Audiolab 6000A MKII Integrated Amplifier
The Audiolab 6000A MkII is an updated entry-level integrated amplifier from Audiolab (Cambridge, United Kingdom), available at Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, New York. Building on the leg acy of the multi-award-winning original 6000A, the MkII upgrades the digital platform to the ESS ES9038Q2M 32-bit DAC — the same chip found in the 7000A — with a Class A post-DAC active filter, five selectable digital filters, and full MQA decoding. It retains the original's proven 2 x 50 watts into 8 ohms Class AB amplification, adds an HDMI ARC input for direct television integration, and steps up to Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD, all within the familiar low-profile chassis that has made the 6000A one of the most successful integrated amplifiers of the last decade. ES9038Q2M DAC Upgrade with Class A Post-DAC Filter and Five Digital Filters The defining change from the original 6000A to the MkII is the replacement of the ES9018K2M DAC with the ES9038Q2M — a 32-bit Sabre chip from ESS Technology that uses the same HyperStream II architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator found across the 7000A and 9000A amplifiers. The ES9038Q2M supports PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz (via USB, where applicable) and delivers a DAC SNR exceeding 112dB (A-weighted). Critically, the MkII adopts the same Class A post-DAC active filter circuit developed by Audiolab for the 9000 and 7000 Series — a circuit specifically tailored to extract the full potential of the ES9038 chip family rather than applying a generic implementation. Five user-selectable digital filter settings (an increase from the original 6000A's three) allow the listener to optimize the digital response for the source material and personal preference. The four S/PDIF digital inputs — two coaxial and two optical — handle PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz. Full certified MQA decoding is performed internally, making the MkII an ideal choice for Tidal HiFi Plus subscribers accessing Tidal Masters content. Improved Power Supply, Class AB Amplification, HDMI ARC, and Bluetooth 5.1 The 6000A MkII retains the original's Class AB amplifier topology — designed by Jan Ertner with CFB (Complementary Feedback) characteristics inherited across the Audiolab range — while introducing an improved 200VA toroidal transformer with increased secondary winding voltage and reduced impedance, followed by 4 x 15,000uF reservoir capacitors (60,000uF total, or 30,000uF per rail). This combination delivers the power supply authority needed for the 6000A MkII's characteristic bass control and dynamic consistency. Power output is maintained at a genuine 2 x 50 watts into 8 ohms and 2 x 75 watts into 4 ohms. The analogue circuitry has been updated with a revised feedback network and improved power supply regulation, and the physical layout has been optimized to isolate the preamplifier section from noise interference. Independent low-noise power supplies serve all critical stages, with integrated RFI and EMI filtering on the mains supply. A standout addition over the original 6000A is the HDMI ARC input, enabling direct connection to a television's ARC-compatible HDMI port for straightforward routing of TV audio through the 6000A MkII's DAC and amplification. Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD provides high-quality wireless streaming from mobile devices and computers. The improved MM phono stage with precise RIAA equalization and input filtering continues to serve turntable users, while the current-feedback headphone amplifier handles loads from 20 to 600 ohms through the front-panel 6.35mm output. Three operating modes — Integrated, Pre-Power, and Pre-only — provide the same system flexibility available across the wider Audiolab range. Key Features ESS ES9038Q2M 32-Bit DAC: HyperStream II architecture with Time Domain Jitter Eliminator and DAC SNR exceeding 112dB (A-weighted) — the same chip as the 7000A, replacing the ES9018K2M of the original 6000A. Class A Post-DAC Active Filter: Circuit trickled down from the 9000A and 7000A, specifically optimized for the ES9038 chip family to deliver ultra-low noise and high dynamic range. Five Selectable Digital Filters: Expanded from three in the original 6000A, enabling fine-tuning of the digital response to suit source material and system character. Full Certified MQA Decoding: Complete three-stage internal MQA decoder for Tidal Masters content via coaxial and optical S/PDIF inputs. 50W Per Channel Class AB Power: Genuine 2 x 50W into 8 ohms and 2 x 75W into 4 ohms, via a CFB-topology Class AB circuit with improved 200VA toroidal transformer and 60,000uF total reservoir capacitance. HDMI ARC Input: Direct connection to a television's ARC-compatible HDMI port for TV and streaming service audio routing through the 6000A MkII's DAC — absent on the original 6000A. Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD: High-resolution wireless streaming with improved range and speed over the original 6000A's Bluetooth implementation. Improved MM Phono Stage: High-definition, low-noise moving magnet preamplifier with precise RIAA equalization and input filtering, upgraded from the original 6000A circuit. Current-Feedback Headphone Amplifier: Front-panel 6.35mm output accommodating headphone loads from 20 to 600 ohms with a 2.35-ohm output impedance. Three Operating Modes: Integrated, Pre-Power, and Pre-only modes provide flexibility for standard operation, power-amp-only use with an AV processor, and standalone DAC/preamp operation. 12V Trigger In and Out: For automated power sequencing with compatible Audiolab components. Technical Specifications Type Integrated Amplifier with DAC Amplifier Class Class AB with CFB (Complementary Feedback) Topology Power Output 2 x 50W (8 ohms, THD < 1%); 2 x 75W (4 ohms, THD < 1%) Power Amp THD < 0.003% (1kHz @ 40W / 8 ohms) Power Amp SNR > 110dB (A-weighted) Power Amp Gain +29dB Power Amp Frequency Response 20Hz - 20kHz (+/- 0.3dB) Max. Output Current 11A DAC Chip ESS ES9038Q2M 32-bit DAC THD < 0.0006% (1kHz @ 0dBFS) DAC Output Level 2.05Vrms (0dBFS, 1kHz) DAC SNR > 112dB (A-weighted) DAC Max. Sampling Frequency (S/PDIF) 192kHz / 24-bit Digital Filters 5 selectable MQA Full Certified MQA Decoder (3-stage unfold) Preamp THD < 0.0004% (Line, 1kHz @ 2V, Volume = 0dB) Preamp SNR > 110dB (Line, A-weighted); > 76dB (Phono MM, A-weighted) Preamp Gain +8dB (Line); +55dB (Phono MM) Preamp Frequency Response 20Hz - 20kHz (+/- 0.1dB) Preamp Output Voltage 2.3V max. (Volume = 0dB) Preamp Output Impedance 120 ohms Input Sensitivity (Line) 720mV (Volume = 0dB) Input Impedance (Line) 10K ohms Phono Input Impedance 47K ohms // 100pF (MM) Phono Input Sensitivity 3.1mV (Volume = 0dB) Digital Inputs (S/PDIF) 2 x Coaxial, 2 x Optical (up to 24-bit/192kHz) HDMI Input 1 x HDMI ARC Bluetooth Bluetooth 5.1 (aptX HD) Analogue Inputs 3 x RCA Line, 1 x MM Phono, 1 x Power Amp In Outputs 1 x Preamp Out (RCA), 1 x Stereo Speaker, 1 x Headphone (6.35mm) Trigger 1 x 12V Trigger In, 1 x 12V Trigger Out Headphone THD < 0.01% (1kHz, 50mW) Headphone Output Impedance 2.35 ohms Headphone Load Impedance 20 - 600 ohms Toroidal Transformer 200VA Reservoir Capacitance 4 x 15,000uF (60,000uF total) Operating Modes Integrated, Pre-Power, Pre-only Dimensions (W x H x D) 445 x 65.5 x 300 mm Net Weight 7.8 kg Finish Black / Silver Power Requirements 100-120V ~ 50/60Hz (US); 220-240V ~ 50/60Hz Connections at a Glance 3 x Analogue RCA Line Inputs 1 x MM Phono Input (RCA) 2 x S/PDIF Coaxial Digital Inputs 2 x S/PDIF Optical (TOSLINK) Digital Inputs 1 x HDMI ARC Input 1 x Bluetooth 5.1 (aptX HD) 1 x Power Amplifier Input (pre-amp bypass) 1 x Preamp Output (RCA) 1 x Stereo Speaker Output (binding posts) 1 x Headphone Output (6.35mm, 20-600 ohm compatible) 1 x 12V Trigger Input + 1 x 12V Trigger Output What's in the Box Audiolab 6000A MkII Integrated Amplifier Remote Control Power Cord Bluetooth Antenna User Manual Frequently Asked Questions What is the Audiolab 6000A MkII? The Audiolab 6000A MkII is an updated entry-level integrated amplifier from Audiolab (Cambridge, UK), delivering 50 watts per channel into 8 ohms via a Class AB circuit, built around the ESS ES9038Q2M 32-bit DAC with a Class A post-DAC filter, five selectable digital filters, full MQA decoding, HDMI ARC input, Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD, an MM phono stage, and a current-feedback headphone amplifier — inheriting DAC and filter technology trickled down from the 7000A and 9000A. How does the Audiolab 6000A MkII compare to the Arcam A5, Cambridge Audio CXA61 MkII, and Rega Brio Mk7? The Audiolab 6000A MkII holds a strong position among sub-£1000 integrated amplifiers through its digital feature set. Against the Arcam A5 (50W, MM phono, no HDMI ARC, no DAC chip upgrade, no MQA, Bluetooth without aptX HD), the 6000A MkII offers the ES9038Q2M DAC, Class A post-DAC filter, five digital filters, full MQA decoding, HDMI ARC, and Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD. Compared to the Cambridge Audio CXA61 MkII (60W, no phono stage, no HDMI ARC, ES9016K2M DAC), the 6000A MkII adds a built-in MM phono stage and HDMI ARC at a comparable price, with a more recent DAC implementation. The Rega Brio Mk7 (50W, MM phono, no DAC, no Bluetooth, no digital inputs) is a pure analogue amplifier focused entirely on power stage performance — making it and the 6000A MkII complementary rather than equivalent choices: the Rega suits analog-only systems while the 6000A MkII is the better choice for those who need integrated digital source handling. What is the difference between the Audiolab 6000A MkII and the original 6000A? The MkII introduces four meaningful changes over the original 6000A. First, the DAC chip is upgraded from the ES9018K2M to the ES9038Q2M, adding HyperStream II architecture, a higher SNR, and support for the Class A post-DAC filter trickled down from the 7000A and 9000A. Second, the digital filter count increases from three to five. Third, an HDMI ARC input is added — absent on the original. Fourth, Bluetooth is upgraded from the original's aptX implementation to Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD for higher-resolution wireless streaming. The power output (50W/8 ohms), chassis dimensions, and overall visual design remain unchanged. Does the Audiolab 6000A MkII have a USB-B input for computer audio? No. Unlike the Audiolab 7000A, the 6000A MkII does not include a USB Type-B (PC USB) input for direct computer connection. Digital sources connect via the two coaxial and two optical S/PDIF inputs (up to 24-bit/192kHz), the HDMI ARC input, or Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD. Computer audio playback can be achieved by connecting a computer to the 6000A MkII via a USB DAC or streamer with a digital output, or via Bluetooth for wireless playback. Can the Audiolab 6000A MkII decode MQA from Tidal? Yes. The 6000A MkII is a certified full MQA decoder, performing the complete three-stage unfolding process internally via its coaxial and optical S/PDIF digital inputs. When connected to a computer or streamer running Tidal HiFi Plus, the 6000A MkII decodes Tidal Masters files from first unfold through final reconstruction without requiring an external renderer. Note that MQA content must be delivered via the S/PDIF inputs or HDMI ARC rather than USB, as the MkII does not include a USB-B digital input. What turntables and cartridges are compatible with the 6000A MkII phono stage? The 6000A MkII's phono stage is designed for moving magnet (MM) cartridges, providing 55dB of gain and a standard 47K ohm input impedance with 100pF capacitive loading — compatible with the vast majority of MM cartridges from entry-level to high-output moving coil designs used in MM mode. Moving coil (MC) cartridges with low output and low impedance are not directly compatible; users with an MC cartridge would need an outboard MC phono preamplifier or step-up transformer connected to one of the 6000A MkII's RCA line inputs. Where can I buy the Audiolab 6000A MkII in Buffalo, NY or the United States? The Audiolab 6000A MkII is available at Vinyl Sound, an authorized Audiolab dealer in Buffalo, New York. Purchasing from an authorized dealer ensures full manufacturer warranty coverage, genuine product, and access to expert guidance from the Vinyl Sound team for speaker matching and system setup.
