Audiolab has released an upgraded version of its well-respected 6000A integrated amplifier, the 6000A MkII. The original 6000A, launched in 2018, was popular for its features and sound quality (we loved it during our review). The 6000A MkII incorporates technology from Audiolab’s upstream 7000A and 9000A amplifiers.
Design and Upgrades
The 6000A MkII retains the same external design as the original 6000A, featuring the same chassis, controls, and OLED display. However, it includes upgrades in the DAC section, phono stage, transformer, and power supply circuitry. Additionally, the 6000A MkII now comes with an HDMI ARC input.
Connectivity
The 6000A MkII also retains the digital connections of the original 6000A, including two coaxial and two optical S/PDIF inputs that support high-resolution sample rates of up to 192kHz. The new addition is an HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) port, which enables a single HDMI connection to your TV. This setup allows you to control the amplifier’s power and volume using your TV remote.
Additionally, the 6000A MkII is equipped with an upgraded Bluetooth module that complies with Bluetooth 5, enhancing both range and speed while also supporting aptX HD. For analog sources, the amplifier includes three line-level RCA inputs and one input specifically for a turntable. Audiolab has upgraded the MM phono stage of the 6000A for quieter performance.
Digital Circuitry
Audiolab has incorporated a new-generation 32-bit Sabre chip in the 6000A MkII, the ES9038Q2M. This is the same chip used in the 7000A amplifier. The amplifier includes proprietary circuitry and a dedicated power supply to utilize ESS Technology’s HyperStream II architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator.
Audiolab has also developed a Class A post-DAC active filter. The 6000A MkII has five user-selectable digital filter settings which is an upgrade to the three filters in the original 6000A.
Analogue Circuitry
The 6000A MkII’s Class AB amp section features upgrades to the 200VA toroidal transformer and the power supply circuitry from its predecessor. The new transformer has improved secondary windings that provide higher voltage and lower impedance. It is paired with four 15,000µF reservoir capacitors.
Like the 6000A, The amplifier’s main output stage employs a Complementary Feedback (CFB) design. It still delivers a power rating of 50W per channel into an 8-ohm load, with the maximum current output increased from 9A to 11A for better handling of difficult speaker loads. Additionally, the 6000A MkII includes a dedicated headphone amplifier.
The preamp section is designed to ensure signal purity, allowing line input signals to pass through a precision analog volume control.
Circuitry Layout and Power Supply
Audiolab has also focused on the physical layout of the 6000A MkII’s circuitry to protect the preamp section from noise interference. It uses independent low-noise power supplies for all critical stages. The 6000A MkII’s power supply circuitry includes integrated filtering technology to remove RFI/EMI from the incoming mains supply.
Operational Modes
Like the original, the 6000A MkII has three operational modes: Integrated, Pre-Power Mode, and Pre Mode. Integrated mode combines the pre and power amp stages. Pre-Power Mode disconnects the pre and power amp stages so you can use the integrated as a power amp. Pre Mode disables the power amp stage, turning the 6000A MkII into a standalone DAC/preamp.
Performance
Audiolab states that the 6000A MkII delivers enhanced clarity and focus, with deep bass, an articulate midrange, an expansive soundstage, and precise treble.
Summary of upgrades over the original 6000A
- New ES9038Q2M DAC chip and post-DAC active filter
- Upgraded toroidal transformer and power supply circuitry
- Integrated mains filtering
- Improved MM phono stage
- Upgraded Bluetooth module
- Additional digital input: HDMI ARC
Availability and Pricing
The Audiolab 6000A MkII will be available from April in silver or black, with a price of £699 in the UK. There’s no suggested price for the U.S. as of yet.
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I’m an audio writer who started as a young audio salesman/consumer electronics professional back in the late 90s. That’s where I discovered the magic of 2-Channel sound. My hunger for great sound has led me on a delightful music quest that continues today.
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