Audiolab 6000A Integrated Amplifier

Audiolab has developed a new amplifier to join their new 6000 series, this is one very versatile integrated amp which needs to set its standards very high, so let's break them down, the 6000A comes with digital and analogue sources, wireless connectivity for any portable devices, a built-in phono stage to compliment your beloved turntable and built-in headphone amplification as well as speaker connectivity. This amplifier can pull off many pros, but it's how exceptionally well it pulls them off. The 6000A is an easy temptation without a doubt.

Key Features

• 50 watts per channel 
• Bluetooth integrated for easy wireless streaming
• Moving magnet phono stage for turntable connection
• 2 x Digital optical 2 x Digital coax inputs
• 6.35mm Headphone output
• It can be used as an integrated amplifier, pre-amp and power amp

The 6000A shares a few similarities with Audiolabs 8300A with its rotary controls and large central OLED display, but, unlike the 8300A which costs more, the new 6000A incorporates a high-quality D/A conversion, enabling any digital sources to be connected directly without needing an external DAC. The 6000A has four digital inputs, three line-level analogue inputs, an input for your turntable, a favourite feature, wireless connectivity via Bluetooth and a dedicated headphone amp.

Digital circuitry

When it comes to new amplifiers, Audiolab likes to go above and beyond, a lot of time and effort has gone into the 6000A's digital circuitry to make sure it delivers the level of quality that one might expect from a high-performance standalone DAC. If the circuitry that surrounds the ES9018 (Reference chip) is not at a sufficient standard, the testing will result in the sound feeling 'cold' and 'harsh' - this is what Audiolab avoids, precise circuitry without compromising any quality loss.

Analogue circuitry

The 6000A is a very discrete Class AB power amp, which will deliver 50W per channel into eight ohms, with a maximum current delivery of 9 amps. Like the digital circuitry, Audiolab has invested a lot of time and effort into the analogue circuity of the 6000A. A substantial 200VA toroidal transformer, followed by a 4x15000uF reservoir capacity (60000uF in total), helps the amp to maintain firm control of the music whilst enabling excellent dynamic range. The preamp section of this amplifier is kept as simple as can be to maintain signal purity with line input signals passing to a precision analogue volume stage.

Phonostage & Headphone Amp

Throughout these past current years, there has been a sharp incline in vinyl usage, Audiolab has recognised this and added a built-in phono stage into the 6000A, which can be used for both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges with 'high quality, low noise, JFET-based circuit with precise RIAA equalisation. In addition to this, there has been a higher demand for headphones, so headphone users will now have the privilege to listen to Audiolab's dedicated headphone amp with current feedback circuitry. Audiolab has nailed this addition due to the gain bandwidth and high slew rate, ensuring a dynamic yet detailed engaging performance for any type of headphone user.

Overview

I personally believe that the 6000A will stand out from the crowd, not only due to its iconic looks but its outstanding performance. This price point is spot on and yet may be a good starting point for some people who want to have a high-quality start. With features like Bluetooth connectivity, which is a strong selling point, it's perfect for times when you want to kick your feet up in the living room and relax while listening to your favourite Spotify playlist. With now a built-in phonostage, turntables are more viable. If you've also stumbled across your dusty vinyl collection in the attic, the 6000A would bring all those memories back to life, easy connection, and happy times. With headphones increasing in demand, it was a perfect move to add a built-in headphone amplifier. Headphones are becoming more advanced so getting that max quality output from your headphone will be at ease with this amplifier.

Who is Audiolab?

Originally created by Philip Swift and Derek Scotland over 30 years ago, Audiolab has always designed high-performance electronics at real-world prices with great build quality. The original 8000 series have been re-engineered for the 21st century and the resulting 6000 models extended to embrace digital music streaming.