A HUGE shoutout goes to Tee Jay the Stereobargianfile for this one! Without him, this review would not have happened. I say that because this is HIS integrated amplifier, marking the first time I ever accepted someones personal property for review. I purposefully skipped showing how the 6000a looks au naturale (without the cover) because TJ already did a great job covering that in his video. Once you're done with my review, feel free to get some additional info here: Tee Jay the Stereo Bargainphile: th-cam.com/video/faa4vNaEP9k/w-d-xo.html Oh, and click on the description box to see what products I used for the review, as well as other relevant links. Cheers!
Tee Jay is the man! I liked the 6000a when I owned it, addicting clarity without fatique, but ultimately felt it sounded a little 2D in comparison to my Marantz PM8006 & Cambridge 851a.
Thanks For the shoutout Sean , Its been an honor to have a friend thats always been there for me even years before I started the channel . (Sean) And the Audiophile community has been wonderful to me IMHO one of the BEST communities on the Utube platform period ! Great Job with the review One take I love it ! But I already knew you'd lay the blueprint of sound out on a canvas (me) Natural N Relaxed 😃
@@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120 - Sheesh Bro. Thank YOU. You are the ONLY person I ever allowed to send me personal property. There's a level of trust there that I don't have with most people, to include other friends of mine. Keep being you my friend. Oh, and I swear to F you better be 'free' soon. You know what I mean. :).
@@ZeroFidelity 😆 April 10th - Well be my last Rodeo ! Great Job on the review Sean love the one take , just str8 flow from Expierence And its no secret You and Thomas N stereo was the insperation for me to start a utube channel . when i first started i was down and out with life and i needed a crutch to help me to get back up on my feet and the Utube audiophile community truely took me in with open arms . 'Priceless' 😊
I got this amp for my ex. I also got her the elac uni-fi 2.0 ub52. She has multiple sclerosis and she has it rather bad. Music is one of the few things she can still enjoy. This set-up is in her bedroom. Perfect solution for someone who is not as techincal. I payed €1200,- for the set and it sounds amazing. She is amazed by the detail and soundstage to the point where it brings her to tears often.
@@ZeroFidelity honestly, it was great fun putting the system together. Checking out all the reviews. Matching it with her room. Just a good excuse for an audiophile to buy another system.
@@reptidanReading your reply just gives one perspective that there are more important matters at hand. Happy to know she finds enjoyment through music !
I’ve just come from the m2si to the 6000a. The m2si is a bit more fuller in sound however the 6000a has better rhythm, separation, bass slam/punch, much better treble and imaging/soundstage but you can tell it’s 25w less powerful than the m2si. I prefer the audiolab it goes well with a fuller sounding speaker where the m2si needs a rolled off speaker because it’s treble isn’t the best. Nice review, definitely an accurate impression.
Which speaker do you have? Can you recommend a floor stander speaker that would work with the 6000A? Looking for a more full bodied sound than I’m getting atm, as Sean’s point about the restrained sound is exactly the issue I have that I’d like to remedy. Interesting what you say about the comparison with the M2Si as I wondered if I should’ve gone for that instead.
I’ve watched, read and listened to multiple reviews of this unit. It’s surprising how different reviewers interpret it’s performance and character. Some describe it as ‘lean’, some say ‘warm’, some say that it’s detailed and resolving, but does it discretely, which could be confused with ‘lean’. A colleague of mine is rightly proud to own this amp and uses it to drive a pair of Kef R3 stand mounts augmented by a Rel T5X. A stunning combination, at a wallet friendly price. I would agree with 0 fidelity and his opinion of overall neutrality. I have the 8300 monoblocks in my back room set up. My experience tells me that Audiolab produce quality components at highly competitive prices, manufactured to an exceptionally high build standard with a performance to match. Maximum ‘Bang for your Buck’. One well respected TH-cam reviewer said of Audiolab:- ‘high end aesthetics and performance, without the high end price tag or bull shit’! Well, I echo that.
How are the 8300 monoblocks howard? Are you satisfied with them? What did you think of the 6000A in comparison? Do you think the 8300 monoblocks only give an incremental upgrade or is it well worth its price tag?
I heard that the company specifically tried to make the musical instruments sound separate. I noticed this especially in the voice sound, on TH-cam demo's of several different amps compared with the Audiolab 6000A. All the other amps voice sound, sounded noticeably more "muddled in" with the music. Played through my Audiolab 6000A.
I almost bought an Audiolab 6000A. I got the Musical Fidelity M2si instead. It's a little more powerful and all analog. It sounds fantastic to my ears. Looking at the specs the M2si puts out 72 wpc into 8 ohms with 25 amps peak to peak current. The Audiolab is 50 wpc into 8 ohms with 9 amps peak to peak current.
This is a great review! I've had an Audiolab 6000a since November 2021 and it replaced a Peachtree Nova 500 which is now sitting in its box on a shelf. The 6000a drives my pretty efficient Tekton M-Lore's with standard tweeters and upgraded internals and I like the warmer sound compared to the Nova. My listening space is a 13 x 11 spare bedroom which is not conducive to loud listening sessions so I generally listen at moderate levels. The 6000a is non-fatiguing to listen to and with the speakers properly placed, gives a "beyond the speakers" soundstage. It doesn't have the bass impact that the Nova is able to dish out but it also has only 10% of the power of the Nova. The feature set is top-notch, too, and I like the fact that I can use it as a pre-amp so that I can explore tube amps in the future. One more thing: the 6000a runs surprisingly cool while the Nova 500 runs super hot. While both the 6000a and Nova are great integrated amps I much prefer the sound of the 6000a.
TJ the bargain audiofile is the best he is such a nice guy those beautiful detailed reviews and gives us all the information we need and want thank you for such a gracious gesture to Sean zero fidelity another fantastic individual
I bought the 'Play' version of this amp last year and I love it. Why did I buy it? Well this is my foray into the world of audiophilia. I had a restricted budget for which to buy a complete system. I also have a small (British house!!) listening room so buckets of wall-shaking power was not required. And the fact it was a one box solution also helped - the Play version having streaming, headphone amp & phono amp all built in. And the fact this can be used as just a pre- or power- amp also allows flexibility for further upgrades in the future. The range also has a CD transport (also, apparently, very good) should I wish to go in that direction too. So, I have this paired with Ophidian Mambo (Mk I) speakers which despite being towers are also small in size. Other than using the streaming function, I also have a NAD C588 turntable (which I also love). Why do I like this set up? Well, the size and convenience is ideal. This amp has more than enough power for those speakers and the size of my room to the volumes I tend to listen to. But it's the balance and detail I love most. I listen to a wide range of genres including heavy metal, large ochestral, chamber music, blues/rock, opera and jazz. With all of them you get beautiful, smooth, but not bright trebles, strong rhythmic mid-range, and bass. Yep, you get bass. Not too much, not too little, just whatever the engineers mixed into the music. Perfect. I would strongly recommend.
Thanks for the review. For me It was a fight between the 6000A and the Rega Brio. The simpler, purist Brio was my final choice. The Audiolab sounded great but was more “hi-fi” whereas the Rega just made music more enjoyable. It made me forget about the hifi and just got into the music more. Paired with some Neat Motives, the Rega puts a massive smile on my face. In the 90’s I had the Audiolab 8000S which was fantastic but suffered from transformer buzz (to do with the quality of my mains supply) which I believe the 6000A can also suffer from.
I feel you. One of the things I forgot to say about the 6000a was that as accomplished though as it may be, I found myself focusing more on the sound than on the music through it. Clearly others will (and have) a different experience!
Oh yes, that Brio just makes music! I have the Aethos which I love love love ❤️ let’s you forget about hifi, yet still has bags of refinement and resolution.
I’ve been considering the 6000a, Brio, and Elex R. I think I might end up picking up an Elex R, but it’s been out for many years. Interesting to hear about the transformer buzz from Audiolab products. I’ve heard the same complaint about the Brio, which makes me hesitant to buy one.
@@JP1050x I think the transformer buzz (not audible through the speakers but from the actual unit itself) is highly dependent on the quality of the power feeding into it, specifically DC created by other devices on the circuit (often tv’s). Audiolab seem to have acknowledged that the 6000A is susceptible to it because they have started selling DC blockers. I have also heard that the Rega Brio can be susceptible, I think we hear more about the Audiolab because there are more owners. I bought the Brio because it thought it sounded better, (punchier) it just makes great music and seems more natural. The Audiolab has more features and I think it has a much nicer build quality - I followed my heart rather than my head. I do own the Audiolab CDT which I feed into a DAC (the Rega being purely analogue). Both are very good but different sounding brands so give hem both a listen and if possible a home demo to see if the transformer buzz becomes an issue with your mains. Good luck!
@@mrkitewine7700 thanks for sharing your experience. The Audiolab 6000a was my top choice, until I discovered Rega amps. I was going to buy a Brio, but I’m thinking to save more money to buy the Elex R. Mainly, because Rega owners tend to say that the Elex R is a step up in sound quality, and the extra power might give me more speaker choices later. It’s great to hear that you haven’t had any audible hum out of your speakers from your Brio. It sounds like a common issue, which might be quality control related. My guess is that there’s tighter tolerance when constructing the components in the smaller Brio case. I’m hoping that it’ll be less of an issue with the Elex R, since it comes in a full width case.
I upgraded my £200 Cambridge Audio amp to a 6000a about 15 months ago, and I've been having a love affair with it from the second I pulled it out the box. It transformed my cheap Kef Cresta 2 speakers, and gave me an incredible insight into just how important a decent amp is to creating high quality sound. I then upgraded my speakers to a pair of LS50 Metas and I really have now found my audio nirvana. I contemplated upgrading the 6000a on the theory that if this is what a £600 amp can do to the Meta's, what could a £2,000 amp do? However, I was struggling to understand how it could sound any better to my ears as I didn't really know it was possible to make audio sound this good, and I am not ashamed to admit I have cried listening to music with this setup. There are times when I am listening to some of the psychedelic music I enjoy where I start to wonder whether someone has slipped some acid into my coffee. The detail and imaging with this combo is insane; it really sounds better than real. I asked for some advice on an audiophile forum about whether I was likely to experience an improvement in sound by upgrading the 6000a, and someone came back saying they had the same idea and upgraded to a £2,000 amp to pair with the Meta's but thoroughly preferred the 6000a. I don't need to play music at loud volumes, so I really am done. My first gamble into the more expensive audiophile territory paid off on its first go. Result!!!!
@@bearclaw5115Now that is news to me, and the reviews on it are very good, so I am having me one of them. I also don't perceive there to be a problem with my power, and I'm struggling to see how my sound gets that much better, but I am most curious to find out if a DC block makes a difference. Amazon Prime has got it on same day delivery so I'll get it tonight and can easily return it if I don't like it. Thanks for that, and I'll keep you updated.
Hello Spiritual Dude! I Too made a leap of faith with the 6000A and am Happy to report back Audio Nirvana. I will get the DC Block and the Toping Pre90 Preamp. Remember our 6000A allows the internal Preamp to be Bypassed! I got the 6000A on its ability to adapt to several uses. I will improve it with the Pre 90. Any other ideas for improvement?
@@heriacosta5452 Yes, get yourself a subwoofer if you have bookshelf speakers. The extra bass just gives the sound a lovely warm hug. For me it really was the last thing the sound was missing, and the improvement in sound is quite substantial.
Sean you nailed the sound of the Audiolab I have had mine over a year and it is excellent. However I recently swapped in a Marantz PM6007 in my main system as I prefer the fuller sound it provides. I use both of these with Wharfedales, Linton and Evo 4.2.
“Fuller” is the word here. No other reviewer had the courage to mention Audiolab’s lack of “fullness”. This reviewer is telling it like it is and letting the listener decide if they prefer super-detail over oomph. No, Audiolab doesn’t check all the boxes.
Is it really so? I'm convinced from what i read and see that this 6000a is the one for me, but if a cheaper amplifiers is better than this one, smth must be wrong here. If you don't mind, i'd like to ask your opinion regarding bass, mids and highs as well as detail, soundstage and dynamic. What could you say here??
@@gm1521 with my Dynaudio Emit10s, class D amplifiers (NAD, Denon, Yamaha) were mostly producing “constipated” sound. Of the class A/B amps, 6000a produced sprinkly trebbles all over the place; very detailed “non-present” mids, tight but super-gentle, non-present bass. Movies were unacceptably “thin.”Arcam SA10 provided presence to the music, but veiled all the sound. Rotel a11, provided satisfying detail all over. Satisfying bass speed and extension; satisfying mids with “presence,” titled up trebble that highlight “sibilance” on poorer recordings. Kept the Rotel cause wifey was fed up with open boxes lying around in the living room. Didn’t try Rega or Cambridge, Musical Fidelity or Hegel.
@@gm1521 It is a matter of taste and your speakers. Audiolab has a wider and more pinpoint soundstage, Marantz has a deeper SS. Bass and mid range are fuller on Marantz with my speakers but wouldn’t doubt Audiolab is more accurate. Neither is very dynamic. One thing Sean did not mention is the DAC in 6000A which I find very good.
@@robertalpi8936 What I like Sean is doing here, he is “subtly” pointing out that audiolab has sacrificed presence in favor of detail. I understand the British Audiophile liking it, cause he primarily cares for detail; he can live with uber-polite sound; and probably likes non-fat milk, too. But, all the other reviewers just played their reviews, too safe. I like whole milk. Sean is the man!
Hi sir from the Uk Having had the 6000A and the 600O CD player for just under a year now , I feel I made a good choice . I tend to rely on reviews as regards purchasing my a hifi rather than going to a dealer, as in my case it involves a lot of hassle . This combination of the amp and CD player work seamlessly together , which of course is what they were designed to do . I accept in the world of hifi this level of expenditure is relatively small beer , but I would also say you get a lot of bang for your bucks . As you would say in America , I’m using it in conjunction with a pair of Q acoustic concept 20 speakers and a Rega P3 record deck Rega PSU plus Rega phono stage . Not a high end system by any means , but after 50 odd years of being involved in hifi I’m more than happy . Best wishes and kind regards to all
That’s exactly the problem with the industry, listening is subjective. If you are basing your purchase on reviews you are selling yourself short, a dealer has actual units you can listen to…one man’s taste might be totally different from yours…I’ve seen people surprised by actually putting their own ears on gear/speakers and their opinion differs greatly from a review they saw or read. A lot of reviews are sponsored by the product that’s being reviewed.
@@joebeckham8352 - Personal tastes are subjective. The performance envelope of a product is not. Addressing more points: Most people cannot listen before they buy and rely on reviews to make purchasing decisions. While hearing something before you buy is ideal, MANY dealers neither know or care about setting up a product in a way that showcases what it's capable of. Many are burnt out and only want to clerk sales. This leading to a very false and misleading impression of the gear. The only way to truly know how you will react is to try a product out in your own home. As for a lot of reviews being sponsored: Please, tell me a review where I've been sponsored so I can get some damned money.
The Audiolab 6000a let you hear how the recording sounds,sometimes forward sometimes more backwards ,now i am using it as a preamp with the audiolab 8300 mb monoblocks the rest of mij setup is the audiolab 6000cdt, audiolab mdac +and Spendor BC2 speakers
Thanks for the review, and to Tee Jay. What a great reviewer he is as well. I have this amp and matching CD transport. I picked this up because every reviewer seemed to like the Dac, phono stage, Bluetooth and digital inputs. I didn't want to have a bunch of separates and this seemed to fit the bill. For me it ended up being nearly perfect. The Cdt sounds amazing and my Project Carbon turntable as well. The speakers I am running right now are Mission Lx2+ along with a Rel T7i sub. The bass to low mids are very satisfying but you are right about the mids, most times I wish the vocals could be pushed a bit more forward. I'll let my next speakers do that which I'm not sure what they will be. I'd like to hear some Focal's as well as everything else.
thanks for your informative review! the audiolab replaced my iotavx sa3 in my main listening room (powering a pair of Q acoustics concept 40); higher frequencies are very airy and the level of detail is astounding.the audiolab is fast and engaging. i still love the iota and moved it to my second listening room. your are spot on!!! the mids of the iota are a bit colored but so nice. only weak point of the audiolab is the phono preamp. a bit too anemic and clinical. thanks again sean!
@@BlackOpsAlexGamers the audiolab is more airy on the top. you feel instruments have more space up there to breath. the bass is very fast and precise and definitely more punchy and "musical". mids are very linear so you might like the more "beefy" mids of the iota. other than that, the audiolab gives me a more 'being in the recording studio' feeling than the iota. both are great amps but the audiolab is accordingly pricer than the iota. one more thing: audiolab's DAC is actually very nice; articulate, clear, musical. much nicer than the iota .
Thanks for your review Sean, I totally agree with you about the Audiolab 6000a. I have both the integrated amp and its cd transport. After 100 hour of break-in, they still sound dry to my taste. I would refer my Yamaha 801 or Marantz 8006 over the Audiolab.
Excellent take. I say keep doing the one Take. It'll make it easier on yourself. I Wonder what a shootout against the marantz pm8006 would be like. I want a notch above this but don't know in what direction to go. Focal Aria 906.
Thanks. If you aren't opposed to buying used and want a VERY distinct upgrade in sound over, pick up a Unison Research Unico Primo and swap the stock tube for a Gold Lion. Better in pretty much every way.
@@ZeroFidelity I've been doing tons of research on this unit since you told me about it and your review was impressive. I wish I could pay you to get 30 min of your time. I cancelled the Focal Aria order and purchased the JBL 4309 Studio Monitor bookshelves. Would you still say the Unico Primo is the one to get? I've decided to go up to the $2500 dollar mark and would like to get an integrated that goes well with the neutrality of the Studio Monitors. If you lived in Texas I'd drive them out to you so you could review them but I don't think you're anywhere by this state.
Nice, glad you finally got to trying the 6000A. I had 6000A for a while and I liked it a lot. I think you pretty much nailed the description… I would summarize: fairly accurate and natural sounding yet ever slightly restrained in some weird way, subtle. Comes with a good DAC too, but only Coax or Optical inputs. You can add a USB to Coax converter such as Douk Audio USB Converter or Topping D10… if needed.
@@burtonwhiteside1240 I’m nuts and I like to try new gear. Currently using PecanPi, Topping PA5, Tidal Connect (w/ Volumio). I do sort of regret selling 6000A. Thinking Starkrimson GaN or Purifi amp next?
Mine 6000a is paired with Monitor Audio silver 2 and the combination works very well. The only issue I have is with the Quality Control as the standby button is somewhat temperamental ,so I have to use the trigger switch on occasions.
Been very happy with this amplifier running Triangle BR03's. Certainly a very neutral character, which can be tweaked slightly with the other kit in the chain. One thing I have a small gripe with is the DAC filters, I'd rather have an EQ feature than these three modes which, as far as I can tell, change the sound VERY slightly. Overall though, fantastic amp.
Yeah the filters only run with the built in dac pure analog theirs no filtering !!! Basically done in the digital domain you can always hook up a cheap Schiit loki EQ , The loki surprised me its pretty dam good for pricepoint , I also had my bro3s hooked up to the 6000a and you are on the money very neutral !
Good amp for speaker builders, with it's neutral sound and excellent sound quality. Bass is amazing and makes my home built speakers sound good. Good solid thumping bass for 50 watts!
This amplifier can play in a small room even with Confidence C1 (tested). Yes, it has considerable reserves and you can feel a certain attenuation(little power, small transformer), but you will enjoy the music, which is a great result with such a machine.
The Audiolab 6000a is a great amp however...you can have a IotaVX sa3 and add the pa3 amp for the the same price as the Audiolab 6000a. The Iota stack takes on a greatly improved profile compared to the sa3 alone double the power and improves the listening experience in every way. Dollar for dollar the Iota stack is a much better deal, I love my Iota stack pairs well with any speaker I've paired it with.
Imo, your review is one of the best out there and certainly not, like you said, 'rough'. I own the Audiolab and it's everything you described, spot on. Speaking of rough, I only wished you reviewed the internal DAC which, imo, is also excellent. 😀
Nice review Sean! This unit works well for me in a lively room at exclusively low/med volumes. Sources are the matching CD transport and Roon via Chromecast audio optical (plus BT from phone works great). Form factor (black matte) is relatively inoffensive in a public area.
I tried the Audiolab 6000A with Kef Q350s 5 feet out from any walls, and certainly agree with you in most aspects Zero. The bass is nice and tight, and there is overall slam. There's plenty of detail and isn't bright, but it is restrained like you say, and I thought the top end was shelved down, lacking air and liveliness. I actually found the Audiolab dark sounding. Eventually I came to realize that the Audiolab wasn't involving, not exactly sterile, but it never sounded like the real thing. Overall, I still thought it was very stylish, and well-built, if only there was more air and life. So the search goes on. I want the midrange of my tube amps with solid state control. Perhaps the HEED ELIXIR would be a step in the right direction?
After your review and many others I decided to get this amp and after a lot of research on speakers and despite your warning on low sensitivity I still opted for the Elac Unifi reference. I was not disapointed at all. I listen at.moderate volume and everything is clear present and the soundstage is awesome ! Only caveat this combination is so neutral ans revealing that it gets unforgiving with poor recordings.
Love your comment "British Restraint" something holding the sound wave back! Hahahahahaha... So apt description for many British amplifiers!! Great review again Sean.
Snapped one up for just €629 ( that's just $687! ) from HiFi hut in Ireland & post free to Portugal. With the great DAC, pre & power out & bluetooth it was a no-brainer. The fidelity sounds impeccable especially via a coax from my cd deck. However - bass? I sometimes miss the dynamics of my old Pioneer A447 or JVC AX311 - but I've still got them so must do some more A-B ing. Glad I bought it though I sometimes like music without the color.... but the 3 filters give you a subtle option there too - actually 2 - the phase one sounds as flat as a pancake to my old ears! Great balanced review Sean. 🤟
You are totally on the point. I heard this mini Audiolab in the 90s before it was bought over by Tag Heuer. It was a fantastic all rounded entry level High-Fi. What impressed me most is when I heard it connected to a harder driven speaker. It still works and easy listening to. That really surprised me. This is a excellent amp yet it drives to 2 conclusion. 1 it will satisfy you so much, you will not spend more because the next level you are heading might not proportionally of what you are paying. 2 you hated it, because like the reason before, the next jump for your hi-fi journey is way much more than you are paying forth. Thumbs up to your review. Splendid.
It contains digital filters, operating models, a fast roll-off and slow roll-off for this class ab headphone amp. If you intend to use the three digital filters option, the you will have the option for a slow roll-off and fast roll-off in the minimum phase. These three phases of fast roll-off, slow roll-off and minimum phase is the trade-off between impulse response, frequency response and distortion.
Very nice review, good product but not for me, I am sort of a traditionalist and i like tone controls and vintage looking gear, VU meters are always welcome and so on. Much more important, though, is to see you back in business and what's better than one take video? Keep'em coming and thank you!
Great one take review Sean! I love the blue tooth feature of this amp. It sounds as good as wires to my ears. So I can stream my huge music catalog from my smart phone and apply any custom EQ curve I like. I have them paired with Harbeth P3ESRs in a near field listening configuration in a bedroom. It's nirvana for acoustic bluegrass and roots music.
Great review Sean! I purchased the Audio Lab 6000 cdt (cd transport) and am thrilled with it! I would have purchased the amplifier as well but I already own a Musical Fidelity M2si and as you mentioned in the review it is quite comparable to the Audio Lab. I would really like to hear the Audio Lab paired with the speakers I’m running with the Musical Fidelity as they are the Focal Chora 806’s. Now I would have thought the pairing of the Musical Fidelity with the Focal’s might not be the greatest as they’re both supposed to be tilted up on the treble end! But in fact I’ve found them to have excellent synergy! I do have a sub woofer integrated in to that system as well. But I was pretty floored at how good the system sounds overall! The detail and air on the top end is outstanding and it’s never to sharp nor is there ever a trace of sibilance! The dynamics are excellent! And the control and texture in the base is as good as I’ve ever heard in a modestly priced system. The same can be said for the midrange it’s full as well as detailed and leans ever so slightly to the warm side of neutral. The sound stage is much larger in depth and width then the physical appearance would implicate and imaging is exquisite! But if the Audio Lab can do better then I want to hear it!👂👂👍Thanks Sean this was an excellent review winging it or not!!!
That's the crazy thing about synergy. The general mindset is that 'opposites attract', but sometimes that's. not true at all! Some see that as frustrating, but I see that as rather exciting! More opportunity for a surprise. More of an opportunity for better sound!
Great to hear your review of the popular but seldom reviewed outside Britain, Audiolab 6000A. The main competition is often the Rega Brio and Cambridge amps. How would you compare this amp with the Cambridge CXA81 that you reviewed awhile back? Any preference? Thx.
Great review as always, agree with you about the sound. What do you think about the pairing with the genese trio? Would you recommend other amps for those? Thanks a lot.
A pretty solid match. Honestly, with the Genese Trio, I'd advise using electronics that cost quite a bit more. A good example would be the Unison Research Unico Primo. A fantastico match!
I have been using the Audiolab 8200Q line level Preamplifier for many years now. The reviews of this product have all been very positive. My one was made in England but is not available anymore. I am using it with a Tube phono stage and a Rotel Power Amplifier. The combination results in a slightly "warm" sound, which i prefer.
Solid review. Found the predecessor to this a bit dry too, which may be to taste. Also had bad reliability from an Audiolab Q-DAC (capacitors blew very early), which wasn't encouraging either!
Hi I'm in the UK and years ago I went to the hi-fi shows in London and went to the Audiolab demo, we were greeted with a bank of power amps and a pair of impressive looking floor standers. The door was closed and after a short introduction the demo started, it was completely lifeless calling it laid back would be doing it a favour, people were either leaving or asking why it sounded so flat, the demo music was Mars the bringer of war from The Planet Suite by Holst it really sounded like their heart wasn't in it. Back at home I played the same recording on my modest system, Thorens turntable, Grado cartridge, Nytech receiver and JR 149 speakers ( LS35a clones ) made by the great Jim Roger, it was nowhere near as loud but sounded as if the Martians really wanted a punch up. Your review and description of the sound bought the memory flooding back, although it does sound as if it has a bit more get up and go than I remember. Good review thanks.
That bit that you did where you talked about "who this amplifier is for" was so incredibly useful -- not least because that's me: Relatively low volume, entry-audiophile quality, but well-integrated musicality.
I do thank you Sean. I am now pretty clear about the characteristics of this amp. Being that I am in search of a replacement amp I have to wonder how this unit paired with the Buchardt S-400 M2s. (on your evaluation list) I'll check out TJs take on this amp ... Thanks again
Very accurate review. I demoed the 6000 play for 2 months. I would say if you only have 1000 or $1500 it’s a great choice. Personally I would save my pennies and buy something a little more refined. It’s a good amp but it’s not a giant killer.
What speakers did you use ? I have been using this amp with the Revel m 126 be speakers, it sounds sublime. I paid £599 for the 6000a play, it's fantastic for the money. It's as good as my sugden, naim and Cyrus amps.
Would you consider reviewing the Rotel A11 Tribute? It's tough to choose an amp under 1000 without knowing how it compares to the IOTAVX or the Emotiva et cetera
Rotel by far Audiophile very accurate no color neutral extremely fast deep bass and very very very clean and detailed no harshness or brightness more high end sound
Thank you for your review; very enjoyable and to the point!! I tested the amp a couple of days ago with several speakers (Kef, Wharfedale, ) and regardless of size and model, I found the Audiolab VERY thin and lifeless sounding, but that's just my opinion; I was witha friend that day and he told me the same thing without asking. Yes , the sound was very clean, very detailed, almost delicate; but it lacked punch. I wonder if I'm not "educated" enough to appreciate and enjoy high-end sound, but honestly I was unimpressed by the amp.
Excellent review Sean! I own the Audiolab 6000A and Marantz PM6007, both works well with my Fyne Audio F-302 floor standing speakers. Sean... could you please review the Marantz PM6007 as well when you get a chance?
@@nagumaninagu9368 In India the Audiolab 6000A costs almost double price of Marantz PM6007(40K vs 80K approx.). Marantz give 80% performance of Audiolab. Definitely the Audiolab is the best among the two, it has more features with an excellent Bluetooth, it can be used as a power amp, pre amp, HT byass etc. DAC performance is almost same in both (ESS Saber vs AKM). if price is not a constant go for 6000A. I would say the Marantz PM6007 is a more value for money gear than 6000A.
@@user-fs4fd3gv3r It just not meant for large rooms or impedances below 4ohms. But in a midsize living area, it will be fine to drive most speakers to a reasonable level 👍
I've got one coming in a couple days. I truly believe that a good power cord upgrade is exactly what this unit needs to really open up the soundstage and unshackle the sound. I've owned the 6000A up to a couple years ago, and regretted selling it. I'll see what happens. Thanks for the video Shawn. Keep em' coming man.
Sean thank you for all the time and hard work that goes into your reviews! A couple of weeks ago I moved and had to put a lot of high end gear into storage because I could not fit into a small temp. living space. I was really bummed, until I remembered your review of the IOTAVX/Triangle Bro 3 combo. I bought put them set them up in a small listening room and wow the combo sounds fantastic! Thank you, thank you so much for all that you do for us. Oh, and the audiolab is another great review. Blessings Charlie
Thanks for the review. Sounds like something i would like to buy but the reliability of audiolab is holding me back still. Ive had a few audio friends that had previous generation audiolab gear that failed pretty quickly. The search continues.
define previous generation? I'm still using my original 8000c/m combo nearly 25 years on...has been used an awful LOT. These were the original UK made Audiolab units, not the Chinese made re-releases which ARE inferior imho.
I dont know when audiolab was bought by a chinese company but from the top of my head 2 friends had problems with their audiolab - monoblocks just started to produce smoke while playing at moderate volumes - another was inputs started to fail one by one and the left channel just went out. As impressive as audiolab might be, i just dont want the headache.
Thanks for the review. I also notice the hollowness in the midrange with my Wharfedale Lintons. When A/B comparing it with my Cambridge CXA80 and Yamaha M-5000, it is almost as if there was a small hole where the voices are. The sound becomes ever so slightly boxy. Still a muscular, juicy sounding amp with sufficient detail. I will have to see if it is a keeper..
I bought the Audiolab 6000N streamer, and for the money, it's very well-made and has a user-friendly DTS Play-Fi interface. I do bypass internet DAC because l own the Exogal Comet plus DAC
Good concise review. I’ve had the 6000a paired with my Elac Debut B6 (original and best version lol) and couldn’t be happier for the $$. Bass texture and details at low volume listening are the best I’ve heard, far better than my 100w Yamaha 801 or 160w Emotiva A2. I disagree with your ‘hollow’ midrange adjective. I’ve tried this amp with my Klipsch RP600m and was not impressed. But with Andrew Jones’s Beloved6, this amp is nearly perfect.
@@topspin4hand The B6 are nothing special in the upper midrange, lower mids are fuller and a tad bit more detailed. Elac came out with the UniFi UB5 a year after the Debut, and the additional concentric midrange driver addressed the somewhat deficient Debut. I have both, but prefer the B6 due to it’s easy-going approach to all genres of music. The UniFi require at least 200w/4ohm and they still aren’t as enjoyable.
@@4thewinir344 Thanks for providing these details. I had the newer version of the UB5 myself until a week ago and while I believe it was technically a good speaker, I found it a tad too clinical and neutral. I'm interested in listening to the older B6s myself...your comment definitely further encourages me to pick up a pair myself.
great video as always, in the last part of the review u compared the audiolabs to the Msi2 ? I auditioned both of these at. the same time and came to the same conclusion as you,, so I bought the Msi2, now my best friend said the audiolabs offer more control and features your mad to have bought the Msi2? my response was I picked the musical fidelity for the clearer sound and it's sound stage,which for me was more important than features
I know you are used to Luxman and Accuphase amps powering your setup but not everybody is an oligarch, I have the Audiolab and I really like it and if I want more power I can throw a power amp underneath it at a later date by using the Audiolab's pre amp facility.
I'd say that's overkill as hell, but I kinda like that! I think the match would be pretty solid. The Sony Core speakers are highly capable for the buck, and the Audio Lab will lay all of their clarity out to bear. Plus, the bass could use a bit of control, and the Audiolab should help with that. The X factor will be the midrange, which will just boil down to personal taste.
Hey Sean, Great review. If the Iotavx Stack and 6000a Play were the same price today, which would you not hesitate to get without second guessing it? Thank you!
“I wish there was a little bit of fullness, a little bit of body” to the midrange. Now, my wife’s response to that experience was : “is this a transistor radio we paid 1000 bucks for?” I think a lot of audiophiles are content with “imagining” how this superbly-detailed amp “would” sound “if” it also had midrange “presence.” It is simply “absent.” Packed and returned.
@@steventsimtsos4029 yes, I’m aware. But I’m not seeing that as a bonus. One could buy a pretty good DAC for the price difference and could also upgrade in time. I was strictly interested in the amp sound department. It’s getting harder to impossible to go out at a retailer and listen for yourself these days…
@@J0hnny8ravo True, local hifi shops are few and far between unfortunately. Even if you do find a shop, chances are slim they will have the exact model products for comparison. Most likely, you would get a different listening experience in your own home. Also it's extra cash and another component if you need to buy a DAC. I just prefer the all in one solution, less a streamer of course with the 6000A 👍
Great video Sean. I decided on the Rotel A12 MKII after comparing it to the Audiolab 6000a and others in that price range. The Rotel sold me on the bigger bass. The Audiolab seemed to control it too much for my tastes. Otherwise, I would've liked it.
I love the amp and I’m happy you called it neutral, as I agree. The balance and refinement combined with the quality bass, make this a wonderful choice of amplifier to test a wide variety of speakers and enjoy. Wouldn’t call it overly exciting but let that be up to the speaker you choose 😉
@@shangrilaladeda - Unless you listen to bass heavy music at loud volumes with difficult to drive speakers, 75 wpc is plenty for casual listening. Most people barely go past 10 watts (dynamic peaks not withstanding) and are none the wiser.
@@ZeroFidelity I don’t know I went from a klipsch 250c and changed out all the drivers from 125 watts to close to 800 watts and 1200 watts peak, they sound so much better than what klipsch had installed
@@franctoledovalero6166 the higher the watts the clearer the sound also the more it can put it loud sound and have no distortion and finally hear the music how it’s suppose to sound not how others want to make it sound but how the artists intended that is hifi. I know people got to eat and make money but home hifi market really sucks for products that aren’t worth anything. The highest price should be a dollar a watt and that is even overcharging for the technology
Were you comparing it to the Iota integrated by itself, or the stack? I think the stack would be about the same price. The matching Audiolab CD transport is supposed to be pretty nice too.
Hi Sean . A great review as usual. I have just paired the Audiolab 6000A Amp with my Spendor LS 3/5A BBC Monitors (11ohm from 1989) and they sound amazing to me. However, since I haven't got another Amp to compare it with, I wonder if having two components ( Amp and Speakers) that are known for a fairly neutral sounding presentation. that somehow I may be missing a bit more excitment in the music that a different pairing may reveal. I saw your excellent separate reviews of the BBC LS 3/5A's but did you try a pair with this Audiolab 6000A Amp and what did you think of their sound?. I listen to Jazz, Classical and Pop in a small room at moderate volume levels.
I tend to like colorful sounding products with LS 3/5a's and their derivatives. Tubes. The Heed Audio Elixir. Products like that. If you tend to personally favor a very clean and refined sound though, I think the AL6000a will be just right for you.
Thank you for this review, I really appreciate your tests and analyzes. I own The Audiolab since 2 years now , It a good Amp especially for the features, (no other offer at this price range) you have everything you need from a modern amp, but, i think there is a lack in the mid bass range, it is thinner than any other amp i owned, even compared to my Yamaha AV receiver RX A4A, wich sounds fuller and more enjoyable. i am looking for another amp with the same "sound carachteristic" but with a fuller sound and a bit more punch.
I bought the all new and first Audiolab 6000A, back in the mid 80's. It sounded amazing for it's price, and stills going strong. That's says a lot. Iv'e had some great times with the first model, over many kinds of speakers. From the Onken Focal (F3-lyd, from Denmark), with the concret eeg on top. Later on the F3 Trapez XI, to the big Dali 40. Yes, that little 60W Amp, could handle a lot of difference speakers. I haven't heard the new one here? ✌️♥️🇩🇰
Are you sure you're not referring to the Audiolab 8000A, which had tone controls and lots of knobs? I'm pretty sure the 6000A didn't exist in the mid 80s.
I have the 6000a play paired with some JBL 580s and this combination sounds great - as long as the room isn’t too big. Next upgrade would be an external DAC but for now the internal DAC does a great job.
this machine if had discrete resistors we are talking for hi end performance. This typical today small resistors always have a cold feeling of sound. Very good review
Hey. Enjoyable review. This amp has been on my list for a while, though I’ve yet to make a firm decision. How do you think this would match with the new Buchardt S400mkII?
if you need feautures ok this one has it but if you need power for bigger speakers and overhead this don't have it ! When i moved from a 50W power amp to 200W power Amp it was very noticable.. you think itis too much power No ! its sounds much better! even for smaller speaker more power is sounds better drive the speaker effortlessly...
![If you can't hear this then you're not an audiophile [See description for link to followup video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/48PxwspDvrE/mqdefault.jpg)
A HUGE shoutout goes to Tee Jay the Stereobargianfile for this one! Without him, this review would not have happened. I say that because this is HIS integrated amplifier, marking the first time I ever accepted someones personal property for review. I purposefully skipped showing how the 6000a looks au naturale (without the cover) because TJ already did a great job covering that in his video. Once you're done with my review, feel free to get some additional info here: Tee Jay the Stereo Bargainphile: th-cam.com/video/faa4vNaEP9k/w-d-xo.html Oh, and click on the description box to see what products I used for the review, as well as other relevant links. Cheers!
Tee Jay is the man! I liked the 6000a when I owned it, addicting clarity without fatique, but ultimately felt it sounded a little 2D in comparison to my Marantz PM8006 & Cambridge 851a.
👍👍TJ is the best such a friendly nice guy and those beautiful reviews will help all of us👍👍
Thanks For the shoutout Sean , Its been an honor to have a friend thats always been there for me even years before I started the channel . (Sean)
And the Audiophile community has been wonderful to me IMHO one of the BEST communities on the Utube platform period !
Great Job with the review One take I love it !
But I already knew you'd lay the blueprint of sound out on a canvas
(me) Natural N Relaxed 😃
@@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120 - Sheesh Bro. Thank YOU. You are the ONLY person I ever allowed to send me personal property. There's a level of trust there that I don't have with most people, to include other friends of mine. Keep being you my friend. Oh, and I swear to F you better be 'free' soon. You know what I mean. :).
@@ZeroFidelity 😆 April 10th -
Well be my last Rodeo !
Great Job on the review Sean love the one take , just str8 flow from Expierence
And its no secret
You and Thomas N stereo was the insperation for me to start a utube channel . when i first started i was down and out with life and i needed a crutch to help me to get back up on my feet and the Utube audiophile community truely took me in with open arms . 'Priceless' 😊
I got this amp for my ex. I also got her the elac uni-fi 2.0 ub52. She has multiple sclerosis and she has it rather bad. Music is one of the few things she can still enjoy. This set-up is in her bedroom. Perfect solution for someone who is not as techincal. I payed €1200,- for the set and it sounds amazing. She is amazed by the detail and soundstage to the point where it brings her to tears often.
Thats very kind of you! Thanks for giving another person (who really needs it) something that can put a smile on their face time and time again.
You are a great guy ! She is fortunate to have you in her life 🎶. Wish her well !!!
@@ZeroFidelity honestly, it was great fun putting the system together. Checking out all the reviews. Matching it with her room. Just a good excuse for an audiophile to buy another system.
@@steventsimtsos4029 I will! Thanks bud
@@reptidanReading your reply just gives one perspective that there are more important matters at hand. Happy to know she finds enjoyment through music !
I had the 6000a paired with some wharfedale Lintons and it was excellent, very rich sound. Good review Sean
@errorsofmodernism9715 enough base, punch and power for Lintons?
I tried this amplifier on kef ls50 meta's and it worked surprisingly well.
Amazing amplifier for the money with great build quality
Yep. I tried that combo as well. Extreme micro detail and imaging without the fatigue!
I too have the metas but chose the MSI2 for it's clarity over the audiolabs but I do miss all the connections and it's slimness
I’ve just come from the m2si to the 6000a. The m2si is a bit more fuller in sound however the 6000a has better rhythm, separation, bass slam/punch, much better treble and imaging/soundstage but you can tell it’s 25w less powerful than the m2si. I prefer the audiolab it goes well with a fuller sounding speaker where the m2si needs a rolled off speaker because it’s treble isn’t the best. Nice review, definitely an accurate impression.
Which speaker do you have? Can you recommend a floor stander speaker that would work with the 6000A? Looking for a more full bodied sound than I’m getting atm, as Sean’s point about the restrained sound is exactly the issue I have that I’d like to remedy. Interesting what you say about the comparison with the M2Si as I wondered if I should’ve gone for that instead.
I’ve watched, read and listened to multiple reviews of this unit. It’s surprising how different reviewers interpret it’s performance and character. Some describe it as ‘lean’, some say ‘warm’, some say that it’s detailed and resolving, but does it discretely, which could be confused with ‘lean’. A colleague of mine is rightly proud to own this amp and uses it to drive a pair of Kef R3 stand mounts augmented by a Rel T5X. A stunning combination, at a wallet friendly price. I would agree with 0 fidelity and his opinion of overall neutrality.
I have the 8300 monoblocks in my back room set up. My experience tells me that Audiolab produce quality components at highly competitive prices, manufactured to an exceptionally high build standard with a performance to match. Maximum ‘Bang for your Buck’.
One well respected TH-cam reviewer said of Audiolab:- ‘high end aesthetics and performance, without the high end price tag or bull shit’! Well, I echo that.
How are the 8300 monoblocks howard? Are you satisfied with them? What did you think of the 6000A in comparison? Do you think the 8300 monoblocks only give an incremental upgrade or is it well worth its price tag?
I heard that the company specifically tried to make the musical instruments sound separate. I noticed this especially in the voice sound, on TH-cam demo's of several different amps compared with the Audiolab 6000A. All the other amps voice sound, sounded noticeably more "muddled in" with the music. Played through my Audiolab 6000A.
@@Justwantahover 👍
Howard, we beg you to answer the question on the 8300
@@jeremyb9277 sorry, which question?
I almost bought an Audiolab 6000A. I got the Musical Fidelity M2si instead. It's a little more powerful and all analog. It sounds fantastic to my ears. Looking at the specs the M2si puts out 72 wpc into 8 ohms with 25 amps peak to peak current. The Audiolab is 50 wpc into 8 ohms with 9 amps peak to peak current.
This is a great review! I've had an Audiolab 6000a since November 2021 and it replaced a Peachtree Nova 500 which is now sitting in its box on a shelf. The 6000a drives my pretty efficient Tekton M-Lore's with standard tweeters and upgraded internals and I like the warmer sound compared to the Nova.
My listening space is a 13 x 11 spare bedroom which is not conducive to loud listening sessions so I generally listen at moderate levels. The 6000a is non-fatiguing to listen to and with the speakers properly placed, gives a "beyond the speakers" soundstage. It doesn't have the bass impact that the Nova is able to dish out but it also has only 10% of the power of the Nova.
The feature set is top-notch, too, and I like the fact that I can use it as a pre-amp so that I can explore tube amps in the future. One more thing: the 6000a runs surprisingly cool while the Nova 500 runs super hot.
While both the 6000a and Nova are great integrated amps I much prefer the sound of the 6000a.
Glad you're enjoying it!
TJ the bargain audiofile is the best he is such a nice guy those beautiful detailed reviews and gives us all the information we need and want thank you for such a gracious gesture to Sean zero fidelity another fantastic individual
TJ is an incredibly stand up dude!
How could you not like tee-jay's passion for this hobby? The guy has enough amps to open his own stereo shop.
I bought the 'Play' version of this amp last year and I love it. Why did I buy it? Well this is my foray into the world of audiophilia. I had a restricted budget for which to buy a complete system. I also have a small (British house!!) listening room so buckets of wall-shaking power was not required. And the fact it was a one box solution also helped - the Play version having streaming, headphone amp & phono amp all built in. And the fact this can be used as just a pre- or power- amp also allows flexibility for further upgrades in the future. The range also has a CD transport (also, apparently, very good) should I wish to go in that direction too.
So, I have this paired with Ophidian Mambo (Mk I) speakers which despite being towers are also small in size. Other than using the streaming function, I also have a NAD C588 turntable (which I also love).
Why do I like this set up? Well, the size and convenience is ideal. This amp has more than enough power for those speakers and the size of my room to the volumes I tend to listen to. But it's the balance and detail I love most. I listen to a wide range of genres including heavy metal, large ochestral, chamber music, blues/rock, opera and jazz. With all of them you get beautiful, smooth, but not bright trebles, strong rhythmic mid-range, and bass. Yep, you get bass. Not too much, not too little, just whatever the engineers mixed into the music. Perfect.
I would strongly recommend.
Thanks for the review.
For me It was a fight between the 6000A and the Rega Brio. The simpler, purist Brio was my final choice. The Audiolab sounded great but was more “hi-fi” whereas the Rega just made music more enjoyable. It made me forget about the hifi and just got into the music more. Paired with some Neat Motives, the Rega puts a massive smile on my face.
In the 90’s I had the Audiolab 8000S which was fantastic but suffered from transformer buzz (to do with the quality of my mains supply) which I believe the 6000A can also suffer from.
I feel you. One of the things I forgot to say about the 6000a was that as accomplished though as it may be, I found myself focusing more on the sound than on the music through it. Clearly others will (and have) a different experience!
Oh yes, that Brio just makes music! I have the Aethos which I love love love ❤️ let’s you forget about hifi, yet still has bags of refinement and resolution.
I’ve been considering the 6000a, Brio, and Elex R. I think I might end up picking up an Elex R, but it’s been out for many years.
Interesting to hear about the transformer buzz from Audiolab products. I’ve heard the same complaint about the Brio, which makes me hesitant to buy one.
@@JP1050x I think the transformer buzz (not audible through the speakers but from the actual unit itself) is highly dependent on the quality of the power feeding into it, specifically DC created by other devices on the circuit (often tv’s). Audiolab seem to have acknowledged that the 6000A is susceptible to it because they have started selling DC blockers. I have also heard that the Rega Brio can be susceptible, I think we hear more about the Audiolab because there are more owners.
I bought the Brio because it thought it sounded better, (punchier) it just makes great music and seems more natural. The Audiolab has more features and I think it has a much nicer build quality - I followed my heart rather than my head. I do own the Audiolab CDT which I feed into a DAC (the Rega being purely analogue). Both are very good but different sounding brands so give hem both a listen and if possible a home demo to see if the transformer buzz becomes an issue with your mains.
Good luck!
@@mrkitewine7700 thanks for sharing your experience. The Audiolab 6000a was my top choice, until I discovered Rega amps. I was going to buy a Brio, but I’m thinking to save more money to buy the Elex R. Mainly, because Rega owners tend to say that the Elex R is a step up in sound quality, and the extra power might give me more speaker choices later.
It’s great to hear that you haven’t had any audible hum out of your speakers from your Brio. It sounds like a common issue, which might be quality control related. My guess is that there’s tighter tolerance when constructing the components in the smaller Brio case. I’m hoping that it’ll be less of an issue with the Elex R, since it comes in a full width case.
I upgraded my £200 Cambridge Audio amp to a 6000a about 15 months ago, and I've been having a love affair with it from the second I pulled it out the box. It transformed my cheap Kef Cresta 2 speakers, and gave me an incredible insight into just how important a decent amp is to creating high quality sound. I then upgraded my speakers to a pair of LS50 Metas and I really have now found my audio nirvana. I contemplated upgrading the 6000a on the theory that if this is what a £600 amp can do to the Meta's, what could a £2,000 amp do? However, I was struggling to understand how it could sound any better to my ears as I didn't really know it was possible to make audio sound this good, and I am not ashamed to admit I have cried listening to music with this setup. There are times when I am listening to some of the psychedelic music I enjoy where I start to wonder whether someone has slipped some acid into my coffee. The detail and imaging with this combo is insane; it really sounds better than real. I asked for some advice on an audiophile forum about whether I was likely to experience an improvement in sound by upgrading the 6000a, and someone came back saying they had the same idea and upgraded to a £2,000 amp to pair with the Meta's but thoroughly preferred the 6000a. I don't need to play music at loud volumes, so I really am done. My first gamble into the more expensive audiophile territory paid off on its first go. Result!!!!
Try an Audiolab DC Block, it took mine to a whole new level and I didn't even perceive there to be a problem with my power in the first place.
@@bearclaw5115Now that is news to me, and the reviews on it are very good, so I am having me one of them. I also don't perceive there to be a problem with my power, and I'm struggling to see how my sound gets that much better, but I am most curious to find out if a DC block makes a difference. Amazon Prime has got it on same day delivery so I'll get it tonight and can easily return it if I don't like it. Thanks for that, and I'll keep you updated.
@@SpiritualInsanity01 keep us posted!
Hello Spiritual Dude! I Too made a leap of faith with the 6000A and am Happy to report back Audio Nirvana. I will get the DC Block and the Toping Pre90 Preamp. Remember our 6000A allows the internal Preamp to be Bypassed! I got the 6000A on its ability to adapt to several uses. I will improve it with the Pre 90.
Any other ideas for improvement?
@@heriacosta5452 Yes, get yourself a subwoofer if you have bookshelf speakers. The extra bass just gives the sound a lovely warm hug. For me it really was the last thing the sound was missing, and the improvement in sound is quite substantial.
Sean you nailed the sound of the Audiolab I have had mine over a year and it is excellent. However I recently swapped in a Marantz PM6007 in my main system as I prefer the fuller sound it provides. I use both of these with Wharfedales, Linton and Evo 4.2.
“Fuller” is the word here. No other reviewer had the courage to mention Audiolab’s lack of “fullness”. This reviewer is telling it like it is and letting the listener decide if they prefer super-detail over oomph. No, Audiolab doesn’t check all the boxes.
Is it really so? I'm convinced from what i read and see that this 6000a is the one for me, but if a cheaper amplifiers is better than this one, smth must be wrong here. If you don't mind, i'd like to ask your opinion regarding bass, mids and highs as well as detail, soundstage and dynamic. What could you say here??
@@gm1521 with my Dynaudio Emit10s, class D amplifiers (NAD, Denon, Yamaha) were mostly producing “constipated” sound. Of the class A/B amps, 6000a produced sprinkly trebbles all over the place; very detailed “non-present” mids, tight but super-gentle, non-present bass. Movies were unacceptably “thin.”Arcam SA10 provided presence to the music, but veiled all the sound. Rotel a11, provided satisfying detail all over. Satisfying bass speed and extension; satisfying mids with “presence,” titled up trebble that highlight “sibilance” on poorer recordings. Kept the Rotel cause wifey was fed up with open boxes lying around in the living room. Didn’t try Rega or Cambridge, Musical Fidelity or Hegel.
@@gm1521 It is a matter of taste and your speakers. Audiolab has a wider and more pinpoint soundstage, Marantz has a deeper SS. Bass and mid range are fuller on Marantz with my speakers but wouldn’t doubt Audiolab is more accurate. Neither is very dynamic. One thing Sean did not mention is the DAC in 6000A which I find very good.
@@robertalpi8936 What I like Sean is doing here, he is “subtly” pointing out that audiolab has sacrificed presence in favor of detail. I understand the British Audiophile liking it, cause he primarily cares for detail; he can live with uber-polite sound; and probably likes non-fat milk, too. But, all the other reviewers just played their reviews, too safe. I like whole milk. Sean is the man!
Hi sir from the Uk Having had the 6000A and the 600O CD player for just under a year now , I feel I made a good choice . I tend to rely on reviews as regards purchasing my a hifi rather than going to a dealer, as in my case it involves a lot of hassle . This combination of the amp and CD player work seamlessly together , which of course is what they were designed to do . I accept in the world of hifi this level of expenditure is relatively small beer , but I would also say you get a lot of bang for your bucks . As you would say in America , I’m using it in conjunction with a pair of Q acoustic concept 20 speakers and a Rega P3 record deck Rega PSU plus Rega phono stage . Not a high end system by any means , but after 50 odd years of being involved in hifi I’m more than happy . Best wishes and kind regards to all
Thanks for sharing. Glad you're enjoying them!
That’s exactly the problem with the industry, listening is subjective. If you are basing your purchase on reviews you are selling yourself short, a dealer has actual units you can listen to…one man’s taste might be totally different from yours…I’ve seen people surprised by actually putting their own ears on gear/speakers and their opinion differs greatly from a review they saw or read. A lot of reviews are sponsored by the product that’s being reviewed.
@@joebeckham8352 - Personal tastes are subjective. The performance envelope of a product is not. Addressing more points: Most people cannot listen before they buy and rely on reviews to make purchasing decisions. While hearing something before you buy is ideal, MANY dealers neither know or care about setting up a product in a way that showcases what it's capable of. Many are burnt out and only want to clerk sales. This leading to a very false and misleading impression of the gear. The only way to truly know how you will react is to try a product out in your own home. As for a lot of reviews being sponsored: Please, tell me a review where I've been sponsored so I can get some damned money.
The Audiolab 6000a let you hear how the recording sounds,sometimes forward sometimes more backwards ,now i am using it as a preamp with the audiolab 8300 mb monoblocks
the rest of mij setup is the audiolab 6000cdt, audiolab mdac +and Spendor BC2 speakers
Hey John, did the 8300 mb’s impress you? I’m considering this upgrade as well, and would love to hear how much the depth in sound has improved.
@@m0rgz278 Yes it is absolutely worth the upgrade not alone the depth improved but also the dynamics and of course the middle base and lower base
Really appreciate this specific product review. Much thanks as always, Sean.
Also that 80 intro feels right at home.
I matched this with Wharfedale Linton Heritage speakers and I am very happy with it. I think they really help eachother shine.
If you want warmer midrange voice sound change the 6000a digital filter selection option to phase.
How does the digital filter affect the midrange ?
Thanks for the review, and to Tee Jay. What a great reviewer he is as well. I have this amp and matching CD transport. I picked this up because every reviewer seemed to like the Dac, phono stage, Bluetooth and digital inputs. I didn't want to have a bunch of separates and this seemed to fit the bill. For me it ended up being nearly perfect. The Cdt sounds amazing and my Project Carbon turntable as well. The speakers I am running right now are Mission Lx2+ along with a Rel T7i sub. The bass to low mids are very satisfying but you are right about the mids, most times I wish the vocals could be pushed a bit more forward. I'll let my next speakers do that which I'm not sure what they will be. I'd like to hear some Focal's as well as everything else.
Check out my Mission lx2 review /pop thr hood
Great review format Sean. Single take and you got it all in there. I prefer what you did here compared to what other reviewers are doing. Thanks
I got the Audiolab for more than 1 year and I'am really satisfied. It's match well whith my JBL Studio 530 ,my Kef Q150 and my Maggie MMG.
I have them set up with the JBL 580 and like it way better than the with my 530 because the 580 it’s more efficient. Amazing synergy with the 580.
@@dynodin81 👍
Best amp for the money, period. It runs my LS 50’s with no problem. It’s loaded with extra features, the mid range is fine with LS50’s.
No such thing as the best, but, I am glad you love it so much!
The same:) + SVS SB 1000 pro sub
thanks for your informative review! the audiolab replaced my iotavx sa3 in my main listening room (powering a pair of Q acoustics concept 40); higher frequencies are very airy and the level of detail is astounding.the audiolab is fast and engaging. i still love the iota and moved it to my second listening room. your are spot on!!! the mids of the iota are a bit colored but so nice. only weak point of the audiolab is the phono preamp. a bit too anemic and clinical. thanks again sean!
Hey!! I currently have the sa3 powering Br03’s. How would you say the sa3 and audiolab compare?? Thanksnn
@@BlackOpsAlexGamers the audiolab is more airy on the top. you feel instruments have more space up there to breath. the bass is very fast and precise and definitely more punchy and "musical". mids are very linear so you might like the more "beefy" mids of the iota. other than that, the audiolab gives me a more 'being in the recording studio' feeling than the iota. both are great amps but the audiolab is accordingly pricer than the iota. one more thing: audiolab's DAC is actually very nice; articulate, clear, musical. much nicer than the iota .
Great review Sean! I think I saw this on sale recently for $900 which is a great value. Thanks again and nice one take!
I picked up the 6000CDT Transport a few weeks ago and it’s killer
Thanks for your review Sean, I totally agree with you about the Audiolab 6000a. I have both the integrated amp and its cd transport. After 100 hour of break-in, they still sound dry to my taste. I would refer my Yamaha 801 or Marantz 8006 over the Audiolab.
Thanks for sharing! The Yammy 801 is a sweetheart.!
I don’t know what Yamaha amp you’re listening to which sounds warmer.
The same feeling here. My wife and I really tried to like it, but, boy is that amp lifeless or what!
@@gokhanersan8561 buy a schiit Loki, and you will bring it back to life 😁
Excellent take. I say keep doing the one Take. It'll make it easier on yourself. I Wonder what a shootout against the marantz pm8006 would be like. I want a notch above this but don't know in what direction to go. Focal Aria 906.
Thanks. If you aren't opposed to buying used and want a VERY distinct upgrade in sound over, pick up a Unison Research Unico Primo and swap the stock tube for a Gold Lion. Better in pretty much every way.
@@ZeroFidelity I've been doing tons of research on this unit since you told me about it and your review was impressive. I wish I could pay you to get 30 min of your time. I cancelled the Focal Aria order and purchased the JBL 4309 Studio Monitor bookshelves. Would you still say the Unico Primo is the one to get? I've decided to go up to the $2500 dollar mark and would like to get an integrated that goes well with the neutrality of the Studio Monitors. If you lived in Texas I'd drive them out to you so you could review them but I don't think you're anywhere by this state.
Just ordered a pair of Lore Reference and thinking about upgrading to this integrated.
Nice, glad you finally got to trying the 6000A. I had 6000A for a while and I liked it a lot. I think you pretty much nailed the description… I would summarize: fairly accurate and natural sounding yet ever slightly restrained in some weird way, subtle. Comes with a good DAC too, but only Coax or Optical inputs. You can add a USB to Coax converter such as Douk Audio USB Converter or Topping D10… if needed.
Why did you get rid of it if you don't mind me asking
@@burtonwhiteside1240 I’m nuts and I like to try new gear. Currently using PecanPi, Topping PA5, Tidal Connect (w/ Volumio). I do sort of regret selling 6000A. Thinking Starkrimson GaN or Purifi amp next?
Mine 6000a is paired with Monitor Audio silver 2 and the combination works very well. The only issue I have is with the Quality Control as the standby button is somewhat temperamental ,so I have to use the trigger switch on occasions.
Been very happy with this amplifier running Triangle BR03's. Certainly a very neutral character, which can be tweaked slightly with the other kit in the chain.
One thing I have a small gripe with is the DAC filters, I'd rather have an EQ feature than these three modes which, as far as I can tell, change the sound VERY slightly.
Overall though, fantastic amp.
Yeah the filters only run with the built in dac pure analog theirs no filtering !!!
Basically done in the digital domain you can always hook up a cheap Schiit loki EQ , The loki surprised me its pretty dam good for pricepoint , I also had my bro3s hooked up to the 6000a and you are on the money very neutral !
Good amp for speaker builders, with it's neutral sound and excellent sound quality. Bass is amazing and makes my home built speakers sound good. Good solid thumping bass for 50 watts!
This amplifier can play in a small room even with Confidence C1 (tested). Yes, it has considerable reserves and you can feel a certain attenuation(little power, small transformer), but you will enjoy the music, which is a great result with such a machine.
Thanks for the review.... i recently bought a Marantz PM8006, and I know you've reviewed that amplifier as well. So how would you compare the two?
The Audiolab 6000a is a great amp however...you can have a IotaVX sa3 and add the pa3 amp for the the same price as the Audiolab 6000a. The Iota stack takes on a greatly improved profile compared to the sa3 alone double the power and improves the listening experience in every way. Dollar for dollar the Iota stack is a much better deal, I love my Iota stack pairs well with any speaker I've paired it with.
Imo, your review is one of the best out there and certainly not, like you said, 'rough'. I own the Audiolab and it's everything you described, spot on. Speaking of rough, I only wished you reviewed the internal DAC which, imo, is also excellent. 😀
Nice review Sean! This unit works well for me in a lively room at exclusively low/med volumes. Sources are the matching CD transport and Roon via Chromecast audio optical (plus BT from phone works great). Form factor (black matte) is relatively inoffensive in a public area.
One Take!. Excellent job! You're a real pro Sean. Thanks.
Thank you, great explanation of this unit. Thinking about it.
I tried the Audiolab 6000A with Kef Q350s 5 feet out from any walls, and certainly agree with you in most aspects Zero. The bass is nice and tight, and there is overall slam. There's plenty of detail and isn't bright, but it is restrained like you say, and I thought the top end was shelved down, lacking air and liveliness. I actually found the Audiolab dark sounding. Eventually I came to realize that the Audiolab wasn't involving, not exactly sterile, but it never sounded like the real thing. Overall, I still thought it was very stylish, and well-built, if only there was more air and life. So the search goes on. I want the midrange of my tube amps with solid state control. Perhaps the HEED ELIXIR would be a step in the right direction?
After your review and many others I decided to get this amp and after a lot of research on speakers and despite your warning on low sensitivity I still opted for the Elac Unifi reference. I was not disapointed at all. I listen at.moderate volume and everything is clear present and the soundstage is awesome ! Only caveat this combination is so neutral ans revealing that it gets unforgiving with poor recordings.
Love your comment "British Restraint" something holding the sound wave back! Hahahahahaha... So apt description for many British amplifiers!! Great review again Sean.
Snapped one up for just €629 ( that's just $687! ) from HiFi hut in Ireland & post free to Portugal. With the great DAC, pre & power out & bluetooth it was a no-brainer. The fidelity sounds impeccable especially via a coax from my cd deck. However - bass? I sometimes miss the dynamics of my old Pioneer A447 or JVC AX311 - but I've still got them so must do some more A-B ing.
Glad I bought it though I sometimes like music without the color.... but the 3 filters give you a subtle option there too - actually 2 - the phase one sounds as flat as a pancake to my old ears! Great balanced review Sean. 🤟
You are totally on the point. I heard this mini Audiolab in the 90s before it was bought over by Tag Heuer. It was a fantastic all rounded entry level High-Fi. What impressed me most is when I heard it connected to a harder driven speaker. It still works and easy listening to. That really surprised me.
This is a excellent amp yet it drives to 2 conclusion. 1 it will satisfy you so much, you will not spend more because the next level you are heading might not proportionally of what you are paying. 2 you hated it, because like the reason before, the next jump for your hi-fi journey is way much more than you are paying forth.
Thumbs up to your review. Splendid.
It contains digital filters, operating models, a fast roll-off and slow roll-off for this class ab headphone amp. If you intend to use the three digital filters option, the you will have the option for a slow roll-off and fast roll-off in the minimum phase. These three phases of fast roll-off, slow roll-off and minimum phase is the trade-off between impulse response, frequency response and distortion.
Very nice review, good product but not for me, I am sort of a traditionalist and i like tone controls and vintage looking gear, VU meters are always welcome and so on. Much more important, though, is to see you back in business and what's better than one take video? Keep'em coming and thank you!
Great one take review Sean! I love the blue tooth feature of this amp. It sounds as good as wires to my ears. So I can stream my huge music catalog from my smart phone and apply any custom EQ curve I like. I have them paired with Harbeth P3ESRs in a near field listening configuration in a bedroom. It's nirvana for acoustic bluegrass and roots music.
Right on! I listened to that exact combo for my desktop rig as well. Have fun!
@@ZeroFidelityyes. But you don't have the huuuuge music catalogue.
Great review Sean! I purchased the Audio Lab 6000 cdt (cd transport) and am thrilled with it! I would have purchased the amplifier as well but I already own a Musical Fidelity M2si and as you mentioned in the review it is quite comparable to the Audio Lab. I would really like to hear the Audio Lab paired with the speakers I’m running with the Musical Fidelity as they are the Focal Chora 806’s. Now I would have thought the pairing of the Musical Fidelity with the Focal’s might not be the greatest as they’re both supposed to be tilted up on the treble end! But in fact I’ve found them to have excellent synergy! I do have a sub woofer integrated in to that system as well. But I was pretty floored at how good the system sounds overall! The detail and air on the top end is outstanding and it’s never to sharp nor is there ever a trace of sibilance! The dynamics are excellent! And the control and texture in the base is as good as I’ve ever heard in a modestly priced system. The same can be said for the midrange it’s full as well as detailed and leans ever so slightly to the warm side of neutral. The sound stage is much larger in depth and width then the physical appearance would implicate and imaging is exquisite! But if the Audio Lab can do better then I want to hear it!👂👂👍Thanks Sean this was an excellent review winging it or not!!!
That's the crazy thing about synergy. The general mindset is that 'opposites attract', but sometimes that's. not true at all! Some see that as frustrating, but I see that as rather exciting! More opportunity for a surprise. More of an opportunity for better sound!
@@ZeroFidelity yes Sean it was indeed a surprise and quite a pleasant one at that!
Great review…I had one on trial and loved it, but ultimately upped my budget to try the Yamaha AS1200 which I still have.
Which your prefer?
@@charlesking678 the AS1200, but it’s three times the price so not a price class comparison
Great to hear your review of the popular but seldom reviewed outside Britain, Audiolab 6000A. The main competition is often the Rega Brio and Cambridge amps. How would you compare this amp with the Cambridge CXA81 that you reviewed awhile back? Any preference? Thx.
Great review as always, agree with you about the sound. What do you think about the pairing with the genese trio? Would you recommend other amps for those? Thanks a lot.
A pretty solid match. Honestly, with the Genese Trio, I'd advise using electronics that cost quite a bit more. A good example would be the Unison Research Unico Primo. A fantastico match!
@@ZeroFidelity Great! Thanks.
I have been using the Audiolab 8200Q line level Preamplifier for many years now. The reviews of this product have all been very positive. My one was made in England but is not available anymore. I am using it with a Tube phono stage and a Rotel Power Amplifier. The combination results in a slightly "warm" sound, which i prefer.
Solid review. Found the predecessor to this a bit dry too, which may be to taste. Also had bad reliability from an Audiolab Q-DAC (capacitors blew very early), which wasn't encouraging either!
How would you compare it to the Yamaha A-S801?
Nice review Sean! Straight to the muff with no fluff...
Hi I'm in the UK and years ago I went to the hi-fi shows in London
and went to the Audiolab demo, we were greeted with a bank of power
amps and a pair of impressive looking floor standers. The door was closed
and after a short introduction the demo started, it was completely lifeless
calling it laid back would be doing it a favour, people were either leaving
or asking why it sounded so flat, the demo music was Mars the bringer
of war from The Planet Suite by Holst it really sounded like their heart
wasn't in it. Back at home I played the same recording on my modest
system, Thorens turntable, Grado cartridge, Nytech receiver and JR 149
speakers ( LS35a clones ) made by the great Jim Roger, it was nowhere
near as loud but sounded as if the Martians really wanted a punch up.
Your review and description of the sound bought the memory flooding
back, although it does sound as if it has a bit more get up and go than
I remember. Good review thanks.
That was a great review Sean . Have you tried it with the Triangle Bro3 ? I have that at home and I really enjoy that particular match
That bit that you did where you talked about "who this amplifier is for" was so incredibly useful -- not least because that's me: Relatively low volume, entry-audiophile quality, but well-integrated musicality.
I do thank you Sean. I am now pretty clear about the characteristics of this amp.
Being that I am in search of a replacement amp I have to wonder how this unit
paired with the Buchardt S-400 M2s. (on your evaluation list) I'll check out TJs
take on this amp ... Thanks again
Very accurate review. I demoed the 6000 play for 2 months. I would say if you only have 1000 or $1500 it’s a great choice. Personally I would save my pennies and buy something a little more refined. It’s a good amp but it’s not a giant killer.
What speakers did you use ? I have been using this amp with the Revel m 126 be speakers, it sounds sublime. I paid £599 for the 6000a play, it's fantastic for the money. It's as good as my sugden, naim and Cyrus amps.
Knocked it out of the park, thanks. Excellent review.
Would you consider reviewing the Rotel A11 Tribute? It's tough to choose an amp under 1000 without knowing how it compares to the IOTAVX or the Emotiva et cetera
Would love to hear how a11 compares.
Rotel by far
Audiophile very accurate no color neutral extremely fast deep bass and very very very clean and detailed no harshness or brightness more high end sound
One take, nailed it! Well done.
Thank you for your review; very enjoyable and to the point!! I tested the amp a couple of days ago with several speakers (Kef, Wharfedale, ) and regardless of size and model, I found the Audiolab VERY thin and lifeless sounding, but that's just my opinion; I was witha friend that day and he told me the same thing without asking. Yes , the sound was very clean, very detailed, almost delicate; but it lacked punch.
I wonder if I'm not "educated" enough to appreciate and enjoy high-end sound, but honestly I was unimpressed by the amp.
very thin and lifeless was my experience with Dynaudio Emit 10s.
Excellent review Sean! I own the Audiolab 6000A and Marantz PM6007, both works well with my Fyne Audio F-302 floor standing speakers. Sean... could you please review the Marantz PM6007 as well when you get a chance?
Hi sir from India. Marantz Or audiolab with one best
@@nagumaninagu9368 In India the Audiolab 6000A costs almost double price of Marantz PM6007(40K vs 80K approx.). Marantz give 80% performance of Audiolab. Definitely the Audiolab is the best among the two, it has more features with an excellent Bluetooth, it can be used as a power amp, pre amp, HT byass etc. DAC performance is almost same in both (ESS Saber vs AKM). if price is not a constant go for 6000A. I would say the Marantz PM6007 is a more value for money gear than 6000A.
$1,200, Class AB with quality output stages and tordial power supply, decent DAC, and nice build. Hard not to like.
Even better at $749 for refurbished Doan 👍
The 6000a has a measly 9amps current
@@user-fs4fd3gv3r It just not meant for large rooms or impedances below 4ohms. But in a midsize living area, it will be fine to drive most speakers to a reasonable level 👍
I much appreciate your skill in synthesing your hi-fi review :-)
I've got one coming in a couple days. I truly believe that a good power cord upgrade is exactly what this unit needs to really open up the soundstage and unshackle the sound. I've owned the 6000A up to a couple years ago, and regretted selling it. I'll see what happens. Thanks for the video Shawn. Keep em' coming man.
How do you like it now you could test it a few Weeks?
Sean thank you for all the time and hard work that goes into your reviews! A couple of weeks ago I moved and had to put a lot of high end gear into storage because I could not fit into a small temp. living space. I was really bummed, until I remembered your review of the IOTAVX/Triangle Bro 3 combo. I bought put them set them up in a small listening room and wow the combo sounds fantastic! Thank you, thank you so much for all that you do for us. Oh, and the audiolab is another great review. Blessings Charlie
Thanks for watching. I'm so glad you love the Iotavx/Bro 3 combo!
Thanks for the review. Sounds like something i would like to buy but the reliability of audiolab is holding me back still. Ive had a few audio friends that had previous generation audiolab gear that failed pretty quickly.
The search continues.
Were those reliability issues with pre IAG gear? This new generation 6000 series has been very reliable
define previous generation? I'm still using my original 8000c/m combo nearly 25 years on...has been used an awful LOT. These were the original UK made Audiolab units, not the Chinese made re-releases which ARE inferior imho.
I dont know when audiolab was bought by a chinese company but from the top of my head 2 friends had problems with their audiolab
- monoblocks just started to produce smoke while playing at moderate volumes
- another was inputs started to fail one by one and the left channel just went out.
As impressive as audiolab might be, i just dont want the headache.
@@justanobody4983 I think it was around 2008-2010 from memory.
Thanks for the review. I also notice the hollowness in the midrange with my Wharfedale Lintons. When A/B comparing it with my Cambridge CXA80 and Yamaha M-5000, it is almost as if there was a small hole where the voices are. The sound becomes ever so slightly boxy. Still a muscular, juicy sounding amp with sufficient detail. I will have to see if it is a keeper..
I bought the Audiolab 6000N streamer, and for the money, it's very well-made and has a user-friendly DTS Play-Fi interface. I do bypass internet DAC because l own the Exogal Comet plus DAC
Perfect intro music for this product
Good concise review. I’ve had the 6000a paired with my Elac Debut B6 (original and best version lol) and couldn’t be happier for the $$. Bass texture and details at low volume listening are the best I’ve heard, far better than my 100w Yamaha 801 or 160w Emotiva A2. I disagree with your ‘hollow’ midrange adjective. I’ve tried this amp with my Klipsch RP600m and was not impressed. But with Andrew Jones’s Beloved6, this amp is nearly perfect.
Aren't the B6s definitely more full in the midrange as bookshelves go though?
@@topspin4hand The B6 are nothing special in the upper midrange, lower mids are fuller and a tad bit more detailed. Elac came out with the UniFi UB5 a year after the Debut, and the additional concentric midrange driver addressed the somewhat deficient Debut. I have both, but prefer the B6 due to it’s easy-going approach to all genres of music. The UniFi require at least 200w/4ohm and they still aren’t as enjoyable.
@@4thewinir344 Thanks for providing these details. I had the newer version of the UB5 myself until a week ago and while I believe it was technically a good speaker, I found it a tad too clinical and neutral. I'm interested in listening to the older B6s myself...your comment definitely further encourages me to pick up a pair myself.
great video as always,
in the last part of the review u compared the audiolabs to the Msi2 ? I auditioned both of these at. the same time and came to the same conclusion as you,, so I bought the Msi2, now my best friend said the audiolabs offer more control and features your mad to have bought the Msi2? my response was I picked the musical fidelity for the clearer sound and it's sound stage,which for me was more important than features
Great review Sean. I am wondering if this amp is compatible with Dali Oberon 3? If not what amp is best for Dali for around the same price range?
I know you are used to Luxman and Accuphase amps powering your setup but not everybody is an oligarch, I have the Audiolab and I really like it and if I want more power I can throw a power amp underneath it at a later date by using the Audiolab's pre amp facility.
Great review Sean! Good to hear a non-syrupy review. Considering the amp’s voicing, do think it would work well with the Sony SSCS5?
I'd say that's overkill as hell, but I kinda like that! I think the match would be pretty solid. The Sony Core speakers are highly capable for the buck, and the Audio Lab will lay all of their clarity out to bear. Plus, the bass could use a bit of control, and the Audiolab should help with that. The X factor will be the midrange, which will just boil down to personal taste.
Hey Sean,
Great review.
If the Iotavx Stack and 6000a Play were the same price today, which would you not hesitate to get without second guessing it?
Thank you!
Great review. Audiolab 6000a or Rega Brio? Rega Elex R is high on my wishlist though.
“I wish there was a little bit of fullness, a little bit of body” to the midrange. Now, my wife’s response to that experience was : “is this a transistor radio we paid 1000 bucks for?” I think a lot of audiophiles are content with “imagining” how this superbly-detailed amp “would” sound “if” it also had midrange “presence.” It is simply “absent.” Packed and returned.
Very true. I have returned this integrated amp as well. It's not worth it for me
That’s a nice eloquent review! How would you compare this to the Rotel Tribute? I’m aware of the price gap between the two, but still… thanks!
I have no idea. Haven't heard the Tribute.
The Audiolab features a DAC if that is important to you 👍
@@steventsimtsos4029 yes, I’m aware. But I’m not seeing that as a bonus. One could buy a pretty good DAC for the price difference and could also upgrade in time. I was strictly interested in the amp sound department. It’s getting harder to impossible to go out at a retailer and listen for yourself these days…
@@ZeroFidelity, thanks for your honesty (in general) and the quick answer!
@@J0hnny8ravo True, local hifi shops are few and far between unfortunately. Even if you do find a shop, chances are slim they will have the exact model products for comparison. Most likely, you would get a different listening experience in your own home. Also it's extra cash and another component if you need to buy a DAC. I just prefer the all in one solution, less a streamer of course with the 6000A 👍
Great video Sean. I decided on the Rotel A12 MKII after comparing it to the Audiolab 6000a and others in that price range. The Rotel sold me on the bigger bass. The Audiolab seemed to control it too much for my tastes. Otherwise, I would've liked it.
I love the amp and I’m happy you called it neutral, as I agree. The balance and refinement combined with the quality bass, make this a wonderful choice of amplifier to test a wide variety of speakers and enjoy. Wouldn’t call it overly exciting but let that be up to the speaker you choose 😉
can't test anything good with only 75 watts at 4 ohms
@@shangrilaladeda - Unless you listen to bass heavy music at loud volumes with difficult to drive speakers, 75 wpc is plenty for casual listening. Most people barely go past 10 watts (dynamic peaks not withstanding) and are none the wiser.
@@ZeroFidelity I don’t know I went from a klipsch 250c and changed out all the drivers from 125 watts to close to 800 watts and 1200 watts peak, they sound so much better than what klipsch had installed
@@shangrilaladeda por lo
@@franctoledovalero6166 the higher the watts the clearer the sound also the more it can put it loud sound and have no distortion and finally hear the music how it’s suppose to sound not how others want to make it sound but how the artists intended that is hifi. I know people got to eat and make money but home hifi market really sucks for products that aren’t worth anything. The highest price should be a dollar a watt and that is even overcharging for the technology
Were you comparing it to the Iota integrated by itself, or the stack? I think the stack would be about the same price. The matching Audiolab CD transport is supposed to be pretty nice too.
I LOVE THIS AMP.
Very good review 👍
Great vid! Love the aesthetics of this piece, eager to try one but they ghosted me lol
Thanks man! You're the only other dude on the platform who can (or at least attempts) the one take!
@@ZeroFidelity I learned from the best :)
great product review from a great guy.
Hi Sean . A great review as usual. I have just paired the Audiolab 6000A Amp with my Spendor LS 3/5A BBC Monitors (11ohm from 1989) and they sound amazing to me. However, since I haven't got another Amp to compare it with, I wonder if having two components ( Amp and Speakers) that are known for a fairly neutral sounding presentation. that somehow I may be missing a bit more excitment in the music that a different pairing may reveal. I saw your excellent separate reviews of the BBC LS 3/5A's but did you try a pair with this Audiolab 6000A Amp and what did you think of their sound?. I listen to Jazz, Classical and Pop in a small room at moderate volume levels.
I tend to like colorful sounding products with LS 3/5a's and their derivatives. Tubes. The Heed Audio Elixir. Products like that. If you tend to personally favor a very clean and refined sound though, I think the AL6000a will be just right for you.
Thank you for this review, I really appreciate your tests and analyzes.
I own The Audiolab since 2 years now , It a good Amp especially for the features, (no other offer at this price range) you have everything you need from a modern amp, but, i think there is a lack in the mid bass range, it is thinner than any other amp i owned, even compared to my Yamaha AV receiver RX A4A, wich sounds fuller and more enjoyable. i am looking for another amp with the same "sound carachteristic" but with a fuller sound and a bit more punch.
I bought the all new and first Audiolab 6000A, back in the mid 80's. It sounded amazing for it's price, and stills going strong. That's says a lot. Iv'e had some great times with the first model, over many kinds of speakers. From the Onken Focal (F3-lyd, from Denmark), with the concret eeg on top. Later on the F3 Trapez XI, to the big Dali 40. Yes, that little 60W Amp, could handle a lot of difference speakers.
I haven't heard the new one here?
✌️♥️🇩🇰
Are you sure you're not referring to the Audiolab 8000A, which had tone controls and lots of knobs? I'm pretty sure the 6000A didn't exist in the mid 80s.
Your the best man, thank you for everything you do!
Please tell me you used it with the KLH Model 5’s and how they matched? 🤔
A dicembre 2021 ho acquistato il 6000 cdt, trasporto per CD. Altissima qualità. Audiolab: ottimi prodotti !
I have the 6000a play paired with some JBL 580s and this combination sounds great - as long as the room isn’t too big.
Next upgrade would be an external DAC but for now the internal DAC does a great job.
nice setup !
this machine if had discrete resistors we are talking for hi end performance. This typical today small resistors always have a cold feeling of sound. Very good review
Hey. Enjoyable review. This amp has been on my list for a while, though I’ve yet to make a firm decision. How do you think this would match with the new Buchardt S400mkII?
Nice pace in this breakdown.
if you need feautures ok this one has it but if you need power for bigger speakers and overhead this don't have it ! When i moved from a 50W power amp to 200W power Amp it was very noticable.. you think itis too much power No ! its sounds much better!
even for smaller speaker more power is sounds better drive the speaker effortlessly...
Great review. I'm considering the Audiolab 6000A with the Polk Reserve R500 in a small room. Would the amp have enough juice?
Pair this bad boy with a more exciting open sounding dac and you have giant killer written all over it. Incredible integrated
Hi sir ...I bought 6000a and connect this with kef q550 It is not satisfied. Is bookshelfs are more suitable. Please suggest a matching speaker ❤