Audiolab 6000A silver

The Audiolab 6000A is a Class AB stereo integrated amplifier delivering 2x50W at 8 ohms and 2x75W at 4 ohms. This model combines a high-quality analog preamplifier with an ESS Sabre32 ES9018K2M Reference digital-to-analog converter. Equipped with comprehensive connectivity, it offers multiple analog inputs, including a dedicated MM phono input, optical and coaxial digital inputs, as well as aptX Bluetooth connectivity for wireless streaming. Its sleek design is available in black or silver finish, with dimensions of 445 x 80 x 330 mm and a weight of 7.8 kg.

Rigorous Audiophile Design

The 6000A features meticulous design with a 200VA toroidal transformer followed by four 15000 uF capacitors (60000 uF in total). This robust power supply provides significant power reserves, essential for accurately reproducing dynamic musical passages. The preamplifier section has been designed to be as linear as possible, ensuring the listening experience is free from interference.

The Class AB power amplifier offers an excellent balance between energy efficiency and sound quality, with total harmonic distortion below 0.003% at 1 kHz under 40W/8 ohms. This architecture allows the 6000A to deliver detailed and warm sound, a characteristic appreciated by audiophiles.

Reference Digital-to-Analog Converter

The digital core of the 6000A is based on the ESS Sabre32 ES9018K2M Reference DAC, a high-end component that uses 32-bit HyperStream technology and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator. This configuration ensures extremely low background noise and a very high dynamic range, comparable to that of a high-end external DAC.

A particularly interesting feature is the ability to apply three different digital filters according to listening preferences: Fast Roll-Off, Slow Roll-Off, and Minimum Phase. This customization allows users to tailor the sound signature to their tastes or the type of music being played.

Comprehensive Connectivity for All Sources

The 6000A stands out for its exceptional versatility in terms of connectivity. For analog sources, it offers four stereo RCA line inputs and a high-quality MM phono input with low-noise JFET preamplification. This will delight vinyl enthusiasts who can connect their turntable directly without needing an external preamplifier.

On the digital side, the amplifier is equipped with four inputs: two S/PDIF optical (TosLink) and two S/PDIF coaxial (RCA). These inputs support signals up to 192 kHz/32 bits, ensuring compatibility with high-resolution digital sources.

Wireless connectivity is provided via Bluetooth with aptX codec support, enabling streaming from mobile devices with quality superior to standard Bluetooth. This feature is convenient for quickly playing music from a smartphone or tablet.

Flexibility and Operating Modes

The 6000A offers three distinct operating modes that significantly enhance its versatility. The Integrated mode uses the device as a classic integrated amplifier. The Pre-Power mode separates the preamplifier and power amplifier sections, allowing external processors to be inserted into the signal chain. Finally, the Pre mode uses only the preamplifier section, ideal for those who wish to connect a more powerful external power amplifier.

The amplifier also features a front-panel headphone output powered by a dedicated current-feedback amplifier. This section has been specifically designed to provide optimal listening quality with a wide range of headphones, from low-impedance models (20 ohms) to high-impedance models (600 ohms).

Practical Features and Ergonomics

The 6000A’s user interface is intuitive, with a large central OLED display that clearly shows essential information such as the selected source and volume level. The main controls are accessible via rotary knobs on the front panel, complemented by a remote control for managing all functions from a distance.

Practical features such as automatic activation via 12V trigger and automatic standby are included. Standby power consumption is less than 0.5W, in line with current ecological standards.

The 6000A also includes 12V trigger outputs to synchronize the power on/off of other hi-fi components, simplifying the daily use of a complete system.

Technical Specifications of the Audiolab 6000A

Overview and Design

• Design similar to the 8300A model with rotary controls and central OLED display
• Integrated digital-to-analog conversion allowing direct connection of digital sources
• Robust construction with high-quality chassis

Connectivity

• Digital inputs: 2 optical, 2 coaxial
• Analog inputs: 3 line inputs, 1 phono input for turntable (MM cartridge)
• Wireless connectivity: Bluetooth
• Outputs: speaker terminals, dedicated headphone output

Digital Section

• ESS Sabre ES9018K2M digital-to-analog converter (32-bit)
• HyperStream architecture and time-domain jitter eliminator for reduced noise and wide dynamic range
• Digital filters: fast roll-off, slow roll-off, minimum phase
• Maximum sampling frequency: 192 kHz
• Output level (0 dBFS, 1 kHz): 2.05 V

Analog Section

• Class AB amplification
  • Power: 50 W per channel at 8 ohms, 75 W per channel at 4 ohms
  • Maximum current: 9 A to handle complex loads
• CFB (Complementary Feedback) topology
  • Improved linearity and thermal stability
  • Bias current independent of transistor temperature
• Power supply
  • 200 VA toroidal transformer
  • 4 capacitors of 15,000 µF (total 60,000 µF) for high energy reserve and excellent dynamics

Phono Preamplifier

• Low-noise circuit based on JFETs
• Precise RIAA equalization
• Compatible with MM (Moving Magnet) cartridges
• Gain: +55 dB
• Input sensitivity: 3.1 mV (volume = 0 dB)
• Input impedance: 47 kΩ // 100 pF
• Signal-to-noise ratio: > 76 dB (A-weighted)

Headphone Amplifier

• Current feedback circuit
• Wide bandwidth and high slew rate for detailed and dynamic sound
• Total harmonic distortion: < 0.01% (1 kHz, 50 mW)
• Output impedance: 2.35 Ω
• Recommended load impedance: 20 - 600 Ω

Operating Modes

• Integrated mode: combination of preamp and power amp stages to connect digital and analog sources and drive a pair of speakers
• Other available modes (not specified)

Detailed Technical Specifications

Preamplifier Section

• Maximum gain: +8 dB (line), +55 dB (phono MM)
• Input sensitivity: 720 mV (line, volume = 0 dB), 3.1 mV (phono MM, volume = 0 dB)
• Input impedance: 10 kΩ (line), 47 kΩ // 100 pF (phono MM)
• Total harmonic distortion: < 0.0004% (line, 1 kHz at 2 V, volume = 0 dB)
• Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz (+/- 0.1 dB)
• Maximum output voltage: 2.3 V (volume = 0 dB)
• Output impedance: 120 Ω
• Signal-to-noise ratio: > 110 dB (line, A-weighted), > 76 dB (phono MM, A-weighted)

Digital-to-Analog Converter Section

• Total harmonic distortion: < 0.0006% (1 kHz at 0 dBFS)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: > 112 dB (A-weighted)

Power Amplifier Section

• Gain: +29 dB
• Output power: 2 x 50 W (8 Ω, THD < 1%), 2 x 75 W (4 Ω, THD < 1%)
• Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz (+/- 0.3 dB)
• Input sensitivity: 720 mV
• Total harmonic distortion: < 0.003% (1 kHz at 40 W / 8 Ω)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: > 110 dB (A-weighted)

General Information

• Standby power consumption: < 0.5 W
• Power supply: 240 V ~ 50 - 60 Hz, 230 V ~ 50 - 60 Hz, 115 V ~ 50 - 60 Hz, 100 V ~ 50 - 60 Hz
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 445 x 80 x 330 mm (including feet, terminals, and controls)
• Carton dimensions (W x H x D): 512 x 467 x 146 mm
• Weight: 7.8 kg (net)