The arrival of Audiolab on maPlatine.com: The trio of accessible high-fidelity
After more than 40 years of British innovation and excellence, Audiolab has entered our maPlatine.com selection with three products that perfectly embody the brand’s philosophy: offering high-level performance at an affordable price.
Audiolab product selection by maplatine.com
| Product | Type | Indicative price | Main function |
| 6000A MKII | Integrated amplifier | 899€ | Amplification + DAC + Preamp |
| 6000CDT | Transport CD | 569€ | CD playback without integrated DAC |
| D7 | DAC/Headphone Amplifier | 599€ | Digital-to-analog conversion |
The trio of the 6000A MKII integrated amplifier, 6000CDT CD transport, and D7 DAC represents a cohesive and thoughtful approach to modern hi-fi.
Audiolab: British heritage serving value
Founded in 1983 by Philip Swift and Derek Scotland, Audiolab was born out of frustration with the lack of “decent” quality audio equipment at affordable prices. This original vision has never left the brand, even after its acquisition by IAG in 2004.
Audiolab Timeline
- 1983 : Fondation par Philip Swift et Derek Scotland
- 1983: Launch of the first product, the 8000A amplifier
- 90s: Acquisition by TAG McLaren, pivot towards home cinema
- 2004: Acquisition by IAG, return to original values
- 2018: Revolutionary launch of the 6000A
- 2024: Evolution with the 6000A MKII
Audiolab’s “trickle-down” strategy
Audiolab continues this tradition by applying a technological “trickle-down” strategy which consists of:
- Develop advanced technologies for high-end series (9000 and 7000)
- Adapter these innovations to make them accessible
- Integrate these technologies in mid-range products
- To optimise circuits to maximize performance
This approach pools research and development costs, providing budget-conscious audiophiles with access to cutting-edge technologies. The result? Products that outperform their direct competitors in terms of value for money, a reputation confirmed by numerous awards in the international trade press.
The 6000A MKII integrated amplifier: the versatile heart of your system
What is an integrated amplifier and why choose one?
An integrated amplifier combines several essential functions in a single package:
- Preamplification: Source management and volume control
- Power amplification: Speaker control
- Digital conversion: Integrated DAC for digital sources
- Modern connectivity : Bluetooth, HDMI ARC, entrées multiples
This solution has undeniable advantages: simplicity of implementation, optimization of circuits and substantial savings compared to separate elements.
6000A MKII Technical Specifications
| Characteristic | Specification |
| Power | 2 × 50W sous 8Ω |
| DAC chip | ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M |
| Transformer | Toroïdal 200VA |
| Capacitors | 30,000 µF per channel |
| Digital connectivity | HDMI ARC, 2 coaxial, 2 optical, Bluetooth 5.1 aptX HD |
| Analog connectivity | 3 RCA inputs, 1 MM phono input, Pre-Out |
| Supported formats | PCM 32 bits/768 kHz, DSD, MQA |
Innovations that make the difference
The 6000A MKII directly inherits the technological advances of its big brothers:
State-of-the-art digital-to-analog conversion
- ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M chip identical to the high-end models
- Class A post-DAC filter inherited from the 7000 and 9000 series
- Architecture HyperStream II with temporal jitter elimination
- 5 digital filters adjustable to optimize restitution
High quality amplification
- Class AB Topology faithful to the audiophile heritage
- Topology CFB (Complementary Feedback) for linearity
- Peak current 11 amps for heavy loads
- Thermal stability optimized
Built-in modern connectivity
- HDMI ARC for audiovisual integration
- Bluetooth 5.1 aptX HD for quality wireless streaming
- Operating modes : Integrated, Pre, Pre-Power
This opening to the modern digital world doesn’t sacrifice any sonic purity. The HDMI ARC input finally allows you to get sound worthy of the name from your television, while Bluetooth aptX HD reveals the unsuspected potential of streaming from a smartphone. The three operating modes offer reassuring scalability: your investment will grow with your audiophile ambitions.
Recommended association:To fully reveal the potential of the 6000A MKII, we recommend the Revival Audio Sprint 3 speakers for their neutrality and ease of control, or the Focal Theva 2 for their dynamics and precision in the treble register.
The 6000CDT CD Transport: rediscover your CDs
What is a CD transport and why this approach?
A CD transport differs from a classic CD player by its specialized function:
| Function | Exit | Usage | |
| Transport CD | Reading + digital extraction only | Digital signal (coaxial/optical) | Requires an external DAC |
| Classic CD player | Reading + extraction + analog conversion | Analog signal (RCA) | Direct connection to the amplifier |
This separation of functions makes it possible to optimize each stage: reading mechanics on the one hand, digital-to-analog conversion on the other.
6000CDT Technical Specifications
| Characteristic | Detail |
| Mechanical | Slot-loading (without drawer) identical to the high-end models |
| Digital outputs | 1 coaxial SPDIF RCA + 1 optical Toslink |
| Watch | Temperature-compensated crystal oscillator |
| Buffering | Advance reading system |
| Housing | Electromagnetic shielding |
| Output format | 44,1 kHz (CD standard) |
Integrated advanced technologies
Mechanics and reliability
- Slot-loading mechanics: same system as the high-end 8300CD models
- Superior robustness: no fragile drawer mechanism
- Intuitive loading: direct insertion of the CD through the slot
Advanced correction system
- Digital buffering: Read-ahead for damaged CDs
- Recovery capacity: Reads scratched CDs that are unreadable by other players
- Optimized extraction: Purest possible digital signal
Jitter reduction
- Compensated oscillator: Temperature-independent stable clock
- Differential driver: Stabilized coaxial output for the DAC
- Electromagnetic shielding: Reduction of interference
The 6000CDT delivers a revelation that many audiophiles describe as a “click.” Connecting this transport to an external DAC means suddenly hearing your CD collection in a new light. Albums you thought you knew by heart reveal unsuspected layers of detail, artist breaths, instrument reverberations that were there all along but that your previous player couldn’t extract.
This ability to revive even the most familiar CDs transforms listening into a permanent exploration. Each disc becomes a discovery, each piece regains its original freshness. The silence between tracks becomes deeper, the attacks sharper, the decays more natural.
Recommended association:The 6000CDT reveals its full potential connected to the DAC D7 via an Audioquest coaxial Cinnamon câble or to the 6000A MKII amplifier, via an AudioQuest optical cable.
Le DAC D7 : Le hub numérique de votre syThe D7 DAC: The digital hub of your systemstème
What is a DAC and why use an external one?
A DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) converts digital signals into analog signals. A common question is: why use an external DAC when smartphones and computers already have them?
| Integrated DAC (smartphone/PC) | Dedicated external DAC (D7) |
| Food: Shared with other circuits | Food: Dedicated and optimized |
| Shielding : Minimal | Shielding: Complete electromagnetics |
| Analog circuits: Basics | Analog circuits: High quality |
| Interferences: Numerous (WiFi, processor) | Interferences: Minimized |
| Supported formats : Boundaries | Supported formats: Extended (DSD, MQA) |
Full D7 specifications
| Category | Specifications |
| DAC chip | ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M 32 bits |
| Architecture | HyperStream II with Anti-Jitter |
| Formats PCM | Up to 32-bit/768 kHz (USB) |
| Formats DSD | Up to DSD512 (22.5792 MHz) |
| MQA decoding | Complete (3 steps) |
| Filters | 5 digital filtering options |
| Oversampling | 352.8 kHz or 384 kHz |
Versatile connectivity: a true digital hub
Available entries
- 2 coaxial inputs SPDIF RCA
- 2 optical inputs Toslink
- 1 USB-B input pour PC/Mac/smartphones (768 kHz, DSD512)
- 1 USB-A inputf or storage devices
- Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD codec
Proposed outings
- RCA analog outputs stereo
- Balanced XLR outputs for professional equipment
- Headphone output High power 6.35mm jack
- Digital outputs coaxial and optical (192 kHz)
Integrated advanced technologies
Reference digital conversion
- ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M chip: Absolute reference in DAC
- Audiolab Proprietary Circuits: Optimization of ESS architecture
- HyperStream II: Advanced oversampling architecture
- Time Domain Jitter Eliminator: Elimination of time distortions
Customizing listening
- 5 digital filters adjustable:
- Fast Roll-off Linear Phase
- Slow Roll-off Linear Phase
- Fast Roll-off Minimum Phase
- Slow Roll-off Minimum Phase
- Apodizing Fast Roll-off Linear Phase
- Selectable oversampling according to preferences
- Adaptation to sources: Optimization by file type
High performance headphone amplifier
- Circuit de rétroaction en courant (CFB)
- Compatible tous types : Du casque sensible au planaire exigeant
- Puissance élevée : Pilotage optimal garanti
- Clarté et dynamisme : Performances audiophiles
Polyvalence d’usage
- Current feedback circuit (CFB)
- Compatible with all types: From sensitive headphones to demanding planar
- High power: Optimal piloting guaranteed
- Clarity and dynamism : Performances audiophiles
Installing the D7 in your system means rediscovering the simple pleasure of turning on your Hi-Fi system. This daily ritual regains its meaning: each session becomes a special encounter with music. The integrated headphone amplifier also transforms portable listening, revealing details that standard outputs masked.
Recommended association:The D7 thrives with a Transparent Hardwired XLR cable and reveals its full potential when connected to a Bluesound Nano network player via Transparent coaxial cable.
The Audiolab ecosystem: three complementary approaches
These three products can work independently or in perfect synergy. The beginner will benefit from starting with the 6000A MKII, a complete solution for getting started in high-fidelity. CD enthusiasts can enhance their system with the 6000CDT rediscover their collection. Those passionate about diverse digital sources will make the D7 the heart of their installation.
The 6000A MKII + 6000CDT combination forms a coherent duo for the physical music lover, while the complete trio offers maximum flexibility and the ability to compare different digital-to-analog conversion approaches.
Why choose Audiolab today?
In an often elitist high-fidelity market, Audiolab offers a credible alternative: impeccable technical performance at affordable prices. This “audiophile budget” philosophy is based on forty years of experience and a keen understanding of the expectations of modern music lovers.
The 6000A MKII, the 6000CDT and the D7 embody this vision: they integrate the most advanced technologies into products with unbeatable value for money. For the budget-conscious audiophile, they represent the opportunity to access a level of performance usually reserved for much more expensive products.
These products don’t just reproduce music: they reveal it, uncovering nuances and details that transform the listening experience. It’s this ability to move, to surprise, to breathe new life into familiar recordings that constitutes Audiolab’s true value.
The arrival of these three products on maPlatine.com marks an important milestone in our selection. They confirm our commitment to offering accessible high-fidelity solutions without compromising on performance, allowing as many people as possible to discover the pleasure of quality listening.