The Audiolab 6000A MKII retains its predecessor’s position as an accessible yet remarkable “step-up” amplifier, ideal for entry-level audiophiles. However, it offers significant upgrades in sound and features.Visually, the MKII closely resembles its predecessor, ensuring seamless integration with existing 6000, 7000, and 9000 series components.

Firstly, the Audiolab 6000A MKII employs an improved transformer and implementation. Increased voltage from the transformer secondary windings and reduced impedance provide better control over the power supply voltage. This results in a signature sound characteristic of Audiolab amplifiers: remarkable sonic consistency, characterised by crisp definition, incredible dynamics, and precise rhythmic timing. A substantial 200VA toroidal transformer is followed by four 15000uF reservoir capacitors for the power-amp power supply (30000uF per rail). This combination ensures the amp maintains firm control over the music while simultaneously delivering excellent dynamic range.

Audiolab has enhanced 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.

Connectivity is another area of improvement. The state-of-the-art digital-to-analogue signal conversion enables four S/PDIF inputs and a new HDMI ARC input for convenient integration with AV systems. This is a significant advancement over the original model and a must-have feature for many modern audiophiles. Additionally, the MKII offers a step up to a Bluetooth 5.1 aptX HD receiver for optimal range, speed, and performance when streaming over Bluetooth connections.

The preamp section of the Audiolab 6000A MKII continues Audiolab’s philosophy of minimalism to achieve maximum signal purity. Precision analog volume control and independent low-noise power supplies ensure performance comparable to significantly more expensive analog amplifiers. Other inputs include analog RCA and a phono stage with a dedicated high-quality, low-noise JFET-based circuit and precise RIAA equalisation. Notably, the now-Audiolab standard dedicated headphone amp also features current-feedback circuitry. Its gain bandwidth and high slew rate provide a dynamic, detailed, and engaging performance with various headphone types—another box checked for this most integrated amplifier.

The multifunctional operation modes are implemented as standard as well: ‘Integrated,’ which combines the pre and power amp stages; ‘Pre,’ which turns the unit into a dedicated preamplifier; and ‘Pre Power,’ a unique mode that separates the pre and power stages. ‘Pre-Power Mode’ disconnects the pre and power amp stages, allowing the 6000A MKII to be used solely as a power amp, such as 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.

The 6000A MKII builds upon the original 6000A’s reputation for offering exceptional value and high-quality sound in an accessible package. Audiolab’s unwavering commitment to improving performance through incremental advancements has resulted in an integrated amplifier that is more refined, versatile, and future-proof than ever before.

Technical Specifications 

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)

Frequency Response: <0.0004% (1kHz @ 2V, Volume = 0dB)

Output Voltage: 2.3V max. (Volume = 0dB)

Output Impedance: 120 ohms

Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >110dB (Line, A-weighted); > 79dB (Phono MM, A-weighted)

D to A Converter: ES9038Q2M

Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): <0.001% (1KHz @ 0dBFS)

Output Level (0dBFS, 1kHz); 2.05Vrms

720mV (Line, Volume = 0dB); 3.1mV (Phone MM, Volume = 0dB)

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): <0.003% (1kHz @ 50W / 8 ohms)

Input Sensitivity: 720mV

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (S/N): >109dB (A-weighted)

Max. Output Current: 11A