{"id":44399,"date":"2025-06-05T13:20:16","date_gmt":"2025-06-05T17:20:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tedpublications.com\/fr\/?p=44399"},"modified":"2025-06-06T09:37:27","modified_gmt":"2025-06-06T13:37:27","slug":"new-at-audiolab-6000a-mkii","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tedpublications.com\/fr\/en\/new-at-audiolab-6000a-mkii\/","title":{"rendered":"New at Audiolab: 6000A MKII"},"content":{"rendered":"

A New Era of Amplification\u2026<\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Fairly recently, Audiolab<\/strong> elevated its popular entry-level amplifier to MkII<\/em>\u00a0status, integrating technologies from the upmarket 7000A<\/em> and 9000A<\/em> to deliver premium performance and versatility at an affordable price.<\/p>\n

Since launching in 2018, Audiolab<\/strong>\u2019s 6000A<\/em> integrated amplifier has been a consistent best-seller, lauded by critics and loved by its owners for its useful range of facilities and adroitly balanced sound\u00a0\u2013 high-performance audio at an affordable price. Almost seven years on and the 6000A<\/em> remains the cornerstone of the company\u2019s entry-level 6000\u00a0Series<\/em>, which also includes CD<\/em> transport and network streaming components<\/p>\n

In 2023, the 6000\u00a0Series<\/em> was joined by two new ranges pitched at higher price points\u00a0\u2013 the mid-tier 7000\u00a0Series<\/em> and flagship 9000\u00a0Series<\/em>. Both these ranges include amps built up from the 6000A<\/em>\u2019s essential template, upgrading the hardware to deliver enhanced specifications and performance. It is from these technical developments that the 6000A\u00a0MKII<\/em> now benefits, upgrading key components and elevating critical circuitry to re-affirm the 6000A<\/em>\u2019s status as the benchmark at its price.<\/p>\n

Externally, the 6000A\u00a0MkII<\/em> appears identical to the original model\u00a0\u2013 same chassis, same controls, same central OLED<\/em> display. Under the lid is a different story; numerous upgrades have been applied, encompassing the DAC<\/em> section, phono stage, transformer and power supply circuitry. Around the back, an HDMI ARC<\/em> input has been added\u00a0\u2013 this is still a rare facility for a high-performance stereo amp to offer, but one that consumer research shows is increasingly in demand.<\/p>\n

Amplifiers have formed the beating heart of high-performance audio systems for many decades. But a truly versatile integrated amp now needs to cover many bases\u00a0\u2013 digital and analogue sources, wireless connectivity for portable devices, a phono stage for playing vinyl, and amplification for headphones as well as speakers. What makes the original 6000A<\/em> a modern hi-fi classic is the way it combines all these elements in an affordable package that is consistently strong across every parameter.<\/p>\n

Led by Jan Ertner<\/strong>, Audiolab<\/strong>\u2019s electronics design team has reviewed every element of the 6000A<\/em>\u2019s circuit design to elevate performance in a meaningful way. Whatever the connected source, be it analogue or digital, everything benefits from these improvements\u00a0\u2013 more detail, more clarity, more focus.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
\nVersatile Connectivity
\n<\/span><\/strong>The 6000A MkII<\/em> incorporates state-of-the-art digital-to-analogue signal conversion, enabling digital sources to connect directly without an external DAC<\/em>. Like its predecessor, there are two coaxial and two optical S\/PDIF<\/em> inputs, handling hi-res sample rates up to 192\u00a0kHz.<\/p>\n

To this complement of digital inputs, the 6000A MkII<\/em> adds HDMI ARC<\/em> (compliant with HDMI\u00a02.1<\/em>\u00a0\/ eARC<\/em>) for seamless AV system integration. This allows the amp to connect to a TV using a single HDMI<\/em> cable, with the added convenience of being able to use the TV remote to power the amp on\u00a0\/\u00a0off with the TV, adjust volume and so on. Thus, the TV and everything connected to it\u00a0\u2013 from streaming<\/em> devices to video game systems\u00a0\u2013 receive a huge sonic upgrade superior to any soundbar. The 6000A MkII<\/em> joins Audiolab<\/strong>\u2019s upmarket 7000A<\/em> in offering this facility.<\/p>\n

The 6000A MkII<\/em> also shares the 7000A<\/em>\u2019s Bluetooth<\/em> module, an upgrade on the original 6000A<\/em>\u2019s Bluetooth<\/em> offering. Bluetooth\u00a05<\/em> compliance delivers improved range and speed, with support for multiple codecs including aptX HD<\/em>.<\/p>\n

For analogue sources there are three line-level RCA<\/em> inputs, plus one for a turntable. Audiolab<\/strong> has improved the 6000A<\/em>\u2019s MM<\/em> phono stage to deliver a high-definition, low-noise performance, with precise RIAA<\/em> equalisation and input filtering to ensure vinyl is treated with as much care as digital sources.<\/p>\n

Digital Circuitry
\n<\/strong><\/span>Ever since the much-admired M-DAC<\/em> launched 14\u00a0years ago, Audiolab<\/strong> has been famed for the performance of its DAC<\/em> circuitry. The M-DAC<\/em> was one of the first consumer audio products in the world to incorporate ESS Technolog<\/strong>y\u2019s groundbreaking Sabre32<\/em> Reference DAC<\/em> chips, sharing its use of the ES9018<\/em> chip family with other renowned Audiolab<\/strong> components including the first-generation 6000A<\/em>.<\/p>\n

The ES9018K2M<\/em> used in the 6000A<\/em> remains a high-quality DAC<\/em> chip but is now 12\u00a0years old. Audiolab<\/strong> has switched up to a new-generation 32-bit Sabre<\/em> chip for the 6000A MkII<\/em>\u00a0\u2013 the ES9038Q2M<\/em>, the same chip used in the upmarket 7000A<\/em> amp. This is accompanied by proprietary circuitry fed by a dedicated power supply, designed to make the most of ESS Technology<\/strong>\u2019s HyperStream\u00a0II<\/em> architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator<\/em> for ultra-low noise and high dynamic range.<\/p>\n

Although always technically excellent, the Sabre DAC<\/em> chips are challenging to implement to maximum effect and must be integrated into a product\u2019s circuit design with care to extract their full sonic potential. The post-DAC<\/em> active filter is a critical element and Audiolab<\/strong> has developed a Class\u00a0A circuit perfectly tailored to make the most of the ES9038<\/em> chip family; this was implemented in the 9000<\/em> and 7000<\/em> Series amps and the 6000A MkII<\/em> now benefits too.<\/p>\n

Five user-selectable digital filter settings (an increase on the original 6000A<\/em>\u2019s three) allow the listener to adjust the sound to suit the source\u00a0\u2013 particularly useful given the variable quality of digital formats and streaming services. Whether connected via HDMI<\/em>, S\/PDIF<\/em> or Bluetooth<\/em>, every digital source benefits from the outstanding quality of the 6000A<\/em> MkII<\/em>\u2019s DAC<\/em> stage.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Analogue Circuitry<\/strong><\/span>
\nThe original 6000A<\/em>\u2019s discrete Class\u00a0AB<\/em> amp circuitry has been widely praised for its impressively balanced performance across all critical parameters at an affordable price. The 6000A MkII<\/em> builds on the same design by upgrading the 200\u00a0VA toroidal transformer and power supply circuitry.<\/p>\n

The new transformer\u2019s secondary windings deliver increased voltage, together with reduced impedance for better control of the power supply voltage. The transformer is followed by four 15,000\u00a0uF reservoir capacitors (30,000\u00a0uF capacitance per rail, 60,000\u00a0uF in total) for the power amplifier\u2019s supply. This helps the amp maintain firm control of the music whilst enabling excellent dynamic range.<\/p>\n

Like its predecessor, the 6000A<\/em> MkII<\/em>\u2019s main output stage uses a CFB<\/em> (C<\/em>omplementary F<\/em>eedb<\/em>ack) design for superior linearity and thermal stability. The amp\u2019s power rating remains the same at 50\u00a0W per channel into 8\u00a0ohms, but the maximum current delivery into difficult loads has increased from 9\u00a0A to 11\u00a0A, helping to ensure the amp drives a wide range of speakers to high volume levels with ease.<\/p>\n

Headphone listeners are well served too, thanks to the 6000A MkII<\/em>\u2019s dedicated headphone amplifier. With its current-feedback design and high slew rate, a dynamic and detailed performance with all manner of headphones is assured<\/p>\n

The preamp section is kept as simple as possible to maintain signal purity, with line input signals passing to a precision analogue volume stage. The latter covers the range from \u2013\u00a078\u00a0dB to +\u00a08\u00a0dB in steps of 2\u00a0dB and 1\u00a0dB (step resolution increases with volume position).<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Much effort has gone into the physical layout of the 6000A<\/em> MkII<\/em>\u2019s circuitry, protecting the sensitive preamp section from noise interference. This, plus the use of independent low-noise power supplies for all critical stages, helps to deliver a performance that rivals significantly more expensive analogue amplifiers, even before taking the 6000A MkII<\/em>\u2019s impressive digital circuitry into account.<\/p>\n

The 6000A MkII<\/em>\u2019s power supply circuitry is further enhanced by integrated filtering technology, another upgrade over the original 6000A<\/em>. This removes RFI<\/em>\u00a0\/ EMI<\/em> from the incoming mains supply, reducing differential-mode noise (exacerbated by cheap switch-mode power supplies in many home appliances) and common-mode noise (aggravated by airborne interference from phones, Wi-Fi<\/em> and Bluetooth<\/em>). This sinks the noise floor further, imbuing even greater sonic focus and clarity.<\/p>\n

Pre and power operational modes
\n<\/strong><\/span>As is traditional with Audiolab<\/strong>\u2019s integrated amps, right back to the classic 8000A<\/em> from 1982, the 6000A MkII<\/em> offers three distinct operational modes which reflect its discrete internal architecture and enable it to adapt as its user\u2019s requirements evolve. The primary mode is Integrated\u00a0<\/em>\u2013 this combines the pre and power amp stages, for the connection of digital and analogue sources to the amp\u2019s inputs and a pair of speakers to its binding posts.<\/p>\n

Pre-Power Mode <\/em>disconnects the pre and power amp stages. This allows the 6000A MkII<\/em> to be used solely as a power amp\u00a0\u2013 for example, connected to an AV processor in a home cinema system. It also enables additional signal processing to be added, by connecting the amp\u2019s \u2018preamp out\u2019 socket to an external processor, then returning the processor\u2019s output to the amp\u2019s power amp in socket.<\/p>\n

Finally, Pre Mode<\/em> disables the power amp stage, turning the 6000A MkII<\/em> into a standalone DAC<\/em>\u00a0\/\u00a0preamp. This enables external power amplification to be added, thus providing a possible upgrade path.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Versatile Features, Virtuoso Performance
\n<\/strong><\/span>Replacing an amp that has been among the UK\u2019s best sellers for more than half a decade is no easy task, but by building on the original\u2019s firm foundations with a range of judicious updates the 6000A MkII<\/em> is perfectly poised to continue its predecessor\u2019s legacy. As a package\u00a0\u2013 a high-quality, affordable integrated amp equipped for the modern age\u00a0\u2013 it represents excellent value-for-money.<\/p>\n

For the past seven years, the 6000A<\/em>\u2019s balance of sonic attributes has ensured its popularity with critics and consumers alike, and the new MkII<\/em> version is clearly cut from the same cloth. It takes everything the 6000A<\/em> does so well, updates it and elevates it to the next level with enhanced clarity and focus.<\/p>\n

Deep, fleet-footed bass; an articulate midrange and expansive soundstage; treble that sings with sweet precision\u00a0\u2013 the 6000A MkII<\/em> delivers an adroitly balanced performance with all manner of music, from rock and electronica to classical and jazz. It delivers an open window on the music being played, as all great hi-fi should, engaging the listener with natural, unforced energy that is fully reflective of the source material.<\/p>\n

Availability<\/strong><\/span>
\nThe new, improved Audiolab<\/strong> 6000A MkII<\/em> is presenbly be available in Canada exclusively through Erikson Consumer<\/strong> in May, in a choice of silver or black, at a MAP price of CAD\u00a0$1,599. Contact your Erikson Consumer<\/strong> sales representative for more information and to place your pre-order today.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
\nAbout Audiolab<\/strong><\/span>
\nFounded in 1983, Audiolab<\/strong> is a globally recognized leader in high-performance audio equipment, renowned for its precision engineering and commitment to sonic excellence. With a legacy built on innovation, reliability, and exceptional sound quality, Audiolab<\/strong>\u2019s award-winning amplifiers, DAC<\/em>s, and audio components continue to set the standard for audiophiles and music enthusiasts alike. Designed in the UK, Audiolab<\/strong> products blend cutting-edge technology with timeless craftsmanship to deliver an unparalleled listening experience.<\/p>\n

About Erikson Consumer<\/strong><\/span>Erikson Consumer<\/strong>, an Exertis\u00a0| JAM<\/strong> business, is one of Canada\u2019s largest independent distributors of audio & electronic solutions with a portfolio fortified by the industry\u2019s most renowned brands of multimedia, luxury audio, home comfort and mobile audio products. Its product selection includes award-winning brands that can be found in all key national and regional chains, furniture\u00a0\/ appliance and specialized independents.<\/p>\n

Erikson Consumer<\/strong> takes pride in offering clients product training from introductory to technical levels, supported by dedicated sales and marketing teams prepared to assist before and after sales, with stock readily available from a state-of-the-art 250,000 square foot warehouse facility.<\/p>\n

With over fifty years of experience, Erikson Consumer<\/strong> has grown and diversified, providing the Canadian marketplace with a resourceful, reliable, and innovative distribution network.
\nhttps:\/\/www.eriksonconsumer.com\/luxury<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A New Era of Amplification\u2026 Fairly recently, Audiolab elevated its popular entry-level amplifier to MkII\u00a0status, integrating technologies from the upmarket 7000A and 9000A to deliver premium performance and versatility at an affordable price. Since launching in 2018, Audiolab\u2019s 6000A integrated amplifier has been a consistent best-seller, lauded by critics and loved by its owners for […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":154720,"featured_media":44397,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2723,2725],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-44399","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-hifi","category-whats-new","entry","has-media"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tedpublications.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44399","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tedpublications.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tedpublications.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tedpublications.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/154720"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tedpublications.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=44399"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/www.tedpublications.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44399\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":44402,"href":"https:\/\/www.tedpublications.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44399\/revisions\/44402"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tedpublications.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/44397"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tedpublications.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=44399"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tedpublications.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=44399"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tedpublications.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=44399"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}