Cheers Terry. I heard this amp in Bristol, this year, powering the Wharfedale Linton Heritage and Dali Oberon 5 (I believe). Both rooms had the same easy to listen to, clear and open soundstage. A very natural sound. I wouldn't mind ditching my old Rotel RA-05 for this in my bedroom.
I have not had the opportunity to hear the more recent, (Chinese), Audiolab amps, but the old 8000M mono-blocks, which I still use, outperform a lot of amps costing a great deal more. Probably the best value power amps ever made ;).
that's just where I filmed the talking videos I have a dedicated listening room as well which you can see in the short clip in this video and clearly in the demo video of the 6000A ;)
Hello, nice one! Subbed and liked! If i wanna use an external can amp (as the ifi zen can) can i exit from my 6000a PRE and enter into the ifi input? So i must select PRE from the 6000a and i can use the ifi zen can as headphone ampli? Thanks
Hello I’m looking to buy a amp and speakers. I’ve got my eyes on the audio lab 6000a and the wharfedale linton speakers. I listen to Reggae,Dub music on vinyl, so bass and drum response is a must. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
I’ve compared both in my room and they’re indistinguishable sonically. I went for the Audiolab because it doesn’t reset the volume to zero every time you turn it on.
@@LuisCardoso-bo8yx This is interesting to read about as I am considering both the Quad and audiolab. I think the volume reset would be annoying! However I did just find the manual online and it states you can set the volume level that you want when turning the unit on so seems like it may not be an issue?
I am getting one in a week. I heard Andrew Robinson's review and ordered one after I saw it. Iol He said the only amp that competed with it was a 10 grand tube amp! And other reviews said this amp is great. And now your review also says it all. Some thumbnails are saying stuff so impacting about this amp that you don't even have to click on it. Iol I already have two powerful amps and I don't need another amp but I simply couldn't resist. My Jaycar amp EATS my NAD C 356BE amp (hands down) and @ a third the price of the NAD. So I am curious if the Jaycar sounds as good as the Audiolab. The Jaycar is cheap but it's a MOSFET design (meant to be good). So we will see (I mean hear). I could use my Audiolab as a preamp and the 200 w Jaycar as a power amp. Power, Audiolab quality and MOSFET quality.
@@PursuitPerfectSystem Not quite...I think Justwanttohover heard what he wanted to hear. The review was also on the 6000A Play, not either of these two units.
I purchased these two Audiolab units last week partnered with the Q Acoustics 3050i speakers. I have used them exclusively to listen to the Amazon Music HD streaming service and I have been blown away by the quality of these units. The sound quality is amazing. Highly recommended!
I’ve heard this audiolab with the 4.4s and it is an incredible pairing. Wide open soundstage. I believe this channel actually has a demo of the 4.4s with this
I have a question, if you have a 6000A Play does that mean you can just not bother with the extra box in the 6000N, I just want to know what are the benefits to the 6000N and 6000A rather than just having the Play.
I'm playing my music on my Audiolab 6000 using the Play-fi app but it seems that the amplifier shut down after a certain moment of inactivity. I always have to reopen it using the remote control or directly on the amp. Is it normal ? Thanks !
Hey great review - sorry if this is a dumb question but as the 6000A has streaming capabilities and DAC would you say there's any reason to own both the 6000A and 6000N other than the presets and possibly sound improvement?
The 6000A is an amplifier the 6000N is not - however there is a 6000A Play coming out which is everything in one chassis - I hope that is news I am allowed to announce :)
Hey i have a nad c372 amplifier for my 2 polk s20 and my polk hts 10 sub. Do you Think the audiolab 6000a would help with the Dark Sound, which the nad c372 amplifier have? 😊
Sweet Jesus, Chris Kringle is a freekin audiophile and has audiophile elves cranking out the value of this system.😱 Just heard and saw your video on this system with the Wharfdales. They are going to have a backorder problem.
Hey Terry, this will sound very stupid hit which connection should a turntable go into, I assume the 'phono' sockets but I've just put my turntable in those and when I turned the amp up a bit it caused the speakers to pop and go crazy. Hope they're not damaged!!?
I am sorry I really dont know - maybe try and contact Audiolab and check that with them as I am a vinyl numpty - I would love to help but I dont know if I can on this one :)
Depends on your amp - how good is the built-in DAC? Is it better than tha DAC in the 6000n - the by all means use the digital output/input. If you find the Audiolab's DAC to be better, use the RCA.
@@donk1822 while this is true for the majority of people, the ES9018K2M is by no means a top of the line DAC. Some even go so far to say that Sabre DAC's are unnatural sounding, so for example an AK4499 may sound nicer to their ears. If you go a step further, the 6000N is not MQA-capable, which means even a cheaper chinese alternative (along the likes of Topping, SMSL etc) may be "superior" to some in their respective use-case.
I just bought the NAD C368 integrated amp. I was really interested in this though and can return the NAD. The NAD is a huge upgrade from my previous Pioneer Elite home theater amp but I'm wondering if I should have gone with this? Thoughts?
@@omarmunroe1420 The NAD has more power, which resulted in a much cleaner sound, particularly at low volume. It's simple but well built. The other major factor is the NAD had expansion slots. This means you can buy new modules that plug into the back to update your reciever. For example if you want hdmi switching or Roon wireless streaming etc. Etc. Basically any future tech can be added so you don't need a new amp, just a new module.
Only the British Audiophile (Tarun) briefly mentioned this : Audiolab 6000a lacks in bass production. In my experience the 6000a produces very detailed and gracious sound-without ooomph-either from jazz, classical, pop, or rock. It produces a very detailed “thin” sound. Looking forward to an Audiolab that adds the “meat” to the music.
@@gokhanersan8561 I use KEF LS50 speakers. I added a SVS SB 1000 PRO sub to it. It was praised on many forums. Compact sized, sealed, 30cm woofer, favourable price/value ratio, even with mobile app. Now this whole thing sounds as it should. The whole sound spectrum. Crispy highs combined with pleasantly deep lows. What speakers do you use?
@@Rtuzemsky I use those power hungry Dynaudio Emit10s. It looks like you have put together a well detailed, spacious, and meaty system at the fraction of the cost of a high end system. Unfortunately, we gave up on equipment matching at some point and stuck with the Rotel a11. It is a compromise in detail that gives some satisfying “presence” to the mids. I increased the dynamic presence by adding a Schiit 4-band eq. Well worth the $170 asking price.
@@gokhanersan8561 yours according to review’s seems fine too, those are dynamic speakers. Thx, my system is now well balanced and price wise, spent a lot of time hunting for it too. It’s now for sale if you are interested:)
If I am running an optical out from the TV (Fed by 4K Apple TV) into 6000A. Will I need a streamer? Or is Tidal coming through at full HIFI/Master quality?
@@thepuma2012 Thanks, it is epic. Upgraded PSU in Node2i (made a massive difference) and got better power cables and interconnects etc. Truly love it.... We sit for hours and listen instead of TV. The Chora's are incredible!
@@bruunm1975 I believe so. I am looking for how to upgrade my system. I have an audiolab 8000A (which will stay for a while), and a good DAC (the brand is Block from Germany). My streamer can be upgraded easily. I have lossless files on my pc and from in the internet. I am looking now what the best connection is between streamer and DAC and DAC and amp. Seems that all connection types (cables) can t handle lossless audiofiles. maybe i am wrong, but spdif can transport 24 bits/192 max but lossless fill can exceed the 192 khz frequency?
The 6000a is on my shortlist of amps that I want to purchase to go with my mission qx2, I also like the cambridge cxa60 and the Iotavx sa3 and arcam sa10. Not sure which one will go with my mission speakers. I listen to electronic, house, hip hop, RnB. I currently have the marantz pm8003 which I think it lacks in the midrange and the bass a little warm. Any suggestions?
@@daweihk88 yeah I finally went with the 6000a to go with my qx2 sounds fantastic. But I also upgraded my speakers to revel concerta M16 they are something else. I still have the qx2 I change around the speakers every now and again, love both of my speakers.
@@nuzzy1b glad that you are enjoying the audiolab 6000a. I also like to listen to hip hop and electronic, does the 6000a have good punch and solid bass ? Also do you know if it can drive well some KEF Q150? Finally can you confirm that the 6000a have HT bypass function and how to activate it , this is important for me as I want to use same speaker when watching movie on my AVR.
@@daweihk88For me it has a very good bass and it's enough for me, some people like heavy bass and add subwoofers. I don't feel it needs it for my room setup. But also depends on the speaker your going for if the low frequency goes low. Also it should easily drive the kef q150 as they're 8 ohm speakers, my revel speakers are 6 ohm and 86db sensitivity and they are easy to drive with no heating issues or anything. With regards to your third question I'm not sure about this function. If you have a local dealer maybe ask them if it has that function. I use mine purely for music so never tried to connect to av receiver.
You can use the front left and right pre outs on the AV receiver and connect them to one of the analog inputs on this amp. You just need to work out what volume to have this amp left on while using the AV receiver.
Is it possible to connect Bluetooth headphones to the 6000a? (I guess I'm asking if Bluetooth is bi-directional - I am a Bluetooth newbie as you can tell). And if you can, persumably you can defeat the speaker output?
Maltesers you get a slap and no dinner. the woman loves her Maltesers doesn't sound right. Be interesting if it's better or worse than the iotaVX with separate poweramp for the same price. that's the next review which one is better??
@@JuniorRossetti no tone control, tbh you don't really need it. This is my first amp with no tone controls, all my previous amps had tone controls. Don't really miss it, it's nice to have if you want to annoy the neighbors.
Cheers Terry. I heard this amp in Bristol, this year, powering the Wharfedale Linton Heritage and Dali Oberon 5 (I believe). Both rooms had the same easy to listen to, clear and open soundstage. A very natural sound. I wouldn't mind ditching my old Rotel RA-05 for this in my bedroom.
amazing I found this review and will definitely try to source one, thanks!!!!
Thank you. Very informative and you are easy to listen to. I enjoyed this vid, I’ll be buying, post Covid when I can hear before I buy.
maybe speak to a dealer and see if you can get a home demo - its better anyway and quicker, COVID is not going anywhere for some time yet
Hi Thanks for this, noted the balance 😆. Have u heard the quad vena 2 ? If so how does it compare as they have released a play version.
I have not had the opportunity to hear the more recent, (Chinese), Audiolab amps, but the old 8000M mono-blocks, which I still use, outperform a lot of amps costing a great deal more. Probably the best value power amps ever made ;).
I have no idea why I am not subscribed to you but I’ve now rectified that oversight 😀
Hahaha just in time :)
Very well done, in-depth review. I can see this in an office or bedroom setting ( no, that's not a put down). Your efforts are appreciated. Thank you.
that's just where I filmed the talking videos I have a dedicated listening room as well which you can see in the short clip in this video and clearly in the demo video of the 6000A ;)
Hello, nice one! Subbed and liked!
If i wanna use an external can amp (as the ifi zen can) can i exit from my 6000a PRE and enter into the ifi input? So i must select PRE from the 6000a and i can use the ifi zen can as headphone ampli? Thanks
Great review could you not use just the 6000a Bluetooth function to stream from Spotify? Did you test this? What are your thoughts?
Have you heard the Sonos Port? Any thoughts to compare with the 6000N? I have an external DAC so just want to use the steamer digitally. Cheers.
Audiolab are excellent value for money. Their 8300MB monoblocks are excellent!!
Could you use the 6000 a as pre amp to get the sound clearer if you connect to a warm power amp.......as sansui 717
Hello I’m looking to buy a amp and speakers. I’ve got my eyes on the audio lab 6000a and the wharfedale linton speakers. I listen to Reggae,Dub music on vinyl, so bass and drum response is a must. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Which is better pair of these audiolab or cambridge CX a81 for Wharfedale evo 4.4?
sir,i can see a pair of dali speakers.i guess zensor 1.which model are they?have you tested with 6000a..im wondering for this combination..cheers.:))
I would like to see/hear a demo video of the Quad Vena II. And to hear your thoughts about how it compares with the 6000A. Keep up the good work!
Yes, these two (6000a and Vena II) are very much on my list to investigate.
I think that those two are more or less same base design.
I’ve compared both in my room and they’re indistinguishable sonically. I went for the Audiolab because it doesn’t reset the volume to zero every time you turn it on.
@@LuisCardoso-bo8yx This is interesting to read about as I am considering both the Quad and audiolab. I think the volume reset would be annoying! However I did just find the manual online and it states you can set the volume level that you want when turning the unit on so seems like it may not be an issue?
The remote has a plastic body but a metal top plate where the buttons are, it's nice
How does apple music connect to this? Is there a way to connect it via wifi like airplay? Or is it only bluetooth for apple music?
I am getting one in a week. I heard Andrew Robinson's review and ordered one after I saw it. Iol He said the only amp that competed with it was a 10 grand tube amp! And other reviews said this amp is great. And now your review also says it all. Some thumbnails are saying stuff so impacting about this amp that you don't even have to click on it. Iol I already have two powerful amps and I don't need another amp but I simply couldn't resist. My Jaycar amp EATS my NAD C 356BE amp (hands down) and @ a third the price of the NAD. So I am curious if the Jaycar sounds as good as the Audiolab. The Jaycar is cheap but it's a MOSFET design (meant to be good). So we will see (I mean hear). I could use my Audiolab as a preamp and the 200 w Jaycar as a power amp. Power, Audiolab quality and MOSFET quality.
Did Andrew Robinson really say the only amp the competes with this is a 10 grand tube amp?? That is a complete and utter lie
@@PursuitPerfectSystem Not quite...I think Justwanttohover heard what he wanted to hear. The review was also on the 6000A Play, not either of these two units.
It reminds me a bit of a Creek evo 50a.
Wish to test their CD player.
I purchased these two Audiolab units last week partnered with the Q Acoustics 3050i speakers.
I have used them exclusively to listen to the Amazon Music HD streaming service and I have been blown away by the quality of these units. The sound quality is amazing.
Highly recommended!
Peter Green sorry to ask, but do you use a chromecast audio plugged through the optical input to do this? Thanks in advance!
@@rubendasilva8634 no the 6000n can use Amazon HD music natively through the app and at 24 bit 192mhz as it's highest lossless quality
Hi ,
Thanks for the very good rivew,
Could you recommand what amp to pair whith my new pair of evo 4.4 to get the best out of them.
Thank you
I’ve heard this audiolab with the 4.4s and it is an incredible pairing. Wide open soundstage. I believe this channel actually has a demo of the 4.4s with this
Why buy the N when the A can do it all? Is the sound leaps and bounds better when adding the N to the A? Would be helpful if you explained.
I have a question, if you have a 6000A Play does that mean you can just not bother with the extra box in the 6000N, I just want to know what are the benefits to the 6000N and 6000A rather than just having the Play.
I'm playing my music on my Audiolab 6000 using the Play-fi app but it seems that the amplifier shut down after a certain moment of inactivity. I always have to reopen it using the remote control or directly on the amp. Is it normal ? Thanks !
how is the dac inside? worth to buy a cheap one seperately? (max 200$ used)
Hey great review - sorry if this is a dumb question but as the 6000A has streaming capabilities and DAC would you say there's any reason to own both the 6000A and 6000N other than the presets and possibly sound improvement?
The 6000A is an amplifier the 6000N is not - however there is a 6000A Play coming out which is everything in one chassis - I hope that is news I am allowed to announce :)
@@PursuitPerfectSystem Thanks for the response! That sounds good! Internet radio presets are such a convenient feature!
Will it be better than the Cambridge cx61?
Hey i have a nad c372 amplifier for my 2 polk s20 and my polk hts 10 sub. Do you Think the audiolab 6000a would help with the Dark Sound, which the nad c372 amplifier have? 😊
Yes.
Sweet Jesus, Chris Kringle is a freekin audiophile and has audiophile elves cranking out the value of this system.😱 Just heard and saw your video on this system with the Wharfdales. They are going to have a backorder problem.
Hey Terry, this will sound very stupid hit which connection should a turntable go into, I assume the 'phono' sockets but I've just put my turntable in those and when I turned the amp up a bit it caused the speakers to pop and go crazy. Hope they're not damaged!!?
I am sorry I really dont know - maybe try and contact Audiolab and check that with them as I am a vinyl numpty - I would love to help but I dont know if I can on this one :)
@@PursuitPerfectSystem no problem Terry, thanks for advise. I'll contact Audiolab. Cheers!
what would be the best way to connect the 6000N on my amplifier to extract the better possible sound? Digital Coax or Analog RCA?
Depends on your amp - how good is the built-in DAC? Is it better than tha DAC in the 6000n - the by all means use the digital output/input. If you find the Audiolab's DAC to be better, use the RCA.
You are unlikely to own a superior DAC, if so use the analogue outs.
@@donk1822 while this is true for the majority of people, the ES9018K2M is by no means a top of the line DAC. Some even go so far to say that Sabre DAC's are unnatural sounding, so for example an AK4499 may sound nicer to their ears.
If you go a step further, the 6000N is not MQA-capable, which means even a cheaper chinese alternative (along the likes of Topping, SMSL etc) may be "superior" to some in their respective use-case.
is that 50 watts rms at 8 ohms?
I just bought the NAD C368 integrated amp. I was really interested in this though and can return the NAD. The NAD is a huge upgrade from my previous Pioneer Elite home theater amp but I'm wondering if I should have gone with this? Thoughts?
I haven't really spent anytime with any NAD kit man sorry
@@PursuitPerfectSystem np thx anyway
I think you should. Also NAD equipment is FUGLY.
I have a pioneer avr and was wondering if the NAD would have been that much different. What exactly impressed you most about the NAD
@@omarmunroe1420 The NAD has more power, which resulted in a much cleaner sound, particularly at low volume. It's simple but well built. The other major factor is the NAD had expansion slots. This means you can buy new modules that plug into the back to update your reciever. For example if you want hdmi switching or Roon wireless streaming etc. Etc. Basically any future tech can be added so you don't need a new amp, just a new module.
Whats the difference between the 6000a and M-one in terms of sound quality particularly for music streaming.
Would like to know as well.
Love to know as well. Or even compared to a standalone dac in the $250-500 range
@@tallpaull9367 i watched and read reviews a long time, the audiolab DAC outperforms dac in that pricerange,
I had some earlier 6000 series Audiolab amps back in the day!
Lucky you, I remember years back What HIFI used to use Audiolab equipment as a reference system which other hifi equipment was judged by.
Is it possible to use the spotify app with the audiolab play or dts play fi app only?
Yes, spotify connect works well. No need for play fi app for using spotify
Only the British Audiophile (Tarun) briefly mentioned this : Audiolab 6000a lacks in bass production. In my experience the 6000a produces very detailed and gracious sound-without ooomph-either from jazz, classical, pop, or rock. It produces a very detailed “thin” sound. Looking forward to an Audiolab that adds the “meat” to the music.
I bought a sub to it and it’s really meaty now
@@Rtuzemsky What speakers and sub are you using the Audiolab with?
@@gokhanersan8561 I use KEF LS50 speakers. I added a SVS SB 1000 PRO sub to it. It was praised on many forums. Compact sized, sealed, 30cm woofer, favourable price/value ratio, even with mobile app. Now this whole thing sounds as it should. The whole sound spectrum. Crispy highs combined with pleasantly deep lows. What speakers do you use?
@@Rtuzemsky I use those power hungry Dynaudio Emit10s. It looks like you have put together a well detailed, spacious, and meaty system at the fraction of the cost of a high end system. Unfortunately, we gave up on equipment matching at some point and stuck with the Rotel a11. It is a compromise in detail that gives some satisfying “presence” to the mids. I increased the dynamic presence by adding a Schiit 4-band eq. Well worth the $170 asking price.
@@gokhanersan8561 yours according to review’s seems fine too, those are dynamic speakers. Thx, my system is now well balanced and price wise, spent a lot of time hunting for it too. It’s now for sale if you are interested:)
If I am running an optical out from the TV (Fed by 4K Apple TV) into 6000A. Will I need a streamer? Or is Tidal coming through at full HIFI/Master quality?
optical outs from tv can be a bit limited (not a 24 bit, but less).
@@thepuma2012 thanks. Posted this a year ago. Since gone Node2i -> Rega Brio-R -> Focal Chora 826
@@bruunm1975 nice system, enjoy
@@thepuma2012 Thanks, it is epic. Upgraded PSU in Node2i (made a massive difference) and got better power cables and interconnects etc. Truly love it.... We sit for hours and listen instead of TV. The Chora's are incredible!
@@bruunm1975 I believe so. I am looking for how to upgrade my system. I have an audiolab 8000A (which will stay for a while), and a good DAC (the brand is Block from Germany). My streamer can be upgraded easily. I have lossless files on my pc and from in the internet. I am looking now what the best connection is between streamer and DAC and DAC and amp. Seems that all connection types (cables) can t handle lossless audiofiles. maybe i am wrong, but spdif can transport 24 bits/192 max but lossless fill can exceed the 192 khz frequency?
The 6000a is on my shortlist of amps that I want to purchase to go with my mission qx2, I also like the cambridge cxa60 and the Iotavx sa3 and arcam sa10. Not sure which one will go with my mission speakers. I listen to electronic, house, hip hop, RnB. I currently have the marantz pm8003 which I think it lacks in the midrange and the bass a little warm. Any suggestions?
I wish you had received a reply on that one, did you finally made your choice ?
@@daweihk88 yeah I finally went with the 6000a to go with my qx2 sounds fantastic. But I also upgraded my speakers to revel concerta M16 they are something else. I still have the qx2 I change around the speakers every now and again, love both of my speakers.
@@nuzzy1b glad that you are enjoying the audiolab 6000a. I also like to listen to hip hop and electronic, does the 6000a have good punch and solid bass ? Also do you know if it can drive well some KEF Q150? Finally can you confirm that the 6000a have HT bypass function and how to activate it , this is important for me as I want to use same speaker when watching movie on my AVR.
@@daweihk88For me it has a very good bass and it's enough for me, some people like heavy bass and add subwoofers. I don't feel it needs it for my room setup. But also depends on the speaker your going for if the low frequency goes low. Also it should easily drive the kef q150 as they're 8 ohm speakers, my revel speakers are 6 ohm and 86db sensitivity and they are easy to drive with no heating issues or anything. With regards to your third question I'm not sure about this function. If you have a local dealer maybe ask them if it has that function. I use mine purely for music so never tried to connect to av receiver.
@@nuzzy1b thank you so much for your guidance. When you say enough bass for you, I assume it is including hip hop music ?
Is the DTS mute during phone use defeatable?
I am not sure there is maybe a setting I didn't look for it to know - sorry
How can I use this stack with a AVR home receiver?
You can use the front left and right pre outs on the AV receiver and connect them to one of the analog inputs on this amp. You just need to work out what volume to have this amp left on while using the AV receiver.
You can plug the preout on your avr to the power amp in on the 6000A and select the pre function.
Which speakers for audiolab 6000a?
I heard Wharfdales are good with 6000A
Is it possible to connect Bluetooth headphones to the 6000a? (I guess I'm asking if Bluetooth is bi-directional - I am a Bluetooth newbie as you can tell). And if you can, persumably you can defeat the speaker output?
Just bought the amp, that feature is not available on this amplifier.
Can you connect a subwoofer to this? how do you connect it?
Yes you can.
@@khalilrazak6486 please explain how. Thanks
Gapless?
Maltesers you get a slap and no dinner. the woman loves her Maltesers doesn't sound right.
Be interesting if it's better or worse than the iotaVX with separate poweramp for the same price. that's the next review which one is better??
6000n --- SOLD! :-)
Lucky man! Still trying to sell mine:)
Any bass or treble ?
Just balance
@@nuzzy1b but is there bass and treble control on your preamp??
@@JuniorRossetti no tone control, tbh you don't really need it. This is my first amp with no tone controls, all my previous amps had tone controls. Don't really miss it, it's nice to have if you want to annoy the neighbors.
You didn't state if you got these from Audiolab to review, or if you own them independently.
review sample
1:44 these products are NOT “free” as you stated. I’m surprised you’d say that.
This was around 6 years ago sorry I cant remember the context of things back then sorry
different colour power LEDs, who the hell came up with that idea ?
Apple Airplay would be better
Shortly: 6000a is a detailed and clean sounding amp. BUY
6000n: good hardware, really very bad software. DONT buy
What sort of impedance headphones would the 6000A drive? 32, 250, 600 Ohms?