Audiolab 6000A MkII Integrated Amplifier

The Audiolab 6000A MKII Integrated Amplifier is the latest iteration of the renowned 6000 series. Building on the legacy of its predecessor, the original 6000A, the MKII model brings substantial upgrades to the table, enhancing its performance while maintaining its reputation for providing exceptional value.

The 6000A first became a fan favorite in 2018, earning prestigious awards such as What Hi-Fi? Five-Star status and Hi-Fi News Outstanding Product recognition. The 6000A MKII carries forward the ethos of the brand, offering both novice and experienced audiophiles an affordable entry point into high-quality sound, all while introducing notable advancements in sound fidelity, connectivity, and versatility.

Key Improvements Over the Original 6000A

The Audiolab 6000A MKII represents a significant step forward compared to the original 6000A. One of the most notable improvements is the power supply, which has been overhauled for better efficiency and sonic consistency. The MKII features a 200VA toroidal transformer with increased voltage and improved impedance, enhancing dynamic range and timing.

This upgrade results in a cleaner, more engaging sound with crisp definition. The power supply is paired with four 15,000uF capacitors (30,000uF per rail), providing firm control over the music and enabling the amplifier to handle demanding musical passages with ease. These updates contribute to a more refined and transparent listening experience that surpasses the original model's capabilities.

Advanced DAC Technology for Enhanced Sound Quality

One of the standout features of the Audiolab 6000A MKII is its upgraded DAC technology. It now incorporates the ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M chipset, an advanced DAC that supports 32-bit/768kHz PCM. This flagship DAC offers superior dynamic range, ultra-low noise, and enhanced sound quality over the ES9018 used in the original model.

The DAC also benefits from HyperStream® II architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator, which work together to minimize jitter and improve signal clarity. In addition, the MKII features a new Class A circuit in the post-DAC active filter stage, which refines the listening experience by delivering more detail, precision, and depth.

Versatile Connectivity and Modern Features

The Audiolab 6000A MKII excels in connectivity options, ensuring seamless integration into any modern audiophile setup. It boasts multiple digital inputs, including four S/PDIF and a new HDMI ARC input, enabling easy connection to AV systems. Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD support is also available, providing optimal streaming quality for wireless devices.

This broad range of connectivity options makes the MKII a versatile component for users seeking to integrate high-fidelity sound into both traditional Hi-Fi systems and modern home entertainment setups. The addition of an HDMI ARC input allows the amplifier to be easily incorporated into home theater systems, improving sound quality and streamlining setup.

Class AB Amplification for Superior Audio Performance

Staying true to its audiophile roots, the Audiolab 6000A MKII uses a Class AB power amplifier, ensuring high-efficiency amplification with exceptional linearity and thermal stability. Unlike competitors using Class D amplification in this price range, the 6000A MKII's Class AB design delivers 50W per channel into 8 ohms, with a peak current delivery of 9 amps for demanding speaker loads.

The amplifier’s Complementary Feedback (CFB) topology guarantees superior sound quality by keeping idle current independent of output transistor temperature. This ensures that the amplifier operates efficiently under all conditions, delivering pristine audio performance across a wide range of audio material.

Flexibility and Multi-Functional Operation Modes

The Audiolab 6000A MKII offers remarkable versatility with its multi-functional operation modes, allowing it to be used in different configurations based on user preferences. The standard "Integrated" mode combines the preamplifier and power amplifier stages, delivering a complete and rich sound.

The "Pre" mode turns the unit into a dedicated preamplifier, while the "Pre-Power" mode separates the pre and power stages, enabling the amplifier to function as a power amp only. This flexibility makes it easy to integrate the 6000A MKII into home theater setups or use it with external processors.

Additionally, the dedicated phono stage with precise RIAA equalization and the headphone amplifier with current-feedback circuitry ensure top-tier performance for vinyl enthusiasts and headphone users alike.

Why the MKII is Better than the Original 6000A

The Audiolab 6000A MKII takes the excellent foundation laid by the original 6000A and refines it with a host of performance and design upgrades. Key improvements, such as the upgraded power supply with a more robust transformer and capacitors, result in better dynamic range, clarity, and timing.

The new ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M DAC and the introduction of Bluetooth 5.1 aptX HD streaming make the MKII more future-proof and versatile for modern audiophiles. Additionally, the introduction of HDMI ARC input and the increased functionality through multiple operational modes ensure that the MKII is ready to meet the needs of evolving home audio and AV systems.

Simply put, the 6000A MKII surpasses its predecessor by delivering a more refined, versatile, and future-proof amplifier that maintains the same commitment to audiophile quality.