Audiolab 6000A MKII Stereo Integrated Amp / Bluetooth DAC (Black)

6000A MKII Building on the legacy of the award-winning 6000A, the Audiolab 6000A MKII introduces key advancements inspired by the flagship 9000A and versatile 7000A models. With refined circuitry and enhanced performance, it continues Audiolab’s tradition of delivering exceptional sound at an accessible price point—perfect for audiophiles seeking high-quality audio from a brand with over 40 years of innovation Prior to September 2018, the model of reference for the audiolab brand was naturally the illustrious 8000A. Yet, back in 2018, Audiolab rewrote the history book with the announcement of the 6000A – the most inexpensive model in a 40+ year history of the Great British brand. The 6000A earned What Hi-Fi? Five-Star status, Hi-Fi News Outstanding Product recognition, Hi-Fi Choice Editor’s Choice, and became a staple for thousands of new audiophiles entering the world of high-quality sound. Since the 6000A inception – a design project that commenced in 2016 – the Audiolab brand’s evolution has been thick and fast. In recent times, award-winning models have been introduced in the digital music playback sources and integrated amplifier domains. Models like the 9000CDT, 9000N, 7000CDT, 7000N Play, 9000A, and 7000A have showcased Audiolab’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance at a variety of price points. A Step Forward in Every Aspect The 6000A MKII preserves the original’s position as an accessible yet remarkable “step-up” amplifier, perfect for entry-level audiophiles but with significant upgrades in sound and features. Visually, the MKII mirrors its predecessor, maintaining seamless integration with existing 6000, 7000, and 9000 series components. Key Enhancements Improved Power Supply and Transformer The Audiolab 6000A MKII uses an improved transformer and implementation. Increased voltage delivered from the transformer secondary windings, and reduced impedance for better control of the power supply voltage. The effect of this is a typically Audiolab sound signature – remarkable sonic consistency that is thoroughly engaging with crisp definition, incredible dynamics, and rhythmic timing. A substantial 200VA toroidal transformer is followed by 4 x 15000uF reservoir capacitors for the power-amp power supply (30000uF per rail). This helps the amp to maintain firm control of the music, whilst enabling excellent dynamic range. Advanced DAC Technology Audiolab have elevated the DAC performance with the new ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M chipset, an upgrade from the original 6000A’s ES9018. This flagship DAC supports 32-bit/768kHz PCM and incorporates HyperStream® II architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator for ultra-low noise and exceptional dynamic range. Building on the DAC design from the 7000A, the MKII also benefits from a new Class A circuit in the post-DAC active filter stage, offering a more refined listening experience. Expanded Connectivity Then, there’s the connectivity: the state-of-the-art digital-to-analogue signal conversion enables the four S/PDIF inputs and new HDMI ARC input for convenient AV system integration – a key area of improvement over the original model and new ‘must’ for a growing number of modern audiophiles. Then there’s a step up to a Bluetooth 5.1 aptX HD receiver. for optimum range, speed and performance when streaming over Bluetooth connection. Class AB Amplification: Audiophile Pedigree Unlike the growing trend of Class D amplifiers offered by competitors at this price point, the 6000A MKII stays true to Audiolab’s audiophile heritage with a Class AB power amplifier. The amplifier delivers 50W per channel, with a peak current delivery of 11 amps into difficult loads. The amplifier’s CFB (Complementary Feedback) topology ensures superior linearity and thermal stability, keeping the idle current independent of output transistor temperatures. Signal Purity and Flexibility The preamp section of the 6000A MKII continues Audiolab’s philosophy of minimalism for maximum signal purity. The precision analogue volume control and independent low-noise power supplies ensure a performance that competes with significantly more expensive analogue amplifiers. Other inputs continue to extend to analogue RCA and a phono stage with a dedicated high-quality, low-noise circuit with precise RIAA equalization. Not to mention the now-Audiolab standard dedicated headphone amp also with current-feedback circuitry. Its gain bandwidth and high slew rate ensure a dynamic, detailed and engaging performance with all manner of headphone types – more boxes ticked for this most integrated of integrated amplifiers. Multi-Functional Operation Modes The multifunctional operation modes are implemented as standard too: ‘Integrated’ – a combination of the pre and power amp stages. ‘Pre’ – which turns the unit into a dedicated preamplifier. And ‘Pre Power’ mode: a unique mode that separates the pre and power stages: ‘Pre-Power Mode’ disconnects the pre and power amp stages so the 6000A MKII can be used solely as a power amp—for example, connected to an AV processor in a home cinema system. It also enables additional signal processing by connecting the 6000A’s ‘preamp out’ socket to an external processor and returning the processor’s output to the amp’s ‘power amp in’ socket. General Description Integrated Amplifier Design Philosophy and Core Technology 2x50W (8 ohms) / 2×75 (4 ohms) Class AB Design ES9038Q2M 32-bit DAC Bluetooth 5.1 (aptX / aptX HD) Dedicated High Performance Low Noise MM Phono stage Dedicated Current-Feedback Headphone Amp Integrated / Pre-Power / Pre Modes only Modes Inputs 3 x Analogue, 1 x Phono (MM), 1 x Power Amplifier, 2 x SPDIF (Coax), 2 x SPDIF (Optical), 1 x HDMI ARC, 1 x Bluetooth (aptX / aptX HD), 1 x 12V Trigger Outputs 1 x PRE Amplifier, 1 x Stereo Speaker, 1 x Headphone, 1 x 12V Trigger Sampling Frequency Optical / Coaxial: 44.1kHz-192kHz Preamplifier Section Gain +8dB (Line); +54dB (Phono MM) Input Sensitivity 720mV (Line, Volume = 0dB); 3.1mV (Phone MM, Volume = 0dB) Input impedance 10K (Line); 47k/100pF (Phono MM) Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) <0.0004% (1kHz @ 2V, Volume = 0dB) Frequency Response 20Hz-20kHz (+/-0.1dB) Output Voltage 2.3V max. (Volume = 0dB) Output Impedance 120 ohms Signal-to-Noise Ratio >110dB (Line, A-weighted); > 79dB (Phono MM, A-weighted) DAC D to A Converter ES9038Q2M Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) <0.001% (1KHz @ 0dBFS) Output Level (OdBFS, 1kHz) 2.05Vrms Max.Sampling Frequency Optical, Coaxial: 192kHz; Signal-to-Noise Ratio (S/N) >116dB (A-weighted) Power Amplifier Section Gain +29dB Rated Power Output 2 x 50W (8 ohms, THD<1%); 2 x 75W (4 ohms, THD<1%) Frequency Response 20Hz-20kHz (+/-0.3dB) Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) Input Sensitivity <0.003% (1kHz @ 50W / 8 ohms) 720mV Signal-to-Noise Ratio (S/N) >109dB (A-weighted) Max. Output Current 11A