Product Overview

The Audiolab 6000A MKII builds on the strengths of the original 6000A, offering key upgrades including a refined power supply, the advanced ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M DAC for improved audio performance, and HDMI ARC support for enhanced connectivity. It delivers 50 watts per channel via a Class AB amplifier, preserving Audiolab’s signature sound with greater clarity, dynamic range, and minimal noise.

• Improved Standards
  Building on the legacy of the original 6000A, which set the benchmark for entry-level high-fidelity, the Audiolab 6000A MKII continues the evolution with meaningful upgrades and refined performance.
• New Power Supply
  A revised power supply and upgraded transformer contribute to improved depth, clarity, dynamics, and timing—qualities that made the original 6000A so well-regarded, now taken even further.
• True Class AB Design
  While many rivals opt for Class D amplification, the 6000A MKII stays true to its audiophile roots with a Class AB topology. Its discrete power amp circuits feature a CFB (Complementary Feedback) design, ensuring excellent linearity and superior thermal stability. Idle current remains independent of output transistor temperature, promoting consistent performance.
• Expanded Connectivity
  Alongside standard optical, coaxial, and analog inputs, the 6000A MKII introduces HDMI ARC—ideal for integrating into modern AV setups with seamless audio from TVs and media hubs.
• High-Quality Bluetooth Streaming
  Bluetooth connectivity now includes support for the aptX codec, delivering higher-quality audio streaming from smart devices. Users also benefit from the onboard DAC’s capabilities, with five selectable digital filters to tailor the sound.
• Vinyl-Ready
  A built-in phono stage with precise RIAA equalization ensures excellent performance for turntable enthusiasts, offering plug-and-play convenience without sacrificing fidelity.
• Flexible Operation Modes
  The 6000A MKII features three discrete operating modes: Integrated, Preamp, and Power Amp. This allows the amplifier to adapt to a wide range of system configurations and evolve with the user’s setup over time.
• Upgraded DAC Performance
  Borrowing technology from Audiolab’s higher-end 7000A, the 6000A MKII is equipped with the ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M 32-bit DAC. Featuring the acclaimed HyperStream® II architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator, it delivers exceptional precision and clarity for digital sources.

A Step-Up

The Audiolab 6000A MKII maintains the original 6000A’s role as an accessible yet impressive “step-up” amplifier, ideal for entry-level audiophiles, but now with significant upgrades in both sound and features. Visually, the MKII remains almost identical to its predecessor, ensuring seamless integration with existing components from the 6000, 7000, and 9000 series. This consistency in design allows for an enhanced listening experience while maintaining compatibility across the Audiolab range.

Power Supply

One of the key upgrades in the 6000A MKII is the enhanced transformer and power supply implementation. The design offers increased voltage from the secondary windings of the transformer, with reduced impedance for better control over the power supply voltage. This leads to the signature Audiolab sound – exceptional consistency, dynamic range, crisp definition, and rhythmic timing. The inclusion of a robust 200VA toroidal transformer, paired with four 15,000uF reservoir capacitors, ensures superior control over the music and impressive dynamic performance.

Advanced DAC and Expanded Connectivity

Audiolab has significantly improved the DAC performance in the MKII, now featuring the ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M chipset, an upgrade from the previous ES9018. This flagship DAC supports 32-bit/768kHz PCM and incorporates HyperStream® II architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator, offering ultra-low noise and a remarkable dynamic range. The MKII also boasts expanded connectivity options, including four S/PDIF inputs and a HDMI ARC input for AV system integration. Bluetooth 5.1 aptX HD support further enhances streaming performance with superior range, speed, and quality.

Multi-Functional Operation

The 6000A MKII continues Audiolab’s minimalist philosophy to ensure maximum signal purity, with a precision analogue volume control and independent low-noise power supplies. The amplifier also includes an advanced phono stage with a high-quality, low-noise, JFET-based circuit. Additionally, the dedicated headphone amplifier provides a dynamic and detailed listening experience across a range of headphones. Audiolab has introduced multiple operational modes, including ‘Integrated,’ ‘Pre,’ and ‘Pre-Power,’ offering flexible functionality for various setups, such as connecting the unit to an AV processor for home cinema systems.

A Benchmark in Integrated Amplifiers

The 6000A MKII builds on the reputation of its predecessor by offering outstanding value and high-quality sound in a more refined, versatile, and future-proof package. Audiolab’s continued dedication to improving performance through incremental advancements has resulted in an integrated amplifier that offers even greater performance, ensuring its place as an essential component for audiophiles and enthusiasts alike.