AUDIOLAB 6000A MKII AMPLIFIER

Building on the renowned Audiolab 6000A, the Audiolab 6000A MKII introduces major improvements inspired by the brand’s high-end models, the 9000A and 7000A, and over 40 years of innovation.

It continues Audiolab's tradition of delivering exceptional sound at an accessible price point.

In 2018, Audiolab rewrote the rulebook with the launch of the 6000A – the most affordable model in the brand’s four-decade history.

The 6000A earned five-star status from What Hi-Fi?, Hi-Fi News Outstanding Product, and Hi-Fi Choice Editor’s Choice, becoming a go-to amplifier for thousands of new audiophiles discovering high-quality sound.

This new version pushes musicality even further.

Then there’s connectivity: state-of-the-art digital-to-analog conversion supports four S/PDIF inputs and a new HDMI ARC input for seamless AV system integration — a key upgrade over the original model, and now a must-have for modern audiophiles. The Bluetooth 5.1 receiver with aptX HD ensures better range, speed, and performance when streaming over Bluetooth.

AUDIOLAB 6000A MKII: Front Panel

The brushed aluminium front panel, in either black or silver, features three rotary knobs for input selection, mode, and volume. On the right, there’s a 6.35mm headphone output.

In the centre, a display shows the selected source and volume level and also allows access to advanced settings.

Default mode: “Integrated” – combining preamp and power amp stages.

The “Pre” mode turns the unit into a standalone preamplifier, while “Pre Power” mode separates the preamp and power amp sections, allowing the 6000A MKII to function solely as a power amplifier, for instance, when connected to an AV processor in a home cinema system. It also enables external signal processing by connecting the “Preamp Out” to a processor and routing its output back into the “Power Amp In”.

A full-featured remote control gives access to most of the 6000A MKII’s functions.

AUDIOLAB 6000A MKII: Connectivity

The 6000A MKII offers three analog RCA line-level inputs, a dedicated MM phono stage input, a Pre-Out, and an Amp-In.

It also features an integrated DAC, with two coaxial RCA SPDIF and two optical Toslink digital inputs, along with a HDMI ARC input and Bluetooth 5.1 reception supporting multiple codecs, including aptX HD.

AUDIOLAB 6000A MKII: Technology

Audiolab has upgraded the DAC section with the ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M, supporting PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz. It incorporates HyperStream® II architecture and a Time Domain Jitter Eliminator, resulting in ultra-low noise and exceptional dynamic range. Five selectable digital filters can be accessed via the remote.

Unlike many competitors that rely on Class D amplification, Audiolab remains true to its audiophile roots with a Class AB power amplifier. It delivers 50W per channel and a peak current of 11 amps, capable of driving demanding speaker loads. The amplifier’s CFB (Complementary Feedback) topology ensures linearity and thermal stability, keeping bias current independent of output transistor temperature.

The 6000A MKII uses a low-impedance secondary-winding transformer for tighter voltage control. The result is a distinctively Audiolab sound signature — clean, fast, and dynamic. A high-quality 200VA toroidal transformer is followed by four 15,000uF capacitors, providing 30,000uF per channel for excellent power supply headroom.

This gives the amp firm control over the music and impressive dynamic range.

The built-in headphone amplifier is also of excellent quality for an integrated amp in this category.

AUDIOLAB 6000A MKII: Sound Performance

Right from the first notes, especially with classical music, the 6000A MKII shows its strengths: tonal balance is simply exceptional. It’s dynamic and detailed without sounding aggressive or fatiguing. The soundstage is impressively wide and three-dimensional for an amp in this range. You can listen for hours without any listening fatigue or second-guessing.

We connected an Octavio Stream G2 to its optical input — the result was surprising: more impact and dynamics, without losing refinement or detail.

We also tested a Rega P3/ND3 on the MM phono input. The analog reproduction holds up remarkably well against the digital, maintaining superb balance and dynamics. Even though we’re not fans of Bluetooth for serious listening, tests with aptX HD and Qobuz streaming remained honest and enjoyable — though they can’t match the same file played via network streamer. Still, no amp handles Bluetooth better in this segment.

The 6000A MKII offers comprehensive analog and digital connectivity, which is rare at this price point. Its captivating tonal balance and musicality make it one of the best choices available.

This new 6000A MKII takes everything that made the original great — and makes it even better.

Our top pick.