Audiolab 6000A Play silver

The Audiolab 6000A Play represents a major evolution in the world of hi-fi amplifiers. This model combines the sound excellence of the 6000A with the streaming capabilities of the 6000N Play, offering a complete audio solution. With its 2x50W at 8 ohms (2x75W at 4 ohms) in class AB, its ESS Sabre32 Reference ES9018K2M DAC, and its DTS Play-Fi platform, this amplifier meets the demands of modern audiophiles who want to enjoy both traditional analog sources and high-resolution streaming services.

A sophisticated all-in-one design

The 6000A Play stands out with its elegant and minimalist design, staying true to Audiolab’s clean aesthetic. Available in black or silver finishes, its chassis, measuring 445 x 80 x 330 mm, integrates seamlessly into any environment. The front panel, simple yet functional, features an informative LCD screen and intuitive controls for direct access to the device’s various functions.

Inside the amplifier, a meticulous design reveals a clear separation between the digital and analog sections, ensuring optimal signal integrity. This meticulous approach translates into exceptional sound quality, characterized by deep, well-defined bass, expressive mids, and delicate highs.

Impressive connectivity versatility

The 6000A Play excels with its comprehensive connectivity, catering to all audiophile needs. On the analog side, it offers three RCA line inputs, an MM phono input for turntables, and a preamp output. The digital section includes two Toslink optical inputs and two coaxial inputs, allowing connection to various sources such as CD players, TVs, or gaming consoles.

The real innovation lies in its network capabilities. Equipped with Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity, the 6000A Play integrates perfectly into a modern audio ecosystem. Bluetooth technology with aptX support completes the offering, enabling wireless streaming from smartphones and tablets with preserved sound quality.

A seamless connected listening experience

The integration of the DTS Play-Fi platform is one of the 6000A Play’s major strengths. This technology provides access to one of the most extensive wireless audio ecosystems on the market, compatible with numerous popular streaming services: Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz, Amazon Music, Deezer, and more. Internet radio and DLNA compatibility further enhance listening possibilities.

High-resolution streaming up to 24-bit/96 kHz is supported, ensuring faithful reproduction of audiophile recordings available on specialized platforms like Qobuz or Tidal. The DTS Play-Fi app, available on iOS, Android, and Windows, transforms your mobile device into an intuitive remote control, allowing you to easily navigate your music library and favorite services.

The multi-room functionality is another notable advantage. It allows you to synchronize multiple Play-Fi compatible devices in different rooms, creating a cohesive audio system throughout your home.

Impeccable sound quality

At the heart of the 6000A Play is an ESS Sabre32 ES9018K2M digital-to-analog converter, renowned for its exceptional performance. This reference DAC ensures precise conversion of digital signals, with total harmonic distortion below 0.0006% and a signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 112 dB.

Three selectable digital filters (steep slope, gentle slope, and minimum phase) allow you to fine-tune the sound signature according to your listening preferences and the type of recording. This flexibility also extends to the three available operating modes: standard integrated mode, preamp-only mode, or power amp-only mode.

The class AB amplification section delivers a generous power output of 2x50W at 8 ohms and 2x75W at 4 ohms, sufficient to efficiently drive most speakers on the market. This power reserve, combined with a maximum output current of 9A, ensures dynamic and controlled reproduction, even during the most demanding musical passages.

Remarkable versatility of use

The 6000A Play adapts to various listening configurations thanks to its multiple features. The integrated MM phono input will delight vinyl enthusiasts, offering a high-quality preamp with a gain of +55 dB and an input impedance of 47 kOhms, optimal values for moving magnet cartridges.

For solitary listeners, the dedicated headphone amplifier with a current feedback circuit ensures high-quality listening. Compatible with headphones with an impedance range of 20 to 600 ohms, it delivers detailed and dynamic sound with harmonic distortion below 0.01%.

The 12V trigger function allows the 6000A Play to be integrated into a more complex system, with automatic power-on of other compatible devices. The automatic standby feature helps reduce energy consumption, with the device consuming less than 0.5W in standby mode.

Technical Specifications

Amplifier Section

• Gain: +29 dB
• Maximum nominal output power:
  • 2 x 50 W (8 ohm, THD < 1%)
  • 2 x 75 W (4 ohm, THD < 1%)
• Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz (+/-0.3 dB)
• Input sensitivity: 720 mV (Volume = 0 dB)
• Total harmonic distortion (THD): < 0.003% (1 kHz at 40 W / 8 ohm)
• Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR): > 110 dB (A-weighted)
• Maximum output current: 9 A

Headphone Section

• Total harmonic distortion (THD): < 0.01% (1 kHz, 10 mW into 20 ohm)
• Output impedance: 2.35 ohm
• Load impedance: 20-600 ohm

Preamplifier Section

• 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: 10K (Line), 47K // 100 pF (Phono MM)
• Total harmonic distortion (THD): < 0.0004% (1 kHz at 2 V, Volume = 0 dB)
• Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz (+/-0.1 dB)
• Output voltage: 2.3 V max. (Volume = 0 dB)
• Output impedance: 120 ohm
• Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR):

  • 110 dB (Line, A-weighted)

  • 76 dB (Phono MM, A-weighted)

Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) Section

• Converter: ES9018K2M
• Total harmonic distortion (THD): < 0.0006% (1 kHz at 0 dBFS)
• Output level (0 dBFS, 1 kHz): 2.05 V
• Maximum sampling frequency: 192 kHz
• Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR): > 112 dB (A-weighted)
• Digital filters: steep slope filter, gentle slope filter, minimum phase

DTS Play-Fi Platform and Wireless Connectivity

• High-resolution wireless playback: up to 24 bit / 96 kHz with compatible services like TIDAL and Qobuz
• Audio streaming from any source on your wireless network: smartphones, tablets, PCs, or NAS
• Gapless playback between tracks, even in high resolution
• DTS Play-Fi technology compliant with IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac standards
• New transfer mode feature enabling direct streaming without interruptions, even when using your phone for calls
• Bluetooth with aptX / aptX LL support

Compatibility and Services

• Supported streaming services: Amazon Music, Spotify, TIDAL, KKBox, SiriusXM, Napster, internet radio, Deezer, iHeartRadio, Pandora, SoundMachine, Qobuz, QQmusic
• Speaker grouping support for multi-room audio
• Control via apps for Android / iOS / Kindle Fire / Windows PC
• Streaming from a DLNA-compatible home media server
• Access to thousands of radio stations and podcasts
• Multi-room sound: connect multiple devices in different rooms for a seamless listening experience
• Compatibility with a wide range of high-quality audio devices
• Regular updates with new services added

Connectivity

• Analog inputs:
  • 3 x AUX
  • 1 x Phono (MM)
  • 1 x Power input
• Digital inputs:
  • 2 x Coaxial
  • 2 x Toslink Optical
• Analog output:
  • 1 x Pre-amplified RCA

Physical Characteristics and Power Supply

• Standby power consumption: < 0.5 W
• Power supply (depending on region):
  • 220-240 V ~ 50-60 Hz
  • 100-120 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 155 mm
• Weight: 7.9 kg (net), 10 kg (gross)