Audiolab’s 6000A has long been a standout in the entry-level hi-fi space, delivering a mix of solid engineering, clean design, and musicality at an accessible price point.

At first glance, the MkII doesn’t appear to stray far from its predecessor. The metal chassis, familiar control panel, and OLED display remain unchanged, ensuring continuity in form and function. However, Audiolab has introduced a series of internal upgrades designed to further enhance the amplifier's sonic capabilities.

The most significant revision is a new DAC. Replacing the ES9018K2M chip found in the original, the 6000A MkII now features the ES9038Q2M—a higher-specification 32-bit Sabre DAC also found in Audiolab’s more premium 7000A model. This shift suggests improved clarity, resolution, and dynamics in digital playback, particularly when paired with the refined post-DAC filtering circuit, which has been trickled down from the flagship 9000A and 7000A amplifiers.

Audiolab has also enhanced the amplifier’s power architecture. The Class AB output stage remains, delivering 50 watts per channel into 8 ohms, but now benefits from an upgraded toroidal transformer and improved power distribution. These refinements bolster current delivery, allowing greater control over demanding loudspeakers while reducing unwanted interference in the preamplifier stage.

Connectivity has been another area of focus. The addition of HDMI ARC is a notable inclusion, bringing seamless TV integration to the table—a feature that has become increasingly relevant as hi-fi systems double as AV hubs. Alongside this, the 6000A MkII retains its suite of digital and analogue inputs, including two coaxial and two optical connections, three line-level RCA inputs, and a moving magnet phono stage. Wireless playback is also via Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD support, ensuring high-quality streaming from compatible devices.

Audiolab has refined its headphone amplifier section for personal listening, promising a dynamic and detailed output regardless of headphone impedance. The moving magnet phono stage has also been revisited, claiming a lower noise floor and higher definition performance for vinyl enthusiasts.

While Audiolab’s claim of improved clarity, focus, and authority will require critical listening to validate, the 6000A MkII enters a highly competitive market segment. Rivals such as the Rega Brio Mk7 and Arcam A25 are set to provide stiff competition, but with a UK launch price of just £699—only a modest increase over its predecessor—the 6000A MkII appears well-positioned to retain its appeal. Whether these refinements translate to a meaningful step up in performance remains to be seen, but on paper at least, Audiolab has made a strong case for its latest iteration.

6000A MkII availability for Europe, UK & Australian markets will commence in April and will be priced at £699 / €899 / A$1,799. 

For more information visit Audiolab