For over half a decade, Audiolab’s 6000A has set a benchmark for entry-level integrated amplifiers, delivering an exceptional balance of sonic performance, versatility, and affordability.
Now, with the launch of the 6000A MkII, Audiolab has updated its best-seller, incorporating technology from its upmarket 7000 and 9000 series, with the aim of enhancing every aspect of the listening experience, all while maintaining its accessible price point.
Since its debut in 2018, the original 6000A has been a staple in the Audiolab line-up, praised for its rich, detailed sound and comprehensive connectivity options. Over the years, its stablemates have introduced higher-end innovations, so the time was ripe for the 6000A to receive an upgrade, in order to reaffirm its status as the go-to amplifier for Audiolab buyers seeking premium sound without breaking the bank.
The time was ripe for the 6000A to receive an upgrade, in order to reaffirm its status as the go-to amplifier for Audiolab buyers…
Audiolab 6000A MkII amplifier features and performance
While the exterior remains unchanged, witness the same minimalist chassis, intuitive controls, and OLED display, the real MkII transformation occurs under the hood. Significant upgrades to the DAC, power supply, phono stage, and the addition of HDMI ARC, elevate the 6000A MkII’s performance and open up new functionality.
One of the most notable improvements is said to be the integration of the ES9038Q2M DAC chip, replacing the older ES9018K2M. This high-spec 32-bit Sabre DAC, also used in the step-up 7000A, delivers superior signal conversion with ultra-low noise and higher dynamic range.
Audiolab has paired this with a Class A post-DAC filter circuit to extract every ounce of performance from the chip, ensuring an incredibly clean and detailed sound signature.
The 6000A MkII retains the 2x 50W (into 8 ohms) amplification of its predecessor but upgrades the power supply, for improved control, dynamic range, and transient response.
Recognising the resurgence of vinyl, Audiolab has also refined the moving magnet (MM) phono stage to ensure high-definition, low-noise playback. With precise RIAA equalisation and input filtering, the MkII treats vinyl with as much sonic care as digital sources, delivering a luxurious analogue experience.
Additionally, there’s four digital audio inputs (split between optical and coaxial), and three stereo RCA analogue line level inputs. There’s also a USB Type A for firmware updates.
Perhaps most significantly, the 6000A MkII now includes an HDMI ARC connection. This allows users to connect their TV via a single HDMI cable, transforming the amplifier into a superior alternative to a traditional soundbar. Owners can also control power and volume with their TV remote, making it an intuitive and high-fidelity upgrade for movie and gaming enthusiasts.
The MkII also features an upgraded Bluetooth 5 module with support for multiple codecs, including aptX HD. This ensures a more stable connection, improved range, and high-resolution wireless audio transmission, ideal for those streaming from smartphones and tablets.
Despite these extensive upgrades, the 6000A MkII remains impressively affordable.
Priced at just £699, a mere £50 more than its predecessor, the Audiolab 6000A MkII amplifier is available from April in both silver and black finishes
Technics has unveiled the SL-1210MKX, a new upper-tier professional direct-drive DJ turntable that builds on more than five decades of SL-1200 heritage. Positioned above the current SL-1210MK7, the newcomer has been developed with input from working DJs and sound engineers, with a focus on stability, precision and creative flexibility. The launch comes as vinyl remains…
One of the more intrigung new whiskies to launch this month is Cù Bòcan Creation #9. The product of American virgin oak and Manzanilla sherry casks, it’s a sweet and sour treat notable both for its flavour profile and affordability. But what’s the deal with Cù Bòcan and the distillery behind the label? It turns…
Pusser’s Rum is bringing its founding recipe back to life with a limited-edition bottling inspired by the extraordinary story of its founder, Charles Tobias. The new Pusser’s Rum Founder’s Reserve Limited Edition meticulously recreates the first rum blended by Tobias in 1979, the recipe that helped establish the brand’s reputation for characterful Caribbean rum. Founder’s…
For over half a decade, Audiolab’s 6000A has set a benchmark for entry-level integrated amplifiers, delivering an exceptional balance of sonic performance, versatility, and affordability.
Now, with the launch of the 6000A MkII, Audiolab has updated its best-seller, incorporating technology from its upmarket 7000 and 9000 series, with the aim of enhancing every aspect of the listening experience, all while maintaining its accessible price point.
Since its debut in 2018, the original 6000A has been a staple in the Audiolab line-up, praised for its rich, detailed sound and comprehensive connectivity options. Over the years, its stablemates have introduced higher-end innovations, so the time was ripe for the 6000A to receive an upgrade, in order to reaffirm its status as the go-to amplifier for Audiolab buyers seeking premium sound without breaking the bank.
Audiolab 6000A MkII amplifier features and performance
While the exterior remains unchanged, witness the same minimalist chassis, intuitive controls, and OLED display, the real MkII transformation occurs under the hood. Significant upgrades to the DAC, power supply, phono stage, and the addition of HDMI ARC, elevate the 6000A MkII’s performance and open up new functionality.
One of the most notable improvements is said to be the integration of the ES9038Q2M DAC chip, replacing the older ES9018K2M. This high-spec 32-bit Sabre DAC, also used in the step-up 7000A, delivers superior signal conversion with ultra-low noise and higher dynamic range.
Audiolab has paired this with a Class A post-DAC filter circuit to extract every ounce of performance from the chip, ensuring an incredibly clean and detailed sound signature.
The 6000A MkII retains the 2x 50W (into 8 ohms) amplification of its predecessor but upgrades the power supply, for improved control, dynamic range, and transient response.
Recognising the resurgence of vinyl, Audiolab has also refined the moving magnet (MM) phono stage to ensure high-definition, low-noise playback. With precise RIAA equalisation and input filtering, the MkII treats vinyl with as much sonic care as digital sources, delivering a luxurious analogue experience.
Additionally, there’s four digital audio inputs (split between optical and coaxial), and three stereo RCA analogue line level inputs. There’s also a USB Type A for firmware updates.
Perhaps most significantly, the 6000A MkII now includes an HDMI ARC connection. This allows users to connect their TV via a single HDMI cable, transforming the amplifier into a superior alternative to a traditional soundbar. Owners can also control power and volume with their TV remote, making it an intuitive and high-fidelity upgrade for movie and gaming enthusiasts.
The MkII also features an upgraded Bluetooth 5 module with support for multiple codecs, including aptX HD. This ensures a more stable connection, improved range, and high-resolution wireless audio transmission, ideal for those streaming from smartphones and tablets.
Despite these extensive upgrades, the 6000A MkII remains impressively affordable.
Priced at just £699, a mere £50 more than its predecessor, the Audiolab 6000A MkII amplifier is available from April in both silver and black finishes
In vinyl we trust: Technics unveils flagship SL-1210MKX professional DJ turntable
Technics has unveiled the SL-1210MKX, a new upper-tier professional direct-drive DJ turntable that builds on more than five decades of SL-1200 heritage. Positioned above the current SL-1210MK7, the newcomer has been developed with input from working DJs and sound engineers, with a focus on stability, precision and creative flexibility. The launch comes as vinyl remains…
Ghost Dog Vs distillery: The story behind Cù Bòcan, Tomatin’s experimental Highland spirit
One of the more intrigung new whiskies to launch this month is Cù Bòcan Creation #9. The product of American virgin oak and Manzanilla sherry casks, it’s a sweet and sour treat notable both for its flavour profile and affordability. But what’s the deal with Cù Bòcan and the distillery behind the label? It turns…
Pusser’s Rum revives its original 1979 blend with limited edition Founder’s Reserve
Pusser’s Rum is bringing its founding recipe back to life with a limited-edition bottling inspired by the extraordinary story of its founder, Charles Tobias. The new Pusser’s Rum Founder’s Reserve Limited Edition meticulously recreates the first rum blended by Tobias in 1979, the recipe that helped establish the brand’s reputation for characterful Caribbean rum. Founder’s…
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