Audiolab 6000A Play
The Audiolab 6000A Play pairs transparent detail, firm, textured bass and remarkable loudspeaker control with a versatile streaming-ready design. Andrew Robinson praised its composed dynamics, focused separation and natural tonal balance, while Darko Audio highlighted its gutsy, engaging amplification. Phono, DAC and pre/power flexibility make this a compelling all-in-one integrated.
WATT RECOMMENDS
Save your favorites. Compare them anytime.
Create a free HiFi Hub account to save products to your Wishlist and compare your favorites side by side.
Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
93/100
Build Quality
90/100
Features Connectivity
94/100
Value for Money
95/100
Pros
Detailed, neutral yet engaging sound with controlled, textured bass, strong midrange resolution and focused separation.
Delivers unusually assured speaker control and composure through complex, high-volume passages for a 50W-per-channel amplifier.
Extensive flexibility: MM phono stage, DAC, analogue/digital inputs, wired or wireless streaming, and selectable preamp or power-amp operation.
Solid, beautifully finished chassis and excellent perceived value for its performance level.
Cons
DTS Play-Fi streaming is not gapless, with long pauses between tracks that can disrupt continuous albums, live recordings and mixes.
Streaming platform omits Roon Ready, Apple AirPlay and Chromecast support.
Built-in phono stage can exhibit intermittent ground-loop hum in some setups.
WATT RECOMMENDS
Save your favorites. Compare them anytime.
Create a free HiFi Hub account to save products to your Wishlist and compare your favorites side by side.
What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 93/100
Reviewers describe a notably neutral, transparent and highly controlled presentation that remains engaging rather than sterile. The 6000A Play is praised for firm, detailed bass, subtle midrange resolution and composure with dense music at substantial levels.
Transparency Resolution
94/100
Andrew Robinson calls the amplifier neutral and resolute, highlighting its ability to uncover subtle cues in the midrange with ease. Darko Audio likewise describes it as detailed and transparent, while Robinson heard strong separation and focus.
Tonal Balance Musicality
93/100
Robinson found its neutral balance lively and involving, with punch and presence that do not alter instrumental or vocal timbre. He also characterises the bass as rich, organic and naturally weighted, rather than merely dry or analytical.
Dynamics
94/100
Despite its modest 50W-per-channel rating, Robinson found its loudspeaker control far stronger than expected and says it stayed composed during complex passages played loudly. Crescendos reportedly build, start and stop naturally, retaining fine detail rather than flattening out.
Soundstage Imaging
90/100
Robinson specifically praises the amplifier's focus and separation, linking these qualities to its strong detail retrieval. The supplied reviews offer less direct comment on soundstage width and depth, but the imaging evidence is clearly positive.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
90/100
Darko Audio calls the unit solid, chunky, beautifully made and very nicely put together. The reviews provide strong reassurance on fit and finish, although they do not discuss long-term reliability or internal construction in detail.
Features Connectivity
94/100
This is an unusually flexible integrated amplifier, with MM phono input, pre-outs, analogue and digital inputs, aptX Bluetooth, a DAC, headphone capability, and modes that allow preamp or power-amp use. DTS Play-Fi enables wired or wireless streaming, though Darko notes the absence of Roon Ready, AirPlay and Chromecast support, and that Play-Fi streaming is not gapless.
Value for Money
95/100
At roughly €1,000 in Darko Audio's review, it is described as sounding incredible for the money. Robinson goes further, recommending it above nearly all alternatives regardless of price for listeners whose power needs fit its 50-75W output.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
Online Reviews & Mentions
YouTube Reviews
Forum Mentions
No forum mentions found yet
Specifications
- DTS Play-Fi Technology
- IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Supports global, popular streaming content (Amazon Music, Spotify, TIDAL, KKBox, SiriusXM, Napster, Internet Radio, Deezer, iHeartRadio, Pandora, SoundMachine, Qobuz, QQmusic ) Supports Speaker Groups Supports Android/iOS/Kindle Fire/Windows PC Control
- Analogue Inputs
- 3 x AUX , 1x Phono (MM), 1x Power In
- Digital Input
- 2 x Coaxial, 2 x Toslink Optical, Bluetooth (aptX/aptX LL)
- Analogue Output
- 1x RCA Pre Out
- Gain
- +8dB (Line) +55dB (Phono MM)
- Input Sensitivity
- 720mV (Line, Volume = 0dB) 3.1mV (Phono MM, Volume=0dB)
- Input Impedance
- 10K (Line) 47K//100pF (Phono MM)
- Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)
- < 0.0004% (1KHz @ 2V, Volume = 0dB)
- Frequency Response
- 20Hz-20kHz (+/-0.1dB)
- Output Voltage
- 2.3V max. (Volume=0dB)
- Output Impedance
- 120 ohm
- Signal-to-Noise Ration (S/N)
- > 110dB (Line, A-weighted) > 76dB (Phono MM, A-weighted)
- D To A Converter
- ES9018K2M
- Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)
- < 0.0006% (1KHz @ 0dBFS)
- Output Level (0dBFS, 1KHz)
- 2.05V
- Max. Sampling Frequency
- 192KHz
- Signal-to-noise ratio (S/N)
- > 112dB (A-weighted)
- Digital Filters
- Fast Roll-off , Slow Roll-off , Minimum Phase
- Gain
- +29dB
- Rated Max. Power Output
- 2 X 50W (8 ohm, THD<1%) 2 X 75W (4 ohm, THD<1%)
- Frequency Response
- 20Hz-20kHz (+/-0.3dB)
- Input Sensitivity
- 720mV (Volume=0dB)
- Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)
- < 0.003% (1kHz @ 40W/8ohm)
- Signal-to-Noise ratio (S/N)
- > 110dB (A-weighted)
- Max. Output Current
- 9A
- Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)
- < 0.01% (1kHz, 10mW into 20ohm)
- Output Impedance
- 2.35 ohm
- Load impedance
- 20-600 ohm
- Standby Power Consumption
- < 0.5W
- Power Requirements (depending on region)
- 220-240V ~ 50 - 60Hz 100-120V ~ 50 - 60Hz
- Dimensions (mm) (W x H x D)
- 445 x 80 x 330mm including feet, terminals and controls
- Carton Size (mm) (W x H x D)
- 512 x 467 x 155
- Weight
- 7.9kg (Net) 10kg (Gross)
- Finish
- Black/Silver
Manufacturer's Description — Audiolab
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.
DTS Play-Fi Enabled
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.
Perfect Partnership
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.
An Endless Supply of Music
DTS Play-Fi comes with a wealth of music options from around the globe.
Spotify, *Pandora, Deezer, 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.
Stay tuned, because new services are added all the time.
* Pandora is enabled for select Play-Fi products only.
What is DTS Play-Fi®?
DTS Play-Fi is premium whole-home wireless audio, now available from the largest ecosystem of brands in the world. Stream your favourite content with astounding audio quality, from every device that you’ve got.
All DTS Play-Fi products are seamlessly interoperable, so you can find the perfect speaker for every room, and know that they will all make beautiful music together.
Whole Home Audio, Made Easy
DTS Play-Fi sends audio from mobile devices to speakers throughout the home using proprietary streaming, synchronization, and authentication technology.
Every single DTS Play-Fi product works perfectly with all the rest, regardless of brand, so you get a huge range of options to customize your home, and one simple, elegant listening experience.
Works With Every Device You’ve Got
Now with Gapless playback and the new transfer mode, there’s no interruption in your music file playback. Even in Hi-Res mode, you transfer the stream direct to the device. This means no pause between tracks and no interruption in music when your phone or smart device is used on a call, for instance.
Of course, your music is always close by. And we know you have all kinds of devices in your life. That’s why DTS Play-Fi is built especially for smartphones, tablets, and PCs.
We have easy-to-use software for Android, iOS, Kindle Fires, and Windows. We support streaming via Spotify Connect, too. Any way you want to play, it just works.
DTS Play-Fi offers an unparalleled selection of audio products for your home, from compact battery-powered speakers to powerful soundbars, built by the most respected audio brands in the business. No more compromising your style or taste to get a high-quality wireless audio solution.
Verified Dealers
Online Dealers
All Dealers
Zoom out the map to see more dealers
Authorized dealers for Audiolab 6000A Play
- Acton Gate Audio — online and in-store — Cymru, United Kingdom (website)
- Alen Audio — in-store — Extramurs, Comunidad Valenciana, Spain (website)
- All Elite Audio — online and in-store — Perry Hall, Maryland, United States (website)
- Alpha Audio Pte — online and in-store — Singapore, Singapore (website)
- Alpha High End — online and in-store — Brasschaat, Vlaams Gewest, Belgium (website)
- Alta Fedelta — online and in-store — Lombardia, Italy (website)
- American Audio & Video — in-store — Southaven, Mississippi, United States (website)
- Apollo HiFi — online and in-store — Marrickville, New South Wales, Australia (website)
- Area Hifi — online and in-store — L'Eixample, Comunidad Valenciana, Spain (website)
- Art & Voice — online (website)
and 128 more verified dealers