The Audiolab 6000A Play Integrated Amplifier Buyers Guide

Both the Audiolab 6000A Integrated Amplifier and Audiolab 6000N Play Network Streamer are fantastic products, award winning products even, but what if you could get them both combined as one singular product? Join Daniel as he takes you through the ins and outs of Audiolab's 6000A Play Streaming Integrated Amplifier, a fantastic system that brings all of your traditional stereo needs along with streaming together into one tidy package.
For more information on the Audiolab 6000A Play check out our website:
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For more information on the Audiolab 6000A Integrated Amplifier check out our website:
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For more information on the Audiolab 6000N Play check out our website:
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Audiolab 6000A Play Wireless Audio Streaming Player
The audiolab 6000A Play, is the latest addition to the globally acclaimed 6000 series. A combination of the illustrious and class-leading 6000A integrated amplifier with the acclaimed 6000N Play wireless audio streaming player, the audiolab 6000A Play is a richly specified, all-encompassing audio solution. Adapting to the modern world of music streaming but retaining all of the awarding-winning analogue and digital audio circuitry from the 6000A, the 6000A Play offers almost universal source compatibility.
Manufacturers Details:
The audiolab 6000A Play incorporates the acclaimed DTS Play-Fi® platform for built-in high-resolution wireless streaming playback (up to 24bit / 96kHz with compatible services such as TIDAL or Qobuz). You can stream from any source on your wireless network, including smartphones, tablets or PCs as well as a NAS Drive. So, however you want to play your music, audiolab ’s 6000A Play will deliver outstanding performance.
Engineered With Care:
The DTS Play-Fi platform offers a wealth of music options from around the globe. Spotify, Qobuz, Tidal, HD Tracks, Deezer, Amazon Music, Napster, KKBox and Sirius XM, to name a few. Browse a radio guide with thousands of stations and podcasts, or stream from a home media server with DLNA compatibility. Above all, the audiolab 6000A Play offers flexibility without compromise. With deep, well-defined bass, expressive midrange and sweet, subtle treble - the 6000A Play offers an open window on the music being played, as all great hi-fi should, engaging the listener with natural, unforced energy that is fully reflective of the source material.
Key Features:
Full analogue and digital circuitry retained from the award-winning and class-leading audiolab 6000A integrated amplifier with built-in wireless streaming technology
Class AB power amplification: 2x50W into 8 ohms; 2x75W into 4 ohms aptX Bluetooth streaming
ESS Sabre32 ES9018K2M Reference DAC - as seen in the award-winning audiolab 6000A
Three user-selectable digital filters
Class A post-DAC active filter
Low noise JFET MM phono stage
Dedicated current-feedback headphone amp
Three operational modes - Integrated Mode; Pre-Power Mode; Pre Model
Ethernet connection - wired internet connection for high bandwidth applications
Dedicated high-performance MM phono input
Separate pre-power sections for flexibility of operation
Automatic equipment activation via 12V trigger
Auto standby function
Wi-Fi® Technology DTS Play-Fi streams music over standard Wi-Fi networks, delivering perfectly synchronized audio, with no lag and zero loss in sound quality.
Lossless Audio Streaming Stream in 24-bit/192kHz with compatible streaming services and files formats.
Multi-room Enjoy music in every room of your house. All at once, perfectly synchronized, with no lag. You’re in control.
DTS Play-Fi App Simply download the free app and immediately send songs via Wi-Fi to any speaker in any room of the house.
Easy Setup No logins, no complicated computer-based setups. Just download the app and within minutes, you’re ready to listen.
Any Operating System Fully compatible with all operating systems: Apple iOS, AndroidTM, Windows® PC, and Fire OS.

[@francescotenti193]

I did buy the 6000A but ended up returning it because I didn't like the sound no matter what speakers I used, detailed, articulate but lacked "body", IMO. Even the DAC was disappointing, sounding sort of tinny. Built quality was excellent. I just got a Cambridge CXA61 which, to me, sounds way better in every way, including the DAC. I will keep this one, the absence of a phono preamp is not an issue since I already have one. It is also easier and intuitive to use.

[@guyb7005]

Excellent rundown of features. Watching this vs your postings on the Rotel A11 Tribute, I'm very curious how they compare in sound performance - would you have any feedback on what makes them similar or different?

[@ElDirkTheDirk]

Paired mine with Wharfdale Denton 80th anniversaries in my office….nice

[@living_entertainment]

Brilliant combination!

[@ElDirkTheDirk]

@@living_entertainment now I have to finish my main rig. Zu dirty weekends with Van Alstine separates, or a rogue pharaoh, or a belles aria…help me.

[@gratmatassa5432]

the pre out sockets can be used with a powered sub, that's what i use on my mission 778x

[@markwhitfield2629]

Thanks for the overview, when you say you would like to see a sub-out on any future iteration I would agree, however why not use the pre-out for an active subwoofer? Mark

[@living_entertainment]

You definitely can do it that way if you and your subwoofer supports it, I prefer having a dedicated LFE output however along with the option of adding in a power amp if I choose down the line.

[@zimand3]

I used the pre-out to connect a subwoofer on my Audiolab 6000A Play. Is great because I have bookshelf speakers. For the convenience I think it might be a good thing to have a LFE also. Would be easier to blend in the bass sound frequencies.

[@anthony2010707]

I thought LFE outputs are for home cinema Receivers

[@thedownunderverse]

Get a REL sub and run it off the speaker terminals.

[@feggelindh7584]

If you use the preout ( red white) does it mean you have to have a set of red and white on the sub then ??? Or its a cable 2/1 in to the LFE on the sub ?

[@markusswan1032]

Great review, And your explanation for investing in this great piece of kit is exactly why I purchased it… my amp is playing up, my tuner has stopped working, they are about 20 years old… Request, I’m setting up my new 6000A play and I’m not quite up to speed with the techie side, hence I’m wondering if you can do a video of actually setting it up? The streaming side of things, as I have my LP12 and CD already up and running, but the wifi, my iPhone, iPad, is a bit more involved, this is where I’m struggling a bit, as I can’t get the unit to connect! Hoping :) Mark

[@living_entertainment]

Really glad to hear your enjoying your amp for LPs and CDs! In terms of setting up the app there is a lot that could be causing issues (I have had issues on certain wifi issues because of the way the router was set up) HOWEVER Audiolab have put together a video tutorial already that you might find helpful. You can find it here! kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYfaZqKCgc-Bic0

[@Little3888]

Does the 6000a sound similar to the 8000s or 8000a? I have owned the older Audiolabs, if the 6000a is similar I'd be interested.

[@dougieroberts7045]

Great video, really enjoyed. I now have a 6000a and am totally satisfied with it, it sounds incredible, only downsides are its actual looks, the old 8000a was a stunning, head turner, looking piece of kit, wheres the 6000a has that 'naim' look to it, also the finish of the 6000a is a bit odd, it has that 'difficult to dust down' feel to it, the absence of a usb input is also a minor downside, but soundwise, frighteningly good. I listened to a lot of amps when I got my 6000a and I honestly feel amplifiers have reached their absolute potential, you would need to spend a lot of money to get an amplifier that sounds better than this amp.

[@legaspi89]

I have a Marantz Pm7000N Amp. I like how it has the tone controls. Now if i want to use the tone controls on the Marantz but have the sound of the the Audiolab running my speakers, how can I do that?

[@living_entertainment]

Use the PM7000N as a preamp, feed the Preouts via RCA into the Audiolabs "Power" input. :)

[@manelifernandez2087]

Hi, great review, but I got one question. Can I connect an external phono preamp for MC cartridges?

[@living_entertainment]

Absolutely, just plug it into any of the auxiliary inputs. :)

[@chewung]

Hi Living Entertainment North Coast, For the streaming, do you have to use DTS play-Fi app? Can I use native app to stream music? like connect via KZbin music app, Tidal app. Thanks!

[@swathydas6711]

Good insight, nice review, I think it has a warm sound. Which speaker among wharfedale diamond 12.3 and Elac debut reference dfr52 suits them?

[@living_entertainment]

I haven't heard the Elac Debut Reference but I know for a fact that the Diamond 12.3 sound absolutely killer with it.

[@swathydas6711]

Thank you.

[@tubesticker]

Thanks for the review! Would they pair well with the Wharfdale Lintons?

[@living_entertainment]

You would be hard-pressed to find a better pairing at that price point, to be honest.

[@gerlachsieders4578]

Would be interesting to compare this Play to the new Audiolab Omnia that is based on the original 6000-series….... Kind regards, Gerlach Sven

[@living_entertainment]

We will certainly be tackling it once we have our hands on it!

[@gerlachsieders4578]

Awesome, looking forward to your review, kind regards

[@living_entertainment]

@@gerlachsieders4578 Hopefully we will be reviewing it before the end of the year!

[@geevee1045]

Great review! But I'm confused with how you would connect the Audiolab 6000A directly to a laptop for highest quality audio. I presently run a Dragonfly DAC from my laptop's USB to my amp's Auxillary input. But I have no idea how to connect the Audiolab 6000A to my laptop. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thx. Gary

[@baiadelleiridi]

Hi, great video! Could you please point me in the right direction when it comes to connecting the speakers? Currently I went with bare cables but I don't really fancy this option. I can't seem to find out what kind of plugs do I need to buy tho...

[@living_entertainment]

Any sort of Banana plugs will do. :)

[@berlinanthropologist]

Great Video! Got a pair of EVO 4.3. Do you think the unit has enough power to drive them? Thanks, m.

[@living_entertainment]

Absolutely, the 4.4 might be pushing things (a little) but the 4.3 for sure sound great with the system. You are in for a treat.

[@okosbokos1491]

Can 6000a be a preamp for active speakers? This 2 is all I need dac/preamp/streamer but must have option with active speakers

[@living_entertainment]

If your actives have RCA in you can use them with the pre outs as long as you set the amplifier to pre amp mode.

[@ajjb21]

Great review! I am curious if you got a chance to compare this sonically against the new Rotel A14MKII? Both come in at a near identical price point and seem to each have a lot of hype! I am powering LS50 Metas if that matters. Thanks!

[@living_entertainment]

Oh boy, thats a tough one. They are both really great amplifiers. I personally prefer the tight bass of the 6000a and its a little more neutral when it comes to pairing with the Metas. The Rotel has a bit more of a lively sound. Feature set wise the 6000A obviously has a streamer built in too which makes a difference.

[@inmaculadagarcia371]

Hi!! Great review, I have seen this audiolab 6000a play very interesting, will it sound better with dali oberon 3 or wharfedale evo 4.2? It is superior to Cambridge audio cxa61amplifier?

[@living_entertainment]

We aren't Dali or Cambridge dealers so they aren't comparisons we can really make. Given that Wharfedale and Audiolab come from the same body corporate they were more than likely engineered to sound as good together as possible.

[@inmaculadagarcia371]

Thanks!!

[@rampatra]

On other websites, it says that this support hi-res audio however this video says the opposite. Could you please clarify? I definitely need hi-res audio support. Thanks for making this video, btw.

[@living_entertainment]

The onboard DAC does not unfold/decode MQA or DSD. You can run hi-res sources into the amplifier via RCA though obviously.

[@rampatra]

@@living_entertainment thanks. Makes sense. Because of this I am now thinking to buy the Bluesound Power Node Gen 3. These both are of the same price here. Any thoughts on this would be really helpful.

[@living_entertainment]

@@rampatra They both sound quite different sonically, the Node is a nice relatively linear sounding amp, the 6000A Play has a more robust and punchy sound, especially in the low end. I found that CD quality streams through the Audiolab sound every bit as good as MQA through the Bluesound thanks to how well implemented the DAC is. Both a very good when it comes to speaker pairing. The BluOS app is definitely a lot nicer than PlayFi though.

[@larryturner2848]

Thanks for an excellent review - very helpful. One of my main music sources is a portable hard disk drive with wav and mp3 files. Since the Audio 6000A Play doesn’t have a USB input, is there any other way I could play these files through it? Thanks again for a great video.

[@living_entertainment]

Glad you found it helpful! In terms of getting sound out of your hard drive thats a little trickier, there might be a way of streaming from it through a PC/Mac through the Play-Fi app but its not something we have personally tried.

[@ThousandThrills]

I got the oppo bluray player and I guess that would work fine so maybe a good Panasonic player would do the trick for the audio part...? I've ripped cds in waves and I can tell the streaming via chromecast is not as good as my oppo with my USB drive...

[@רונןוקנין-ש2ז]

Hi, thanks for the very good review! Could you recommend an amp to pair whith the evo 4.4? Thanks

[@living_entertainment]

The Audiolab 8300A pairs very nicely, as does the Marantz PM8006.

[@catalanm]

Hi, I'm writing to you from Chile; your analysis seemed very clear and extraordinarily useful to me, to make a purchase decision, however, I would like to ask you a couple of questions: a) What do you think of the match with B&W 706 S2 speakers? b) In the future I would like to complement it with a PrimaLuna EVO 400 amplifier. I'd like to hear from you. If, outside your answer, you could get those speakers and/or the amplifier and you could make a video Review, about this... that would be great. Beforehand, very grateful.

[@living_entertainment]

We are glad you found our video useful! In regards to your questions. a) We aren't a B&W dealer so unfortunately we cant really pair them to tell you about our findings. b) You could certainly use the 6000A Play as a preamp for the PrimaLuna 400 Power Amp, which would warm the sound up significantly, though the 400 might be overkill for an amp in the 6000A Play's price range.

[@hectorareas]

Hola saludos des Chile muy buen canal y tambien preguntar que parlante hace buena dupla con Audiolab 6000a un parlante de estanteria y no mas de mil dolares saludos

[@lawchoongseng789]

Enjoyed listening to your review. Do the 6000A n 6000A Play sound exactly the same. Or the 6000A sounds slight better. Love to get your insights. Thank you

[@living_entertainment]

I am sure they sound better as seperate units but the benefit would be so marginal it would be impossible to pick without a long A - B comparison. Definitely not enough for most people (including myself) to notice.

[@ynnadk9859]

G'day! How does the M-one from audioab stack up to the 6000A? Any major differences? It seems like the M-one has more features?

[@living_entertainment]

The M-One is a dedicated external DAC (and discontinued, replaced by the M-DAC +) and the 6000A is an amplifier so your really comparing 2 different devices with completely different sets of functionality and purpose.

[@JochemLukaart]

Hi there! Great review, exactly what I was searching for so thanks a lot. I do have one question if you don't mind. Maybe a bit of a silly question: but I was wondering if the antennas on the backside are moveable (like to the sides instead straight up). Otherwise I'm afraid it won't fit in my audio cabinet... would be awesome if you could get back to me!

[@living_entertainment]

Absolutely, they can be rotated to suit your needs. Most people keep them sideways I find, though if its an enclosed cabinet it can affect the signal strength (this is true of all wifi products though).

[@JochemLukaart]

@@living_entertainment Thank you so much for replying! Will probably check it out soon then. Cheers!

[@martinharthaller7490]

Thank you for your review! I have evo 4.2s and I am thinking about buying an audiolab 6000a or 6000a play. Is there any difference berween the two concerning the sound quality? What-hifi did a test and missed some subtlety with the play and rated it 4 stars while the 6000a got 5 stars.

[@living_entertainment]

Some of the power that would normally be dedicated to the amplifier stage is now being shared with the streaming components, so there is a slight difference in sound. Is it enough to bother most people or to even be noticed by most? No, not really at all. If you can stretch your budget to get a dedicated 6000a and 6000N play should you do it? 100% yes. This amp really does pair absolutely spectacularly with the Evo 4.2 and I am constantly going back and forth with if I prefer the amp with the Lintons or with the Evos. It depends on my mood I suppose, ha ha.

[@thedownunderverse]

How would it sound hooked up to B&W CM5S2’s rolling off to 2x REL T/5i (2.2 setup). Good match?

[@living_entertainment]

First of all, fantastic Icon! Second of all, no idea, impossible to know without having the speakers on hand for testing.

[@peymey]

Hey, Would you say it could go well with pair of LS50 KEFs? I'm a bit worried about thru power / current it can pull.

[@living_entertainment]

I have tried the 6000A with the LS50 Metas and found it to be very transparent but not all that exciting, I couldn't say how it would sound with the original LS50 though.

[@painzine]

Hi, can the DAC be bypassed if i choose to add an external DAC later on? Pretty new to this - sorry for the noob query. Im guessing yes based on 7.59 of the video.

[@living_entertainment]

You can absolutely bypass the DAC if you like via the analogue inputs, though I don't know why you would want to unless you are looking to use USB. Its DAC implementation is second to none.

[@LorDarkGoose]

There's something really tickling me about how the pre- and -power modes on this amp can be set up. Apparently you can connect a digital signal processor for whatever reason between the stages. So have the amp run pre and power simultaneously but separately, going through the processor. I wonder if you can connect a tube buffer to it in the same way? I personally found the midrange just a touch dry in my setup (which explains why it pairs so well with the Wharfedales). Has anyone tried this or have any experience with it?

[@rizzlervontrappe1515]

I have had nothing but issues trying to connect to wi-fi, and the front light doesn’t stop flashing until it connects. Very frustrating

[@living_entertainment]

This could be an issue with your wifi set up perhaps.

[@wenzhaochewng2158]

Will the Audiolab Play turn on automatically (and correctly go into Integrated mode) when I play songs through Spotify Connect on my phone, similar to an AVR? I’m hoping to use this as part of a HT system using the bypass so this “automation” would help.

[@living_entertainment]

Absolutely, a total time saver!

[@wilsoncc326]

Thanks for the really useful review. Just wondering how you would compare this unit to the Marantz PM7000n? Looking at the two options but I don't have any opportunity to compare near where I live. Cheers.

[@living_entertainment]

Absolutely, the Audiolab 6000A has a much nicer DAC implementation, allowing for much better imaging and detail, it also has far tighter and controlled bass. The Marantz 7000n has a much nicer app implementation with Heos and has more power so with most speakers you will get a bit better performance.

[@wilsoncc326]

@@living_entertainment Thanks for getting back to me.

[@wilsoncc326]

@@living_entertainment Sorry to be a pain but I have one more question. As per my last question I'm weighing up a getting streaming amp, but am wondering how both the Marantz 7000N and Audiolab 6000A Play would compare sound quality wise to the Rotel A14MkII which is about the same price. In your opinion does the dedicated amp give significantly better sound quality compared to either of the streaming amp options? Obviously if I went the dedicated amp option I would need to stream another way, probably through an apple TV optical output. Thanks again.

[@living_entertainment]

@@wilsoncc326 If you are looking to go with Tidal the 6000A Play isn't really the way to go, that said the 7000N doesn't have the transparency or detail of either the 6000A Play or the A14 MKII but it has a much stronger mid-range presents than either. While its true that individual components are the best way to go when its an option, when your talking about more entry level/mid level components like these the differences in performance between dedicated streamers and amps and streaming amps are quite negligible. With all 3 of these systems you have asked about they all offer something the others dont, in the end its not a matter of which one is a better product than the other so much as it is which one offers the tonal and presentation qualities that sound best for your personal tastes.

[@wilsoncc326]

@@living_entertainment Thanks again. That's all very helpful. Cheers.

[@elpoo]

SICK VIDEO BRO, THANKS!

[@elpoo]

Hmmm, I wonder how this compares to the NAD d3045...

[@elpoo]

I am looking for a system that will have crystal clarity at low volumes. Is this more dependent on the speakers or the amp?

[@living_entertainment]

@@elpoo Clarity and low volumes requires a lot of trial and error product matching in my experience, the room also plays a big factor, especially if you want to maintain low end detail. Its certainly a tricky one.

[@sholavandan81]

Can it drive JBL 4312E that is 200W - 6 ohms - 93dB with good dynamics and headroom?

[@living_entertainment]

We are not a JBL dealer so we have not tested the combination.

[@andrewchung9960]

Great video! My speakers are Rogers LS3/5A (15 ohms). If I use Audiolab 6000A Play as preamp, what do you recommend as power amp? Thanks in advance.

[@living_entertainment]

Any power amp will work really, it's more a matter of finding what works best for you within your budget. :)

[@renelesch6244]

These really pair nicely with jean-marie reynaud Lucia/lunna

[@living_entertainment]

Thank you for the recommendation!

[@Turboserg1977]

Hello, I have an Audiolab 6000A how can I connect a subwoofer (Monitor Audio ASW 110) with a chinch cable? thanks

[@living_entertainment]

You want the RCA to be plugged into the PreOuts of the Audiolab and into the RCA inputs of the subwoofer. :)

[@Turboserg1977]

@@living_entertainment Yes, or are there other options? Do I have to connect the cable to the amplifier and change what? Thanks

[@living_entertainment]

@@Turboserg1977 No other options with this particular combination. Make sure the amp is set to Integrated.

[@Turboserg1977]

@@living_entertainment thanks 🙏

[@evelynsword8021]

hey. what mode and sel do i need to play a record on a turntable that is already connected?

[@living_entertainment]

You need to have the amplifier set to phono.

[@thecure3665]

How does it pair with polk signature series?

[@living_entertainment]

No idea, we aren't a Polk dealer and as such don't have the brand here to test.

[@CinemaDemocratica]

No asynchronous USB digital input. :-(

[@vitogenovese1586]

How would this connect to a PS5?

[@living_entertainment]

You would need a HDMI to Optical splitter (if you are using your PS5 with a gaming monitor like me) OR run an optical cable from your TV to the amplifier which is the far better option if you have it.

[@Guy-ns1hk]

No usb in just broke the deal for me. Bummer. Back to the drawing board...

[@living_entertainment]

It is a bit of a shame and I hope it's something they change for future models.

[@Guy-ns1hk]

@@living_entertainment Changed my mind... Just ordered it! Wahooo

[@charlieliu007]

Get a good and cheap external DAC like Topping D10 to connect between the computer and the 6000a. Coaxial cable from DAC to 6000a. It will be more versatile.

[@Guy-ns1hk]

@@living_entertainment I got it, and love it. When I want to connect my M1 Mac to listen to a KZbin music video, I have been connecting over bluetooth and it is stunning!

[@living_entertainment]

@@Guy-ns1hk Thats the DAC implementation at work! Glad your enjoying it. :D

[@henson2k]

Sub output and Apple AirPlay would be nice

[@living_entertainment]

Agreed, though you can always use the pre-outs for a subwoofer.

[@robertmarshall7712]

I had the 6000A for bit. It was the essence of "meh"! The sound was soulless and sterile to my ears and had little to no charm. And the finish... don't get me started, you can see it here. The matt black paint or coating begins to flake or produce a weird residue, which no matter how much you try to wipe it off keeps coming back. You can see it here, looks like this big beardy guy has been eating his breakfast off it!

[@living_entertainment]

Out of curiousity what speakers did you have paired up with it?

[@robertmarshall7712]

@@living_entertainmentElac Debut b5 (original version), a speaker which punches well above its weight, and the sound of which is superior to the version 2 in my opinion. Sounds wonderful on my system. Are you finding the same thing I found with that black finish to the Audiolab?

[@living_entertainment]

@@robertmarshall7712 Interesting, we arent an Elac dealer so I haven't had a chance to pair the two. They work well with all of Wharfedale's ranges and I am even using one to run Devone Twists at home, significantly more expensive than the amp itself, but it all comes down to synergy in the end, sometimes its just no there. I do know exactly what your talking about in regards to the finish, the silver units are more of a brushed aluminium and I much prefer that finish.

[@robertmarshall7712]

@@living_entertainment I know exactly what you mean about synergy. Several times I've tried out a component costing double or more than what I have and find I prefer what I've got. I don't know if you guys have tried the Arcam sa10 amp, rival to the Audiolab, and if you have what did you think?

[@living_entertainment]

@@robertmarshall7712 We aren't an Arcam dealer so we haven't had the oppertunity to compare them at this point.