AUDIOLAB 6000A MKII INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER REVIEW
Audiolab 6000A MKII integrated amplifier is an updated version of their well-reviewed 6000A amplifier. The 6000A MKII is a fully featured, modern amplifier with a phonostage, line level inputs, Bluetooth, and a DAC. It is also very reasonably priced at around £700. Michael Fairbairn takes a listen for HiFi PiG.
Two years ago, almost to the day, I did a write-up on two new components from Audiolab’s latest range of HiFi components: the 7000A Integrated Amplifier and 7000CDT CD Transport. They were both reviewed favourably. Fast forward to today, and I am focusing on their 6000A MKII Amplifier.
The important distinction here is that this is the MKII. In their own words, “Audiolab elevates its popular entry-level amplifier to MKII status, integrating technologies from the upmarket 7000A and 9000A to deliver premium performance and versatility at an affordable price.” The original 6000A was released back in 2018 and was positioned, at the time, as a modern successor to the company’s classic 8000A amp. So, what makes this new version different and how does it compare to my experience with the 7000 series?
BUILD QUALITY AND FEATURES OF THE AUDIOLAB 6000A MKII AMPLIFIER
Audiolab’s 6000 series has long been regarded as one of the most dependable and best-value ranges in HiFi, so when the 6000A MKII arrived, I was keen to see how much refinement had been achieved without losing the spirit of the original. Last time around, Audiolab ticked the box, no pun intended, with first impressions from the packaging. Once again, it’s neat, sturdy, with the contents well secured. Top marks to Audiolab for consistency. So far, so good.
Matching the weight of its predecessor, the MKII is another solid contender; weighing in at 7.8kg. I like components that don’t feel lightweight or flimsy but are easy enough to lift and position, much like this one. I had cause to move this around a fair bit, to pair the pre and power modes with other amps, so the ease of doing so was a definite plus for me and they got the balance just right.
Visually, the 6000A MKII continues Audiolab’s minimalist design philosophy. The sleek aluminium chassis and unfussy front fascia exude an understated elegance that sits comfortably in any listening environment. I got the silver version, but this is also available in “…classic Audiolab black.” Both options have an RRP of £699, which is amazing value for an unit such as this.
The central OLED display gives a clear, crisp readout, complemented by three neatly arranged rotary dials for input selection, mode, and volume. The tactile feel of these controls is excellent; smooth and precise, with just enough resistance to convey a sense of quality engineering. It’s a design that feels intuitive and timeless rather than flashy, and that’s exactly what you’d expect from Audiolab.
Around the back, the MKII offers a comprehensive array of connections that make it a true system hub. There are three line-level analogue inputs, a moving-magnet phono stage, and digital inputs including two optical, two coaxial, and one USB Type-B for PC or streamer connection. A 12V trigger allows integration with other Audiolab components, while the pre-out and power-amp-in sockets give flexibility for those looking to use it as part of a broader system. Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX and aptX LL support rounds things off nicely, making casual streaming from a phone or tablet a simple, high-quality experience.
The 6000A MKII retains the Class AB amplifier topology designed by Jan Ertner, but introduces a revised feedback network and improved power supply regulation for better dynamic handling and noise performance. The ESS ES9038Q2M DAC (the same chip used in the 7000A) replaces the older ES9018 variant, allowing the MKII to support PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512, alongside full MQA decoding. These upgrades ensure the MKII punches well above its price point in terms of resolution and digital transparency.
Small but thoughtful details add to the appeal. The front-panel headphone output uses a dedicated current-feedback amplifier stage, delivering a lively and articulate sound through a pair of Sendy Audio Apollo cans. There’s also a trio of operational modes: Integrated, Pre, and Power, mirroring its more expensive sibling, the 7000A. This gives users the flexibility to expand or reconfigure their setup over time without needing to replace the amplifier entirely. It’s beautifully constructed, thoughtfully equipped, and strikes that fine balance between simplicity and sophistication. Another notable introduction is HDMI ARC, offering everything you really need (and nothing you don’t) in a package that feels refined, confident, and distinctly Audiolab.
SOUND QUALITY
The Audiolab 6000A MKII doesn’t just reproduce sound – it reveals it. With upgraded DAC circuitry and a subtly re-engineered power stage, it delivers a presentation that’s both muscular and nuanced. Listening to Dave Hause’s “Look Alive,” the MKII renders the grit in his vocal with startling immediacy, while the rhythm section punches through with taut precision. There’s a sense of drive and dynamism here that feels deliberate, never forced.
La Lom’s “Alacran” (Live at Thalia Hall) showcases the MKII’s ability to handle spatial complexity. The live ambience is preserved with remarkable fidelity: the crowd’s energy, the interplay of brass and percussion, the subtle decay of reverb – all are presented with a clarity that’s immersive but never clinical. The MKII doesn’t flatten the performance into mere signal; it preserves the soul of the room.
On Courtney Marie Andrews’ “May Your Kindness Remain,” the MKII reveals its emotional intelligence. Her voice floats with warmth and texture, supported by a low-end that’s full yet restrained. The amp’s tonal balance is its quiet triumph, never tipping into brightness, never dulling the shimmer. It’s this balance that makes tracks like “Setting Yourself Up For Love” by Ashes and Diamonds feel intimate and expansive at once, with guitar tones that bloom and fade naturally, and backing vocals that sit just where they should.
Even when pushed into hard rock territory (Ozzy Osbourne’s “No More Tears” or The Black Crowes’ “Hotel Illness”), the MKII maintains composure. It delivers the crunch and swagger of distorted guitars with authority, but without sacrificing detail. Bass lines are articulate, not bloated; cymbals crash with metallic sheen, not sibilance. It’s a sound that’s confident, never brash and engineered for those who listen to their tunes properly.
As a standalone integrated amp, the 6000A MKII delivers a sound that’s clean, articulate, and rhythmically tight. It excels in tonal balance and transient control, offering a neutral presentation that’s revealing but not sterile. On “The Hand That Feeds” by Nine Inch Nails, the Audiolab’s grip on the low end gives the track punch and pace, while vocals are rendered with clarity.
I then paired the Audiolab as Preamp with my Merrill Audio Thor Monoblocks for power. This setup is surprisingly competent. The Audiolab’s preamp section is clean and fast, and when paired with the Thor monoblocks, it gains authority and scale. “Setting Yourself Up For Love” benefits from this clarity; the backing vocals are sharply defined, and the rhythm section is tight.
Next up I switched to use my Lab12 Pre1 with the Audiolab as Power Amp. This configuration is equally revealing of the Audiolab’s capabilities. While the Lab12 injects warmth and flow, the Audiolab’s power section scales with the emotional and dynamic demands of my music choices. “Alacran” by La Lom retains its live energy, and “No More Tears” feels tight and full in the low end. It’s a very competent pairing, but I would say the Thor monoblocks outperform in terms of headroom, texture, and dynamic nuance. However, at such a wide price difference, one would expect this. Despite that, the equivalent emotional warmth and organic flow of the Lab12 pairing can still be felt here, especially on more intimate or live recordings.
QUIBBLES
The remote is designed to operate multiple Audiolab components, not just the 6000A MKII. As a result, it includes buttons that don’t apply to the amp itself, which could be confusing. I found myself pressing non-functional buttons, only to realise later that those were meant for CD players or streamers in the Audiolab ecosystem. A slightly more intuitive layout and functionality may have better served the remote and the amp. Note to self, read the manual before getting stuck in next time.
CONCLUSION
In summary, the Audiolab 6000A MKII strikes a compelling balance between clarity, control, and musicality. While it may not quite match the scale or tonal richness of more esoteric pairings, its precision and poise make it a formidable performer in its class. For listeners seeking a refined, articulate presentation with just enough warmth to engage emotionally, the MKII delivers with quiet confidence.
AT A GLANCE
Build Quality And Features:
Solid construction with a clean, understated design
HDMI eARC is a welcome addition, as is the new ES9038Q2M DAC chip and post-DAC active filter
Sound Quality:
Articulate and balanced, with good clarity and control
Strong dynamics and scale
Excels in vocal clarity and rhythm and punches above its modest price point with regard to headroom
Value For Money:
Strong value proposition for its price point
Offers a refined sound and versatile features
We Loved:
Neutral tonal balance, tight bass control, and clean presentation
Excellent with vocal-centric and rhythm-driven tracks
Performs well as a preamp when paired with high-end power amplification
We Didn’t Love So Much:
Remote control is cluttered and unintuitive
Elevator Pitch Review: The Audiolab 6000A MKII is an integrated amplifier that delivers clarity, control, and composure without fanfare. It’s not about brute force or flamboyant colouration; it’s about balance, precision, and musical integrity. Whether driving a full system or acting as a preamp, it proves that refinement and versatility can coexist at this price point. For listeners who value nuance over noise, the MKII is a quiet revelation.
Price: £699 (RRP)
Michael Fairbairn
SUMMARY OF UPRGADES OVER 6000A
New ES9038Q2M DAC chip and post-DAC active filter
Upgraded toroidal transformer and power supply circuitry
Integrated mains filtering
Improved MM phono stage
Upgraded Bluetooth module
Additional digital input: HDMI ARC
SUPPLIED SPECIFICATION
INPUTS
1x HDMI ARC (HDMI 2.1/eARC compliant)
4x S/PDIF (2x optical; 2x coaxial)
4x stereo RCA analogue (3x line-level; 1x MM phono)
1x stereo RCA power amp in
1x USB Type A for firmware updates
1x 12V trigger
Bluetooth 5.1
OUTPUTS
Gold-pated speaker binding posts
1x 6.3mm headphone out
1x stereo RCA preamp out
1x 12V trigger
OTHER SPECIFICATIONS
Power amplifier type Class AB with Complimentary Feedback design
Power output 2x 50W (8 ohms, THD<1%); 2x 75W (4 ohms, THD<1%)
Maximum current delivery 2x 11A
Distortion (THD) – preamp section <0.0004% (1kHz @ 2V, volume 0dB)
Distortion (THD) – power amp section <0.003% (1kHz @ 40W / 8 ohms)
Dimensions (WxHxD) 444x65x299mm
