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
French premium car maker DS Automobiles has expanded its partnership with high-end audio specialist Focal by bringing the Electra 3D by Focal sound system to the all-new DS N°7 SUV. Making its debut in DS’s latest compact luxury model, the installation builds on tech first seen in the larger DS N°8 and combines a 690W…
Disney is bringing a touch of magic to Silverstone as the British Grand Prix becomes the European stage for its Disney x Formula 1 ‘Fuel the Magic’ campaign. The partnership between two of the world’s biggest entertainment brands will see Disney transforming parts of Silverstone and central London, through a programme of live events and…
Mount Gay has introduced two ultra‑mature rums designed to showcase the distillery’s long tradition of tropical ageing in Barbados. The Exceptionally Aged collection, aged 15 and 25 years respectively, have been distilled, matured, blended and bottled entirely at the distillery’s home in St. Lucy, and offer an intriguing opportunity to explore how the challenging Barbadian…
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
Luxury DS N°7 SUV arrives with immersive 14 speaker 690W Focal Electra 3D sound system
French premium car maker DS Automobiles has expanded its partnership with high-end audio specialist Focal by bringing the Electra 3D by Focal sound system to the all-new DS N°7 SUV. Making its debut in DS’s latest compact luxury model, the installation builds on tech first seen in the larger DS N°8 and combines a 690W…
Disney x Formula 1 race towards Silverstone Grand Prix with massive merch drop
Disney is bringing a touch of magic to Silverstone as the British Grand Prix becomes the European stage for its Disney x Formula 1 ‘Fuel the Magic’ campaign. The partnership between two of the world’s biggest entertainment brands will see Disney transforming parts of Silverstone and central London, through a programme of live events and…
Mount Gay celebrates tropical ageing with Exceptionally Aged Collection 15 and 25 Year Old rums
Mount Gay has introduced two ultra‑mature rums designed to showcase the distillery’s long tradition of tropical ageing in Barbados. The Exceptionally Aged collection, aged 15 and 25 years respectively, have been distilled, matured, blended and bottled entirely at the distillery’s home in St. Lucy, and offer an intriguing opportunity to explore how the challenging Barbadian…
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