Audiolab 6000a, does it live up to the hype? Maybe. Maybe not. Let's find out. This could be bad.

[@OldGuyHifi]

I was disappointed with the Audiolab 6000a. I just couldn't find any love for this unit. It is very forward sounding and fatiguing to my ear. If you wish to join the channel and become a member please click here: www.youtube.com/@OldGuyHifi/membership

[@alexandershpilka5848]

I own "6000a play" for almost 3 years. But never found it fatigue or agressive in the mids.

[@OldGuyHifi]

I am glad you enjoy it. It just didn't agree with my ear. Thanks for watching.

[@alexandershpilka5848]

@@steven3557 atc scm19

[@alexandershpilka5848]

ATC scm19

[@OldGuyHifi]

If you are asking me then, Wharfedale Diamond 12.4, Elac DBR 62, and Energy Reference 22.2. I have referred to all of them in previous reviews. Good question. Thx.

[@raymonddesjardins2575]

I have the 6000 for 2 years now. I got many other audio equipment and still appriciate this integrate amplifier. Paired it with Wharfedale Linton it's magical.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Raymond, I am glad you love that combo. Honestly the Linton's would sound amazing with anything. They are a wonderful speaker. Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts.

[@roa5359]

Negative from beginning to end. Fair enough, its your opinion and thank you for the review. Mine, as an owner and in direct comparison to 3 more expensive amplifiers is; The 6000A is superb. I use it in rotation but it owes little to the others (Hegel H95, Arcam SA20, Cyrus ONE cast). Build is solid with a beautifully made chassis, internal components and layout are as good as it gets fr the money … where else do you find two heat sinks (expensive) and 40’000 uf of capacitance together with a premium quality toroid for this money. You also get high quality relays a good MM stage and lovely machined rastered volume/selector dials that are a joy to use. Certainly not a given at the price. Sound is smooth. No hard edges and certainly no mid forwardness (Hello Cambridge Audio CX81) but sound stage and transparency are superlative, exceeding the Hegels at almost 3 times the cost. A german publication measured the 6000A and called it ‘pegelfest’ meaning it delivers even at high volume into reasonably difficult loads without changing character. That is pretty much my experience. Imho an absolute bargain and I could live with it as my only amplifier. Call it a mini Bryston and don’t look back. A taste of high end for everyone. To put this in to context, some of the speakers used with this and my other integrated amplifier’s, Quad S2, now sold, Stirling LS3/6 BBC Reference Ltd Edition (given back to the owner after looking after it for the best part of a year) and currently, my beloved and beautifully restored Mission 752 Freedom’s. The Audiolab worked beautifully with all though the Arcam was arguably the best match with the Stirling.

[@OldGuyHifi]

I can't argue with your opinion. I am glad you enjoy yours. I can only express my subjective findings. I do have the CXA-81 MKII in for review so look out for that. I have reached out to Arcam (Harman) to see if I can get a review sample. Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts. I do appreciate it.

[@Panslapper]

I have a Denon PMA900hne which I really like regardless. It has a nice full sound and works very well with my Wharfedale 12.2. However I will say if Denon squeezed Fiio’s R2R structure in to it instead of the ESS dac, it could possibly take it to another level and maybe blow a lot of amps out of the pond! I know because I have both the Fiio and Denon and they work so well together. It takes nothing away from the HEOS system with the 900hne and I use the Airplay nearly all of the time but if guests arrive I would switch source to the R2R and blow their ears off! Excellent combo.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Sounds like you have a great rig. Yeah, I am not a fan of Heos. Thanks for sharing your set up.

[@CJ-vh2hf]

I have the audiolab 8300A it is all analog, dual mono delivering 75W per channel into eight ohms. The amplifier has abundant power with great dynamics. What I love most about the Audiolab 8300A there’s no listening fatigue. The sound is very detailed, transparent and compared to other integrated amplifiers I have used & has a wider soundstage. Sidenote the 8300A does not have a DAC, so paired with a DAC of your choice, you can really hone in on the sound that you prefer!

[@OldGuyHifi]

I am sure your unit is terrific. I just think the 6000a is not one of Audiolab's best efforts. Thanks for tuning in.

[@vincedebart]

Hello Ed, thank you for your objective review. Just curious, do you think the perceived shortcomings of this device would carry through via the preamp out? I’m looking for a remote control preamp that won’t break the bank to mate with my Mcintosh MC 2155 power amp. I know you might say hey just get a preamp. But I’m just looking for something that possibly could do double duty down the road and I’m looking at a used one here in Denver for about 500 bucks. Thanks again for any information you can provide I am now following you.

[@OldGuyHifi]

As a preamp I think it would be ok. At $500 it seems like a reasonable deal. Let me know what you decide. Thx for the good question.

[@timothyfreeseha4056]

We pay considerably more for this product than they do in the uk, and would be rated highly when compared to other similarly priced uk products..something like 550 and 600 pounds, so built to that budget. It would be a good match for something like classic whardale or Spendor.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Good point. I think many non-US firms look at the states as an ATM. I worked for Japanese company for many years and that was their attitude. I don't think Audiolab is building bad product, I think it is cost driven first. Thx for the good comment.

[@tanis7050]

I got one and I send it back the power for my B&W was to low, but I think it sound great for the price.

[@paulgolub6823]

I tried it twice from Crutchfield. Had to return both. The power kept cutting out. Then, it was having a hard time coming back on. Not worth it. Got a Denon 600 PMA 600NE. Sounds great, no issues, half the price.

[@OldGuyHifi]

I am glad you got a unit that makes you happy. Thank you for the view and comment.

[@Panslapper]

I’m from the UK and if I am honest I always thought the AL 6000a was a little tinny all round. Just something about this amp that does not move me to pay anywhere near £650 for it new, but I have never heard one live so this is speculation on my behalf to some degree and not hard nosed personal experience. Also a lot of people like this amp over here and I would honestly like to trial one for myself sometime maybe. Thanks for getting in there and digging out some apparent weakness’s. I think for £650 it maybe poor value but again I’m speculating, sorry Audiolab. I can say I have always found the ESS9018 dac chip to be hit and miss with different manufacturers of equipment that use it, quite shrill in most cases so far.

[@OldGuyHifi]

I am typically not an ESS Sabre fan. That said I do find in a few cases it can be good but it depends on the implementation. The Audiolab M-DAXC+ I reviewed was the best sounding Sabre chip based DAC i have heard to date. I am a big fan of the AKM AK4499+AK4191 hybrid switched resistor/multibit DAC. To my ear it is really, really good. I will be doing some reviews on DACs based on that chip set. I have done a couple already. See my review of the Geshelli J3 and the Streamer shoot out where I discuss the Orchard Audio Pecan Pi+ DAC. FYI, Geshelli does sell to the UK just email them if you are interested. Thx for watching and sharing your thoughts.

[@Panslapper]

@@OldGuyHifi Yeah, I am past the the latest dac chip stage too and understand that the surrounding implementation is just as or if not more important. Apart from AKM I have come to like the Cirrus Logic chips too and particularly what SMSL and Fiio have been doing with them recently. I have a small digital amp here that I use daily and it sounds great with my Wharfedale and Mission speakers. I am not talking high end by any means but the SMSL AO-300 is a very versatile modern amp with a very detailed and pleasant sound signature. Pretty powerful too at 85wpc into 8 Ohms. Again nothing too serious, just a WiiM mini via optical, TV via arc which is really good, and USB C for either the iPad, smartphone or PC. Great build quality and software settings galore! It’s a surprisingly good performer and for the money and it’s fair to say the quality is high all round.

[@OldGuyHifi]

@@Panslapper I also like Cirrus Logic especially the chips based on the Wolfson design. Cirrus bought Wolfson several years ago and still use the brand name and the chip design. Advance Paris, Cambridge, Steinway-Lyngdorf and others still use Wolfson chips with excellent results. Thx.

[@nickp8949]

Another great review, Ed. Youre quickly becoming one of my favorite reviewers and a must watch channel for the audiophile community.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Wow, thanks!

[@tessie4204]

This a starters amp and it cost only 600€ which is a good price. You should do a review on the new Marantz 60n (1500€) , you will like it alot.

[@SpineTingler007]

The 6000A is the best amp you can get for around $1000. However, it requires very careful system matching. You need warm and efficient speakers that have good bass response (8-inch woofers) and the right/expensive phono cartridge. You also need high quality vinyl. The amp is so good it makes poorly recorded LPs sound terrible. Also, the inside of the 6000A is a work of art - it makes the inside of an Arcam look like garbage. The average music fan is not going to be able to make this amp work for them. You have to build your entire system around the 6000A and not insert it into an existing system. I own the 6000A and also a Rega Brio and they are polar opposites, but both sound awesome, but the Brio will sound great with just about any associated gear.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you for watching and commenting

[@jimfarrell4635]

Spine. If an amp needs that much careful system matching, it can't be the best in it's class because for most people with regular systems it will underperform. That suggests design issues. Also you can't claim that unless you have heard every amp in that class in a range of systems. With respect to your opinion, I get a wee bit tired of everyone claiming this or that component is the best because they own it and it sounds good in their context. The consensus is that it is a very good amp indeed, but Ed is entitled to disagree.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you.

[@SpineTingler007]

@@jimfarrell4635 You're exactly right. For most people with regular systems it will underperform. You can't plug it into an existing set up and expect it to sound better than similarly priced amps. Any amp that excels in one or two areas requires careful system matching. I own a dozen amps, so this is not buyer confirmation. Half the people who review the 6000A don't like it and the other half think it's great. There's a good reason for that.

[@Carl-yx1ww]

I have the 9000a now. Started out with 6000a . 6000a is amazing full stop . 9000a is a different animal. I love both.

[@OldGuyHifi]

I would love to hear the 9000a. I am glad you are pleased with your system. How it makes you feel is all that is important. Thx for watching.

[@stephenmeade3369]

I've owned this amp for about a year and I have mixed feelings. I'm running it with a bit of a weird setup: Tidal Connect via WiiM Mini and through a set of GR Research LGK 2.0 3" wide-rangers and a Rhythmik servo sub. Using the internal DAC. There are certain things this amp does incredibly well for the price point and some things it doesn't, at least in my setup. On the good side the overall sound has a excellent poise and composure. It feels like refinement and quality. The soundstaging, at least on my setup, is wonderful. Speakers completely disappear on good recordings (admittedly, a lot easier on small-baffle wide-range 3" speakers). The entire soundstage is very cohesive with nice depth. But there's always been a certain bit of fatigue that I haven't ever been able to put my finger on until recently...when I swapped it out with a homebuilt "Gainclone" amp I built in college. The fatigue is that this amp is just not very resolving in the mid-range. It's bizarre to have such beautiful soundstaging but also feel like the instruments are just a bit out-of-focus. So what you end up with is the aural equivalent of eye-strain when looking at a slightly-blurry photo. The second issue with this amp, at least with 84db/watt speakers, is that it just doesn't have very good dynamic range. Vs the gainclone it sounds smooth and refined, but very compressed by comparison. At the end of the day, it's an aesthetically-pleasing nice amp that offers a "taste" of the high-end refined amp experience, but the taste doesn't have a huge amount of depth if you go looking too closely. And maybe at this price point, that's fine. If this were the car world, it's like getting the "lease special" Audi. Yes, it's an Audi with a nice interior. But if you put your foot into the loud pedal, you discover you got the one with the small engine and the closer you look around the interior, the more you notice the things that are missing.

[@OldGuyHifi]

So what are you going to do? Replacing the amps seems like a solution. Keep me posted on your outcome. Thanks so much for watching and sharing your experience.

[@stephenmeade3369]

@@OldGuyHifi Truthfully, I'm not sure. I'd always thought the speakers (which were my "getting back into audio" project) were the weak point until I switched out the amp with something else and the speakers suddenly got more detailed and dynamic. The problem with amps is that I think to get something that doesn't feel like I'm making a lateral move, I'll have to spend some real money. In the meantime, I've gone ahead and bought a Geshelli JNOG3. The internal Audiolab DAC is "competent." But I'm generally like the AKM "sound" better and I haven't heard a single person not like the 4499. It should come in a week or so. The crazy thing about the Audiolab 6000As deficiencies is that they are mostly errors of omission. Absent direct comparisons, it sounds very nice. After the new DAC I might just sell the Audiolab and go looking for a plain amp without built-in DAC.

[@OldGuyHifi]

@@stephenmeade3369 You will love the Geshelli unit. That 4499 chip set is a game changer for me. So good. Keep me posted on your thoughts once you get the J3. Thx.

[@Panslapper]

I’m not sure about the 6000a being good looking, a touch ziet-like maybe, one person said it looks like a gas stove and I cannot deny the image in my mind nor do I wish to because it truly does. It has a child like appearance with playful knobs. I personally prefer the look of a PMA series Denon over this style. I just rigged a PMA900hne tonight with a Fiio R2R dac and with zero listening fatigue. I coupled the R2R with the sister Airplay unit, the Fiio SR11 and ran them via Van Damme Plasma cable to the Aux in on the PMA900hne and boy does it sound nice!

[@bengleason508]

A reviewers sweetheart! What great intro music!

[@robinkleinsteuber5217]

Methinks the better Advance Paris xi75 integrated amp has spoiled you a bit, like tasting a better wine. 😉🍷 Happy listening (to the Advance Paris xi75)!! 😊🎶🎶

[@OldGuyHifi]

Maybe. It is very good. I do have several other integrateds in to review. The Cambridge CXA81 MKII, the Hegel H590, Cambridge Edge A, and the Galion TS120SE and another Advance Paris unit on its way. Thank you. I think I will go open a bottle of Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2021. Yum. Thanks for the view and great comment.

[@robinkleinsteuber5217]

​@@OldGuyHifi 🍷🍷🎶🎶🎶

[@skylabsaudio]

Great review!

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you. I think I stirred the pot a bit. Lol.

[@ewoutbuhler5217]

@@OldGuyHifi yes you did, keep that honesty 😂😂💪💪

[@OldGuyHifi]

@@ewoutbuhler5217 Thank you.

[@naqqashsharif5561]

Mr, you do realize this amp is now 7 years old almost. The design, both internal and out is still solid and the sound signature may be a bit forward, but you do need to system match carefully. A good warm DAC is a must and source is vital. Either way, you are comparing a new $1200 amp to a 7 yr old $900 amp. I do agree it can be bright, but turn on NOS mode on the Schitt and you have vinyl vibes all day long.

[@OldGuyHifi]

If the amp was outdated then why does Audiolab continue to offer it? My Bifrost does not over sample. I don't think that amp could sound warm even if you lit a fire under it. Thank you for tuning and commenting.

[@naqqashsharif5561]

I don’t think of it as outdated. In fact I think it still sounds like a solid $900 amp and can now be found even cheaper. The internal DAC might be long in the tooth, but the sound signature is still charismatic with a good source and warmer speakers. I can’t speak for the Paris, I’m sure it is worth every penny of its $1300 asking price. The 6000a is soon to be replaced. Audiolab did a risky thing by releasing an amp that only plays nice with half the bookshelf speakers in the world. I got lucky I suppose in that it pairs nicely with my Carinas. My old A-s701 was veiled in comparison but conveyed bass bloat often. Anyhow, thanks for the review. Your points are well made.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Believe me, I am very glad you are pleased with your system. I can only share my completely subjective opinions. My intention is to entertain, a bit, and try and pass along some of my semi-useful "Old Guy" audio knowledge. Thank you and I do appreciate your comment and participation in the channel.

[@naqqashsharif5561]

Old Guy: I returned the 6000a. It was great sometimes but sometime it would make my favorite recordings a bit too articulate and not musical. I, like you, suffered fatigue. Oh well. Figured I would chime in and agree with you. I have possession of a Musical Fidelity integrated now. Absolutely gorgeous sound. Very happy with it. Catch ya later.

[@Panslapper]

Q Acoustics 3030i maybe a good match for this amp….must maybe.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Maybe. IMHO, I am not sure anything would pair well with it. The 3030i is a really nice speaker. It deserves better. Thanks for tuning in.

[@dazza1976]

Thanks for the review Ed. Very informative as always.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thanks Daz.

[@stimpy1226]

I like honest reviews and this is one of them.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you.

[@EdoDijkgraaf]

@@stimpy1226 that’s why I love it as well.

[@jim010109]

I wonder how it compares to the Rotel A12 MKIi? It's 60 watts per channel and it's 1249.00. A little over the 900.00 mark but close. I heard a couple of reviewers say the Amp in the Rotels punches above their weight. An honest opinion is refreshing. Everything in this hobby is subjective.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Good question. I haven't had a chance to hear the Rotels in a while. I will try and get one. Thanks.

[@gersixtyseven2171]

Apperently you obviously reviewed the speakers instead of the amp. 😂 The chipset is the same as the Audiolab Mdac. Just subjective rambling wanting to standout. Just one piece of info was usefull: These UK amps are overpriced outside the UK/EU

[@OldGuyHifi]

The build quality of the M-DAC+ far exceed the build quality of the entire 6000a. That's like comparing a Fender Squire Strat to US built Strat. Not even close. Thank you.

[@gersixtyseven2171]

@@OldGuyHifi it better be, given the price point. The DAC inside the 6000a is just great but whatever you threw at the amp the dbr didn't come to life. The Audiolab doesn't add bass and neither does any other 50 watt amp paired with these speakers. You just proved that these speakers need more power and blamed it on the amp. You can use the pre out for an external amp and select the pre mode. It will be fine then.

[@OldGuyHifi]

I don't think that is the issue. I have used the DBR 62s on flea-watt tubes amps without issue. It also didn't sound good on my Wharfedales. It just didn't perform up to snuff. Sorry.

[@peterlarkin762]

I have repaired some vintage Audiolab gear, and some 2000's stuff. They're very neutral flat amps with little character, uninspiring. And tbh the parts aren't great in general, cheaper components than say Arcam, NAD, Quad. They are on par with Cambridge Audio. Another brand I personally wouldn't buy new (although they have a better sonic character).

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you for sharing your experience. I appreciate it.

[@roa5359]

@@peterlarkin762 you certainly dont read like you’ve ‘repaired’ any Audiolab amplifiers 😂

[@Bucefal76]

Ohh "a not aggressive warm sound". Come on! Not all amps must be warm and soft. It is less than 1000$ amp for pop, synth, rock, rhythm and blues. Expecting it to deal with piano in an audiophile way is slightly off. If you want audiophile warms and excellent space cues, buy three times more expensive M5Si, Vincent SV-237, or Yamaha A-S 1200. It is not the most forward-sounding amp I have heard (try any of the cheap Yamaha amps :) ). But I can confirm that the 6000A is best served with loudspeakers that are a little bit, just a little bit heavy at both ends of the spectrum, and then it rocks.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you for commenting yet again on the same topic. It is enlightening.

[@Kukkema]

So what amps at the same price are better build?

[@Niels133]

Marantz PM 6007.

[@OldGuyHifi]

I mentioned the Advance Paris unit. I have a Cambridge CXA81 MkII in for review. First impressions are very positive. That review will be out soon. Thanks for watching.

[@Jean-LucGrosgeorges]

Hello Ed, a few months ago for my first message to your channel I told you about a contemporary rival of Mozart, Joseph Bologne Chevalier de Saint-George (he was entitled to an American film) who had even won a musical duel on the violin against Mozart who came to Paris, did you have the opportunity to discover him?

[@OldGuyHifi]

Jean, Mea culpa. I have not yet and will fix that issue right now. I will search out that composer and add him to my playlists. I am sorry. I get so many comments and sometimes stuff slips my mind. Thank you so much for the reminder. I do appreciate it.🙏

[@Jean-LucGrosgeorges]

@@OldGuyHifi that's okay and I hope you enjoy it, he was quite a character (my first name is Jean-Luc not Jean, and that's okay too). take care

[@OldGuyHifi]

Jean-Luck, My apologies. I don't want to be that "ugly American." Thank you for understanding.

[@Jean-LucGrosgeorges]

@@OldGuyHifi don't worry, I'm not the exception to the rule, I'm a French grouch, Lol (Jean-Luc, not Jean-Luck, I'm not that lucky, like Star Trek's captain, Jean-Luc Picard).

[@OldGuyHifi]

@@Jean-LucGrosgeorgesJean-Luc, Auto correct did that. I am very sorry., I should have proof read it better. Maybe I should not reply from my phone. Thx.

[@ginom407]

Thanks Ed! Your work is greatly appreciated. 👍👍👍

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you my friend.

[@Pok-001]

Think this is a good starter amp. Especially with so many on the used marked for 600-650$ I found this amp articulate through the entire frequency range. Maybe it was the speakers you paired with it? I found 6000 scales up. Spent some time with the ls50 was a spectacular combination. And Crazy good imagine and separation. Thought is had strong attack but not aggressive

[@OldGuyHifi]

I am glad you enjoy it. I was just expressing my opinion. My speakers are Smooth and detailed. I find the LS50s to be fatiguing to listen to. That might give you an idea of the sound I prefer. Remember this is just my subjective opinion. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts.

[@Pok-001]

@@OldGuyHifi yeah was going to add more about sound preference. Didn’t want to make the post too long. lol I summarize you like a warmer sound. This amp definitely not that. Was going for 6000 or NAD 368. Then got lucky found a used Rouge Pharaoh for a god price. Give NAD a try if you haven’t already. They seem to be a good value.

[@OldGuyHifi]

I do very much like the Rouge Pharaoh and may be reviewing one soon. I am not a fan of the sound of the current NAD line. I used to be as we sold ton's of it the stores. Recently I think they have changed their focus.

[@Pok-001]

@@OldGuyHifi I love it. Definitely steps above the 6000 or NAD. If I get bored or think about other gear I just change tubes for a few days. 😂 Powering GR research SLS full upgraded X-over Looking to upgrade tubes if you know any good ones? Use the stock jj mostly. Have set of vintage and funkenstein. talked to rough they will upgrade to the 11 for 2000$

[@OldGuyHifi]

There are lots of good 12AU7 tunes. I use Electro-Harmonix in my Sparkos Gemini headphone amp/pre-amp with good success. In my old tube days I also liked Telefunken Black Diamond tubes. Right now in the Galion TS120SE I have, I am using the new PSVANE Horizon tubes. Review soon. First impressions are positive. That is an expensive upgrade but it is a quality brand. Thanks.

[@BobbyTwoTimes]

Good info, Ed. I have been looking at Audiolab units and was curious about them. Thanks for the vid!

[@OldGuyHifi]

You are welcome. I have another integrated amp in the same price category in fire review. Thanks.

[@yellow_noise3]

Thank you Ed for being here. Always your vids calm me down, you are such a person nobody can't like! And your asking for professional comments is really outstanding. Lot if people here rave, to make other people emotional because it sells well. You dont. My KUDOS Ed!!!

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you for the kind words. I appreciate it very much.

[@JonCurcio]

Did you try bypassing the internal dac and using another through the analog inputs? I wondering if the ESS dac implementation is to blame here for the forward sound.

[@OldGuyHifi]

I did mention all the other DACs I used. So yes. It even sounded forward on analog vinyl. Thank you.

[@JonCurcio]

@@OldGuyHifi Oops, I should have gone back to that part. I must have lost attention there (talking to someone?) the first time watching and missed that.

[@trevorbartram5473]

Ed, you have very good hearing. My NAD C-340 is 22+ years old* & I've been researching replacements. I listened to the 6000A & noticed the forward midrange, a trait I found attractive. The NAD C-316BEE V2 does a similar trick to a lesser extent. These amplifiers measure flat, so it must a characteristics of the negative feedback technology employed. Your mention of surface mount parts is prescient, it has scared me away from modern amplifiers especially digital ones, as the're irrepairable. The NAD C-316BEE V2 uses thru-hole parts & service manuals are available! Cambridge Audio represents tremendous value & does NOT have a forward midrange, you might try one to see? *At 22+ years old the C-340's aluminum electrolytic capacitors are nearing end of life, the C-340 still sounds fine but I have an itch to replace it.

[@NickSim86]

@@trevorbartram5473 check out his other videos. He has several Cambridge units

[@vincentpedalino618]

The C316bee is a strange bird. It's all forward midrange and mid bass, very dark treble, and almost no deep base.

[@OldGuyHifi]

I have the Cambridge CXA81 MkII in for review. First impressions are positive. I also have the Hegel H590 and the Cambridge Edge A in for review. Watch this space. Thanks for the view.

[@trevorbartram5473]

The Cambridge Audio 'A' range is the budget one I've heard. The 'C' range is premium & I havn't heard one. It would interesting to know if 'A' & 'C' use the same designs with 'C' having better esthetics etc?

[@OldGuyHifi]

​@@trevorbartram5473 Trevor, I have both here, AXR100 & CXA81 MkII. I have owned an AXR100 for about 3 years, long before I started the channel. There are some similarities in design but there are some differences in sonics. Both have the Cambridge house sound of smooth and warmish but the AXR100 is a bit more warm and the CXA81 MkII has more balls. They are both very good. That said, I will always have my AXR100. The review of the CXA81 MkII will be out soon. Thanks for asking and tuning in.

[@siarez]

Hey Engineer here. Through hole parts are in not superior to surface mount parts. No disrespect, but I found your analysis of the insides of the amp superficial. There are far more important things that influence the sound of the amp that are not seen by a superficial analysis. I don't know anything about Audiolab, but in general this type of analysis does disservice to the engineers who put in effort into designing these products.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you for your comment.

[@jimfarrell4635]

​@@OldGuyHifi I do tend to agree that, while I prefer through hole components (much easier to work on for a start), they are not inherently superior to Surface Mount, which can be a benefit in highly complex designs where through holes would take up too much space and cause heat issues. Horses for courses. Of course SMD are cheaper and can help keep costs down.

[@jimfarrell4635]

Also, 60,000 uF of Elna capacitance is very good. Everything is a trade off and using some SMD components to offset a very good power supply may be money well spent.

[@OldGuyHifi]

@@jimfarrell4635 Jim, Thanks for that explanation. I worked for a Japanese Opto-Electronic company for many years and the engineers always said that thru-hole was more robust and superior for high current/voltage applications, but then much of what we built was mil-spec. Maybe I was wrong. Thanks again.

[@RickRuizAudio]

Hey Ed. I was on the fence about the 6000a way back, but decided to go with a pair of Iota VX PA3s as I already had a pre-amp that I liked. But great to hear your experience with it. 👍

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you my friend.

[@Feliciano12v]

Appreciate your honesty. First negative review IMO on this unit.

[@OldGuyHifi]

It is well built but did disappoint me sonically. I won't sugar coat a review ever. Thank you.

[@yellow_noise3]

I wouldnt call it negative. Just honest! And we need more people like Ed, who say what he thinks. Kudos Ed!

[@bolobos]

I think $1000 for amplification is more competitive now than when this amp first came out

[@OldGuyHifi]

Good point. I agree. Thank you.

[@Feliciano12v]

@@bolobos I get that. Looks like Audio lab needs to drop their prices stay competitive.

[@mikrophonie5633]

Could do without the lecture at the end.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Then don't watch.

[@mikrophonie5633]

@@OldGuyHifi Don't worry, I won't.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you.

[@mikrophonie5633]

@@OldGuyHifi You're welcome. By the way, acting like a grouch might not be the best way to grow the audience for your channel.

[@OldGuyHifi]

@@mikrophonie5633 You don't see the nasty comments I do. I felt I needed to say something about it. I have only done it once, so it was hardly a lecture. If you don't like my channel then you are free to do as you wish and choose not to watch. If you choose to watch, and you are welcome here, then understand I say things for a reason. Thank you.

[@thefourthcolor]

Love the theme song!

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thanks

[@jim010109]

And your intro music is cool.

[@OldGuyHifi]

AI generated. Thx.

[@Niels133]

I had it and send it back. It had a loud humm.

[@OldGuyHifi]

The unit I had, had a hum as well. Since it w not a new unit I didn't mention it. Thx for watching and commenting.

[@abxaudiophiles]

Solid run down Ed. 😊

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you.

[@Moremusicnowplz]

Thank you for taking the time to open it up and give your honest opinion on the build quality, much appreciated. At this price point I’d expect a bit more refinement, any chance you have an Arcam SA20 to review? I’d like your opinion on a class G amp and this one is at a similar price point now that they have a new line up to offer. Thanks again.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you for the kind words. I would very much like to review Arcam. I don't have a contact I can reach out to, to see. I will try. Thank you.

[@stimpy1226]

Unfortunately it’s not fully balanced otherwise I would see XLR inputs and outputs.

[@CButti-x1s]

Another good honest review Ed. Would be interesting to see how the Rotel A11 MkII or Arcam A5 would compete in your opinion if you could get your hands on them. Both similar power and features at a little lower prices.

[@OldGuyHifi]

I would love to review those units. I will try and reach out to those manufacturers and see. Thank you.

[@fletchermunson6225]

How can you have a valid review without an evaluation of voice?

[@OldGuyHifi]

I choose what I want to listen to. After 45 years of doing this I can make a reasonable SUBJECTIVE evaluation. Thank you for commenting.

[@fletchermunson6225]

@@OldGuyHifi You said you didnt listen to vocals. This is a huge part of music people are interested in. You cant have a subjective opinion about music you have not heard but I certainly can have one about the credibility of your review process.

[@OldGuyHifi]

You are certainly entitled to your opinion. Thank you.

[@OldGuyHifi]

@@fletchermunson6225 This is one of the few reviews where I didn't use vocal tracks.

[@jimfarrell4635]

​@@OldGuyHifiActually Fletcher does have a valid point. In a reviewing context you probably should chuck in a vocal heavy track. For many of us it's an important criteria when choosing equipment. You can, of course do what you wish, but it would be helpful, though if Fletch (probably the author of my favourite curve) hadn't mentioned it, it wouldn't have occurred to me.

[@adsph]

Hello Ed. Appreciate as always your thoughts. Some really like that unit. Some do not. When things are built to price points some manufacturers succeed more than others. All the best my friend.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thanks. This one was a bit of a miss for me.

[@rolandholmgren6743]

Thank you for your review Ed. I know this amp was quite hyped a couple of years ago. I bought it to play together with Dali Oberon 5, which have a good sense of depth with a cheaper (here in Europe) amplifier, the Marantz PM 6006. But the Audiolab 6000A did not create the same deep and relaxed sound as the Marantz PM 6006. By the way, do you have a clue how the Marantz PM 6006 compares with the Advance Paris Xi 75? Thank you for your efforts!😊

[@OldGuyHifi]

I have not heard the Marantz unit so I have no basis to render a judgement. Thank you for asking.

[@rolandholmgren6743]

Thank you for your fast reply!

[@jonathanmoore8886]

Wow, an audio reveiwer actually not recommend a component. Im impressed. I'll sub

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you. I am just sharing my subjective experience. Thank you so much for subscribing.

[@richardsinger01]

How illogical.

[@ewoutbuhler5217]

Thanks for this, awesome to see your honesty. If you would do a bit of EQ, would it be possible to fix the forwardness? It should not be required, but EQ is not that bad...

[@OldGuyHifi]

Using an EQ is fine by me. I dint think it would be good for me to use EQ for reviews. I am not sure you could EQ out the sonic character of this unit unless you had a large parametric EQ. Thanks for being a regular viewer. I do appreciate it.

[@ewoutbuhler5217]

@@OldGuyHifi well here's a thought, I wonder how it would work with the room correction of the Wiim Ultra. Might be an experiment worth trying. I don't believe EQ/DSP or any tooling can correct bad equipment, but the tweak required just might make it right or at least a bit more bearable. Not the purist approach though🤣🤣🤣

[@OldGuyHifi]

@@ewoutbuhler5217 Good idea. Unfortunately I don't have the WiiM unit anymore. I would have some doubt about the Room Correction having a positive effect. In the WiiMs it is most effective in the bass region. Great suggestion. Thanks.

[@ewoutbuhler5217]

@@OldGuyHifi agreed, but as you pointed out, parametric EQ works great and IS a feature of the Wiim, also in the mids. Just a thought. Keep 'm coming, those great vids. I love your seniority and experienced opinions on many of the audio related subjects. I think we are in agreement on many points and in the end, it's just about enjoying the music...

[@OldGuyHifi]

@@ewoutbuhler5217 Thank you for being a part of the channel.

[@jimfarrell4635]

Thanks for this, Ed. The presence of thoughtful, less than positive, reviews is a sign of honesty and quality in a channel. I have heard reviewers tie themselves in knots making excuses as to why they don't review gear they don't like. None of the arguments are convincing. I have no skin in the game with this amp. Obviously if I owned one I would be calling you a bounder, a cad and a rapscallion of the worst sort.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Jim, I am, according to some, a slack jawed criten with a tin ear or a vacuous melon-head. Oh well. I promise to be as honest as possible. I generally won't review something that is egregiously bad because it honestly doesn't help my channel and it really serves no purpose unless the product is being super-hyped. At that point I would call it out. Thanks so much for being a part of the channel.

[@Bucefal76]

There is a distinction between saying 'I don't like that sound' and saying 'this is bad.' I own different amps, and each of them sounds unique (some are aggressive, some are warm and sweet). I do not call them bad. Instead, I consider each one as a separate journey to go.

[@OldGuyHifi]

@@Bucefal76 Your are welcome to your opinion. Thank you for your comment.

[@brochg]

Great stuff, Ed!

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you my friend.

[@BoRerunn]

It's fabled but I heard power is underrated and shoots way more

[@nc3419]

Personally, I wouldn't want the amp based on reviews I have read, comparisons and the type of music I like and speakers I use. Seems alot of people like this amp and the Company, and also alot of those that don't. I suppose evaluations can get polarizing as some take it personally. Myself, I know by now that we are all individuals with different tastes, music and rooms not to mention sources that may or may not compliment each other. Our brains are designed to make sense of the music we hear and it quite possible to learn to like a specific sound/presentation and one might reject something that immediately sounds off when hearing new gear. But when one has years of experience in listening particularly having had many types of equipment, I think you get a sense on how to give a fairly balanced review that can apply to most people. While there seems to be a British sound regarding amps designed there, regardless of where made, I do not think Audiolab follows that sound signature say like a Rega or an Exposure. I think IAG owns/controls Audiolab, Mission and Quad in which each company has integrated amps sharing some similarities in component design but also differing perhaps to give choices in SQ/presentation. Each are roughly similar in power output, the Mission being a bit less powerful, smaller in size and less expensive. The Quad Vena is still relatively small and similarly priced to the Audiolab. Each probably sounds a bit different and by offering three different amps, probably is a good way for IAG of maximizing their market penetration into this particular market for stereo gear buyers. Not the least expensive but not the most in this category. Perhaps riding on the coattails of the British Brand name but the group still has to offer a decent product to justify its price and support continued purchases. This Audiolab amp I believe is being replaced by a new 7000 series and perhaps can be found on discount? You are at least helping guide people who otherwise do not have the experience to make a decision to buy or not and whether it may be suitable for their purpose at that price point...not an easy task and some will challenge the assessment.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you for the great observations. I don't think Audiolab builds a bad product, I just think this unit was built to a price point. I understand that as IAG has to turn a profit. I just think the attention to cost may have held it back in the sonic performance category. Thanks for returning to the channel.

[@nc3419]

@@OldGuyHifi Alot of companies are both innovating and pricing as a way to not only compete but survive I think. Right now there are alot of choices in integrateds. There could be some consolidation over the next few years IMO. Seem like alot of reviews are gushing and people are asking what's best? That takes personal experience, system matching and is also room dependent. Place the same gear in a different room and it could sound materially different. I will get the CA-1 soon and compare it with what I have. Just couldn't resist at the used price given all the hype, but also becasue the brand has a long lived reputation. In addition to the Advanced Paris, another one I have noted that is getting some attention is the Iota VX40. For its power, connectivity and size/weight, it seems like a great option for many people but am waiting to see how others get on with it especially regarding reliability and service.

[@OldGuyHifi]

@@nc3419 With the financial issues with the parent company (Sound United) of Marantz, Denon, B&W, Polk, Definitive Technology, Classé and Audioquest and the issues that Voxx the parent company of Klipsch, Pioneer, Onkyo, Jamo, and others, you are correct about consolidation. If and when those go on the block, I am pretty sure they will be broken up which may be good. Who knows. Thanks for the reply.

[@nc3419]

Finally got around to hooking up the Van Alstine CA-1 and it's been enjoyable. A definite step up from my Keces E40 though that is pretty good in its own right. Can't say yet how the CA-1 compares with my hegel but it is lively, good separation and a good balance of resolution and detail. Not a warm amp but not overbearing in the the upper mids either.

[@OldGuyHifi]

@@nc3419 Let me know what you figure out. Thx.

[@stimpy1226]

You are a cool oh dude! Just kidding you really know what you’re talking about. I appreciate that.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you so much.

[@davidwilliams2840]

Surface Mount capacitors is a NO NO in nigh end audio & impossible to change surface Mount capacitors when they go out of spec

[@OldGuyHifi]

Agreed

[@OldGuyHifi]

Steven, at less money there are lots for units with through hole and many that better the performance of the 6000a. See my review of the Cambridge AXR100. Also, I don't know what the definition of "high end" is. Truthfully "high end" is a nebulous and subjective label and kind of meaningless in my opinion. Thank you.

[@rmzidann]

I totally agree. This was not a great amp. This was probably the first honest review of this amp

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you. I will never sugar coat a review. Even if I know people won't like it. Thank you so much for tuning in.

[@JohnScheppler]

Great advice on the comments. This is a small hobby that is very subjective, and we should support each other, not tear each other down. Great Job Ed!

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you my freind.

[@jamesschneider3828]

Us old guys always needing a flashlight to make sure everything is hooked up to the correct terminals.🥸🤓

[@OldGuyHifi]

I actually use a flashlight I can wear on my head like a miner's light so I have both hands free. Thanks for tuning in.