AUDIOLAB 6000A

Second-hand. In excellent conditions. Free from obvious signs of wear. Comes with remote control, manual, and original packaging.

The Audiolab 6000A is an integrated amplifier designed by Jan Ertner, a leading figure in hi-fi audio and the mastermind behind successful models such as the 8300A. This device builds upon and improves the technical solutions of its predecessor, integrating high-quality digital circuitry that elevates the sound experience to new levels. Its design is simple yet refined, featuring rotary controls and a large central OLED display.

In terms of connectivity, the 6000A stands out for its versatility, offering four digital S/PDIF inputs (two coaxial and two optical), three analog line-level inputs, a dedicated phono input for turntables, and wireless Bluetooth connectivity. It also includes a high-quality headphone amplifier designed to deliver dynamic and detailed performance with any headphone model. The digital section is based on the renowned ESS Sabre ES9018 chip, known for its 32-bit HyperStream architecture and time-domain jitter elimination, ensuring a clean and detailed digital signal. Complementing the DAC section is a Class A active filter, specially developed by Ertner and his team, using carefully selected components for maximum synergy and sonic transparency.

The amplifier delivers 50 watts per channel into eight ohms, with a maximum current of 9 amperes, thanks to a discrete Class AB power amplification section employing a complementary feedback topology to ensure linearity and thermal stability even with demanding loads. The digital inputs support PCM signals up to 24-bit/192 kHz and allow the user to select among three digital filters (Fast Roll-Off, Slow Roll-Off, Minimum Phase) to optimize performance depending on the file type and connected system.

Particular attention is given to vinyl enthusiasts: the 6000A integrates a dedicated phono preamplifier for moving magnet cartridges, built with a low-noise JFET circuit and precise RIAA equalization to enhance the quality of analog records. For headphone listeners, the amplifier offers a current-feedback circuit with a wide gain bandwidth and high slew rate, ensuring a detailed and engaging playback.

One of the most appreciated features is its ability to operate in three distinct modes: the “Integrated” mode combines preamplification and power amplification, allowing direct connection of digital and analog sources and driving speakers; the “Pre-Power” mode separates these stages, enabling the 6000A to be used as a power amplifier, ideal for home theater systems or setups with additional processors; finally, the “Pre” mode disables the power amplifier section, transforming the unit into a standalone preamplifier, opening the door for upgrades with dedicated power amplifiers.

The resulting sound is both engaging and refined: the musical stage is wide and deep, with clear details revealing the quality of voices and instruments. The dynamics are impressive and the transient handling maintains rhythm and energy, making every listening session lively and natural. The tonal balance is even, with deep, well-defined bass, warm and expressive mids, and sweet yet crystal-clear highs. This makes the Audiolab 6000A suitable for a wide range of music genres, from rock to electronic, jazz to classical, delivering faithful and passionate musical reproduction.

Technical specifications:

• Maximum gain: +8 dB (Line); +55 dB (Phono MM)
• Input sensitivity: 720 mV (Line, Volume = 0 dB); 3.1 mV (Phono MM, Volume = 0 dB)
• Input impedance: 10 kΩ (Line); 47 kΩ // 100 pF (Phono MM)
• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): < 0.0004% (Line, 1 kHz @ 2 V, Volume = 0 dB)
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (+/- 0.1 dB)
• Output voltage: max 2.3 V (Volume = 0 dB)
• Output impedance: 120 Ω
• Signal-to-noise ratio (S/N): > 110 dB (Line, A-weighted); > 76 dB (Phono MM, A-weighted)

DAC

• D/A converter: ES9018K2M
• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): < 0.0006% (1 kHz @ 0 dBFS)
• Output level (0 dBFS, 1 kHz): 2.05 V
• Maximum sampling frequency: 192 kHz
• Signal-to-noise ratio (S/N): > 112 dB (A-weighted)
• Digital filters: Fast Roll-off, Slow Roll-off, Minimum Phase

Power amplifier section

• Gain: +29 dB
• Rated max power output: 2 x 50 W (8 Ω, THD < 1%); 2 x 75 W (4 Ω, THD < 1%)
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (+/- 0.3 dB)
• Input sensitivity: 720 mV
• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): < 0.003% (1 kHz @ 40 W / 8 Ω)
• Signal-to-noise ratio (S/N): > 110 dB (A-weighted)
• Max output current: 9 A

Headphone amplifier

• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): < 0.01% (1 kHz, 50 mW)
• Output impedance: 2.35 Ω
• Supported load impedance: 20 – 600 Ω

General

• Standby power consumption: < 0.5 W
• Power supply: 240 V ~ 50-60 Hz; 230 V ~ 50-60 Hz; 115 V ~ 50-60 Hz; 100 V ~ 50-60 Hz
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 445 x 65.5 x 300 mm
• Net weight: 7.8 kg