The Article
6000A integrated amplifier From Audiolab
21st September 2018
The new 6000A amp includes a DAC, Bluetooth, phono amp and headphone amps plus more
An ES9018 Sabre32 Reference chip is included, utilising ESS Technology’s 32bit HyperStream architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator. The amp’s four S/PDIF digital inputs – two coaxial and two optical – handle hi-res PCM data up to 24bit/192kHz with digital filters: Fast Roll-Off, Slow Roll-Off and Minimum Phase. Bluetooth connectivity is also included.
The 6000A’s discrete Class AB power amp stage delivers 50W per channel into 8 Ohms, with a maximum current delivery of 9 Amps into difficult loads. The output stage of the discrete power amp circuits uses a CFB (Complementary Feedback) topology. A 200VA toroidal transformer, followed by 4x15000uF reservoir capacity (60000uF in total) is featured.
Much effort has gone into the physical layout of the 6000A’s circuitry, protecting the sensitive preamp section from noise interference.
Audiolab has included a phono stage for moving magnet phono cartridges – a JFET-based circuit. A dedicated headphone amp with current-feedback circuitry is also included.
The 6000A’s offers three distinct operational modes. The primary mode is Integrated – this combines the pre and power amp stages, for the connection of digital and analogue sources to the amp’s inputs and a pair of speakers to its binding posts.
Pre-Power Mode disconnects the pre and power amp stages. This allows the 6000A to be used solely as a power amp – for example, connected to an AV processor in a home cinema system. It also enables additional signal processing to be added, by connecting the 6000A’s preamp out socket to an external processor, then returning the processor’s output to the amp’s power amp in socket.
Finally, Pre Mode disables the power amp stage, turning the 6000A into a standalone preamp. This enables external power amplification to be added, thus providing a possible upgrade path. It is available from October in silver or black at £599.
For more information, click www.audiolab.co.uk
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Will this amount power the B&W Cm1 s2?
Hi Dan – you’re looking at an amp pumping out a minimum of 30W for these speakers so the Audiolab should be fine.
I’m interested. Only thing is I’ve got to ‘break’ my current 17 year old NAD C320BEE first! 😉 Could do with having the DAC combined in one box though and replace my Beresford TC-7510 DAC and NAD combination. I’m pretty confident it would drive my Monitor Audio Silver RS bookshelf speakers.
If you do manage to grab one, Bill, let us know what you think, in terms of the NAD vs Audiolab sound quality. Be interested to know.
Hi Paul, I am looking to pair this amp with Dali Oberon 5 . Do you think it will be a good match ? Thx
Yep, they should be fine Ivo. They’re quite forgiving, not really fussy speakers.
Hi Ivo, have you paired them because i’m also about to buy oberon 5 but still searching for its amplifier. thanks
I currently own an Arcam A19. However the Audiolab 6000A looks very good. It has a very good DAC and also is dual voltage which is important to me. I have recently bought the Totem Mites, which are very good and enquire whether the Audiolab will fit with them soundwise i.e. not too dry. Many thanks
John
Hi John, I have not tested the Totems but, from what colleagues tell me, the pair should work quite well together.
I know it’s a stretch, but would any one try to drive a pair of Dynaudio Focu 160’s with this one?
Currently have a creek 50a which is basically ok, just doesn’t always have the full control over the base.
Hi Casper – I see no reason why the 6000A couldn’t successfully drive the 160s.
Paul,
Thanks, time to go shopping!
🙂
Hi Paul, how does it perform compared to rega brio r or even cheaper marantz pm6006 if you know them?
thanks,
Gilles
I hope to grab sone Audiolab hardware in the near future, geel, and I hope this will be one of the items the company sends over. I’ll be able to give you a definitive answer then. Sorry for the wait.
Hi Paul, what do you think if pair this with high sensitivity speaker such as Klipsch Reference Premier? RP-6000F?
TQ
Hi Alan – yes, that will work. There will be plenty of power there – and you could easily go valves if you ever felt a hankering to go in that direction which may offer a more cultured output. That said, if you like what the Audiolab provides in terms of features then it will provide plenty of guts and reserve power.
Thanks Paul! Appreciate it!
Hi Paul – Any idea how this would fare against a Luxman 550AX? In terms of musical fidelity and precision?
This is the Mk.II you’re referring to Mac? Different class…and different price point too I might add 🙂 The Luxman would be the winner here but then I’d fully expect it to be.
Hey Paul- I am referring to a MK1 AX. Thanks again for your guidance.
M
I’d go for the Luxman, Mac. Am I going crackers or is the Mk.1 a comparative rarity? Are you buying second hand?
Hello Paul ,
I have PSB Imagine T2 Towers , Is audiolab 6000A good match . I like the ESS DAC in it .
Note : My Marantz PM – 6005 died last month after 4 years .
Thanks for your question – yes, the Audiolab should have no problem driving your speakers which are pretty sensitive anyway.