add 30-50%. Speaker technology has also not really moved on so if you just buy something equivalent to what you have, you won't get an improvement.

It's remarkable how little progress generally has been made in hifi. It has got cheaper but older, classic kit is still good.

The Audiolab is pretty powerful so you shouln't have matching problems.

I heard a really nice Audiolab 8000/Sonus Faber demo recently. That might be an interesting mix to look at. Sonus also have high WAF.