AUDIOLAB 6000A MK II

The Audiolab 6000A MKII is the natural evolution of one of the brand’s most acclaimed models, the celebrated 6000A, itself the successor to the iconic 8000A. With this updated version, Audiolab introduces a series of technical enhancements inspired by higher-end models such as the 9000A and 7000A, reaffirming its mission to deliver true hi-fi performance at an accessible price. Aesthetically faithful to the original design, the 6000A MKII maintains visual and functional consistency with other components in the 6000, 7000, and 9000 series, ensuring seamless integration into any system.

At the heart of the amplifier lies a Class AB design—going against the grain of the increasing prevalence of Class D models in the same price range. The power stage delivers 50 watts per channel, with peak current delivery of up to 11 amps, ensuring stable control even with demanding speaker loads. The Complementary Feedback (CFB) topology guarantees superior linearity and constant thermal stability, offering a precise and distortion-free listening experience even at higher volumes. The preamplifier section follows Audiolab’s minimalist philosophy, with a precision analogue volume control and independent low-noise power supplies to ensure maximum signal purity.

Another major strength lies in the upgraded digital-to-analog conversion section, now featuring the ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M DAC, capable of handling PCM signals up to 32-bit / 768kHz. This implementation leverages HyperStream II architecture and the Time Domain Jitter Eliminator to achieve outstanding dynamic range and ultra-low noise levels. The conversion quality is further enhanced by a new post-DAC Class A stage—already adopted in the 7000A—which adds refinement and naturalness to the sound reproduction.

Versatility is another defining trait of the 6000A MKII. Among the digital inputs, the addition of HDMI ARC stands out, allowing for more straightforward integration with AV systems. It is complemented by four S/PDIF inputs and a Bluetooth 5.1 receiver with aptX HD support, ensuring high-quality wireless streaming without compromise. On the analog side, in addition to standard RCA inputs, there is a high-performance MM phono input with a dedicated low-noise circuit and precise RIAA equalisation, along with a preamp output and a power amp input that allow for extensive configuration flexibility. The headphone section is also carefully engineered, using a current-feedback circuit with wide bandwidth and fast response, delivering dynamic and detailed playback for all headphone types.

The 6000A MKII also offers three operational modes that further enhance its flexibility: "Integrated" mode, combining pre and power stages into a single signal path; "Pre" mode for use as a dedicated preamplifier; and "Pre-Power" mode, which decouples the pre and power stages, enabling integration into home cinema systems or use with external processors for advanced signal handling.

With this model, Audiolab continues to strengthen its reputation as a manufacturer focused on sound quality, build reliability, and affordability, offering an integrated amplifier that stands out for its performance and versatility.

Technical Specifications

• General Description: Integrated amplifier
• Design Philosophy and Core Technology: 2 x 50W (8 ohms); 2 x 75W (4 ohms); Class AB amplifier; ES9038Q2M 32-bit DAC; Bluetooth 5.1 (aptX / aptX HD); dedicated high-performance, low-noise MM phono stage; dedicated current-feedback headphone amplifier; operational modes: Integrated / Pre-Power / Pre
• Inputs: 3 x analogue; 1 x phono (MM); 1 x power amplifier in; 2 x S/PDIF coaxial; 2 x S/PDIF optical; 1 x HDMI ARC; 1 x Bluetooth (aptX / aptX HD); 1 x 12V trigger
• Outputs: 1 x preamplifier; 1 x stereo speaker; 1 x headphone; 1 x 12V trigger
• Sampling Frequency: Optical / coaxial: 44.1kHz – 192kHz

Preamplifier

• Gain: +8dB (line); +54dB (phono MM)
• Input Sensitivity: 720mV (line, volume = 0dB); 3.1mV (phono MM, volume = 0dB)
• Input Impedance: 10kΩ (line); 47kΩ/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: 120Ω
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (S/N): >110dB (line, A-weighted); >79dB (phono MM, A-weighted)

DAC

• D/A Converter: ES9038Q2M
• THD: <0.001% (1kHz @ 0dBFS)
• Output Level (0dBFS, 1kHz): 2.05Vrms
• Max Sampling Frequency: Optical / coaxial: 192kHz
• S/N: >116dB (A-weighted)

Power Amplifier

• 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)
• THD: <0.003% (1kHz @ 50W / 8 ohms)
• Input Sensitivity: 720mV
• S/N: >109dB (A-weighted)
• Max Output Current: 11A

Dimensions and Weight

• Dimensions (W x H x D): 444 x 65 x 299 mm
• Weight: 7.78 kg