Audiolab Announces 6000A MKII Integrated Amplifier
All Image Credit: Audiolab
Audiolab has updated its popular 6000A integrated amplifier to a MKII version. The main design of the 6000A MkII continues to use a Class AB power amplifier and linear toroidal transformer PSU, now upgraded, and the original three operational modes. However, the DAC has been upgraded, and an HDMI ARC connection has been added expanding the digital connectivity. Output power is still 50wpc into 8 Ohms with up to 75wpc into 4 Ohms. This latest model is also available in either a silver or black finish.
The original ESS ES9018K2M DAC has been replaced with an ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M chip supporting 32-bit/768kHz PCM. The coaxial and TOSLINK digital connectivity has been expanded with the addition of an HDMI ARC input and Bluetooth 5.1 aptX HD is supported. The 6000 MKII analog power supply still uses a 200VA toroidal transformer, supported by four 15,000 µF storage capacitors.
Control is still by the front panel Select, Mode and Volume controls in conjunction with the central OLED display and the included IR remote.
Besides Bluetooth the rear panel supports the following input wired connectivity; 1 x MM phono, 3 x line-level analog stereo RCA, 1 x stereo RCA power amplifier, SPIDF – 2 x coaxial & 2 x optical, 1 x HDMI ARC. Output connectivity includes; 1 x pre-amplifier stereo RCA, 1 x 3.5mm 12VDC trigger I/O, 1 x stereo speaker binding posts and support for 1/4″ headphones on the front panel.
Features At A Glance:
- Advanced DAC Technology
- Upgraded to ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M DAC (from ES9018 in the original 6000A).
- Supports 32-bit/768kHz PCM with HyperStream® II architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator for ultra-low noise and superior dynamics.
- Incorporates a new Class A post-DAC active filter stage for refined sound quality.
- Class AB Amplification
- Unlike many competitors using Class D, the 6000A MKII stays true to Audiolab’s Class AB heritage.
- 50W per channel (tested to FTC standards) with peak current delivery of 9A.
- Complementary Feedback (CFB) topology for improved linearity and thermal stability.
- New Transformer & Power Supply
- Improved transformer delivering increased voltage and reduced impedance for better power control.
- 200VA toroidal transformer followed by 4 x 15,000uF reservoir capacitors (30,000uF per rail).
- Enhanced sonic clarity, dynamics, and timing for a more immersive listening experience.
- Signal Purity & Flexibility
- Minimalist preamp design for maximum signal purity.
- High-precision analogue volume control and independent low-noise power supplies.
- Phono stage with low-noise JFET circuit and precise RIAA equalization for turntable users.
- Dedicated headphone amplifier with current-feedback circuitry for dynamic, detailed sound.
- Expanded Connectivity
- 4 x S/PDIF digital inputs and a new HDMI ARC input for easy AV integration.
- Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD for high-quality wireless streaming.
- Multi-Functional Operation Modes
- Integrated Mode: Uses both preamp and power amp stages.
- Pre Mode: Turns the unit into a dedicated preamplifier.
- Pre-Power Mode: Disconnects pre and power stages, allowing use as a power amplifier or for external signal processing.
Availability:
Mid-March.
Specifications:
-
- Preamplifier Section:
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz (+/-0.3dB)
- Output Voltage: 2.3V max. (Volume = 0dB)
- Output Impedance: 120 ohms
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio (S/N): >110dB (Line, A-weighted); >76dB (Phono MM, A-weighted)
- Input Sensitivity: 720mV (Line); 3.1mV (Phono MM)
- Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): <0.0004% (1kHz @ 2V)
- Power Amplifier Section – Class AB:
- Gain: +29dB
- Rated Power Output: 2 x 50W (8 ohms, THD<1%); 2 x 75W (4 ohms, THD<1%)
- Max. Output Current: 11A
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz (+/-0.3dB)
- THD: <0.003% (1kHz @ 50W / 8 ohms)
- DAC Section:
- Chipset: ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M
- Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): <0.001% (1kHz @ 0dBFS)
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio (S/N): >116dB (A-weighted)
- Max. Sampling Frequency: Optical/Coaxial: 192kHz
- Output Level (0dBFS, 1kHz): 2.05Vrms
- Connectivity:
- Inputs:
- 3 x Analogue (RCA)
- 1 x Phono (MM)
- 1 x Power Amplifier
- 2 x SPDIF (Coaxial)
- 2 x SPDIF (Optical)
- 1 x HDMI ARC
- 1 x Bluetooth (aptX / aptX HD)
- 1 x 12V Trigger
- Outputs:
- 1 x Pre Amplifier
- 1 x Stereo Speaker
- 1 x Headphone
- 1 x 12V Trigger
- Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.1 (aptX / aptX HD)
- Inputs:
- Headphone Amplifier:
- Load Impedance: 20-600 ohms
- Output Impedance: 2.35 ohms
- Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): <0.01% (1kHz, 50mW)
- Physical Dimensions & Power:
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 444 x 299 x 65 mm
- Net Weight: 7.78kg
- Power Requirements: 220-240V – 50/60Hz, 100-120V – 50/60Hz
- Standby Power Consumption: <0.5W
- Preamplifier Section:
- Included Accessories: Power Cord, Remote Control, User Manual, Antennas, 2 x AAA Batteries
MSRP:
- US: $899.00
- UK: £699.00
- EU: €899.00
For more information visit the Audiolab website.
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