I wanted to do this review a bit differently as this device has been reviewed by many different YouTubers over time. So I will not structure it like my other reviews. I will focus on my experience with this gear, and how it compares to similar devices I have had or heard over time.
If you want my opinion on the Audiolab 6000A, without streaming and how it compares to other amps, please look at my video of the best integrated amps under 1200 euros. The link will be in the description of this video.
 Value Propositions for "HIFI Beginners"
When I first heard this device, I was amazed at what Audiolab did. I always imagined that if we lived in a perfect world, this should be an entry-level for anyone tipping their toes in this unforgiving water of audiophile prestige. It opens the sound incredibly, and it enriched the midrange so much. The vocals are nicely spread out and full of dynamics. And it eases the anxiety of thinking about DACs, streamers, CD players, etc., with a built-in music streamer. It shows all the newbies the strength of listening to music via a streamer rather than Bluetooth.
It is now around 800 euros, but it used to sell for around 1200 euros when it was launched which, for someone for whom this hobby is yet too much-undiscovered territory, giving so much money to start, and without speakers, might be too much. So the value for beginners might not be there, as there are many cheaper ways for them to start their journey, and to buy amps, speakers, and music streamers for less money.
Future proof amp
For a newbie who wants to get into the audio world, the value proposition might not be the best, but for people who have learned over time to appreciate finer propositions of HIFI might see a lot of value here. But I think if someone who just started, eventually decides to buy this, he will get an amp which he can be satisfied with in the long run. To a lot of folks, this could be even an endgame amp, and they could really be satisfied with what it offers and gives. But it can also work as a gateway for that more serious audiophile-grade sound. Even seasoned audiophile lovers can find a lot of enjoyment and qualities here.
You get two digital and optical inputs, with different pre-outs, power, analog and phono inputs. Including Bluetooth and of course, a music streamer. You can connect whatever you want with it. It opens many doors even for this device to work as a pre and to be used to connect to other power amplifiers so it can have more strength and power.
Some thoughts about streamer
And that streamer, while not top of the class, is leagues above Bluetooth streaming. The one big downfall I see is that the DTS application that Audiolab uses is absolute rubbish, and cannot compare to other applications of other competition. And while decent and good streaming is, this amp shines with better players attached to it.
But it saves you a lot of time because for 200 euros more you get decent streaming inside one box, that can serve you for a longer period of time. Until you gather money to buy something else. Therefore, to me that streamer has a lot of value in it, as it lowers the expectations and anxiety, of what to buy and how to pair with this amp. It is already done for you. You just enjoy your music.
Sound Quality
And the sound is the star of the show, as how it should be. One thing I love so much is how the music layers, resolves, and places music on the soundstage. I love how subtly it resolves a lot of inflections and how it enriches instrumentation. There are a lot of details and textures that work in that way for it to open the soundstage greatly. Those details are necessary to create a perception of soundstage, just pair this with capable speakers that open up greatly and you will be amazed how rich and detailed the soundstage is.
But even if it is detailed, the sound is very balanced, there are no spikes in coloration here. Which can work to its advantage in many ways if paired correctly. But the richness of the midrange that opens up from that balanced nature, also helps with layer separation and clarity. So tracking of instruments, and placement of vocals are going to be amazing.
Yes, amazing, soundstage and imaging. The two territories that Audiolab is a king. Vocals that already have details, are really well placed on the sonic stage. They are present and well put in the center of the stage. And when the chorus hits it opens dynamically so it is a paradise to listen to. Also, a lot of production tricks like backing and filling vocals they have presence so that you can hear them separate from the main vocalist and creating more weight.
For who this amp is for?
I can tell that this amp is for people that enjoy when their music has a lot of room and air to it. When there is a big soundstage, that opens and occupies the entire room. To music that you listen to have richness, smoothness and especially for more pop-oriented or vocal-oriented music. To be a neutral presentation and laid back, to allow your other gear to color the sound, or not to color the sound. For people who want their music to be sweet but reserved and who does not overflow you with information so that you can listen to music without fatigue. So just you and your music, to relax after a long day in countless hours of just enjoying music in your own small universe in your living room. It definitely prolongs life expectations that way.
For who this amp is not for?
To me, this is not for people that have fine-tuned their taste in the audiophile world. The sound is very balanced. So if you prefer the sound to have certain weight and strength, or to be very treble-rich, with upped treble to get that very pronounced rhythmic, you might be disappointed. For example, people that jump from Rega Brio to this might be a bit disappointed with the lack of a forward presentation and strength of the higher register of music. While it is a beautiful amp, it also lacks those special characteristics. Now this all can be mitigated by good pairing and synergy to some degree. But the balanced and reserved nature of this amp can be a turn-off for some people.
In which camp do I belong?
To me, after having it, selling it, and now having it again. I can say a few words after I tried a few different amps and speakers.
I am in love with this amp, but love eventually faded away. As to some other of my exes, just had more spark and fire in them that I missed.
It is just when you try many different foods, you will miss certain ingredients and that is human nature. There is no perfect all-around everything amp in this price range. You gain something but you lose something else. HIFI is always about balancing acts, and once there is something great in one area of the dynamic scale it loses a bit in another.
On your journey to discover your inner sonic snob, you will realize which sonic qualities are for you and which are not. If you don’t know yet, it is the best bet to go with this kind of balanced act. As it gives you everything to try, like an all-out buffet, it is up to you to figure out where you will invest more in the future.
Alternatives
Now as I said I have tried many different amps, and I will like to compare this to other amp/streamers in this or a similar price range. Just to drive home even more that long-term review, what I learned, and where I think the best value lies, etc. These are amps I had experience with, this is not an overview of all amps similar to this, but the ones I know a few things about. Those amps are Marantz PM7000, Denon PMA 900hne, and Primare i15 Prisma.
Marantz PM7000
I think Marantz is the hardest to get now, as I think it slowly becomes the legacy device in the Marantz catalogue. I still see that it can be bought in stores, but my gut feeling says it is soon to become a legacy device like 8006, and Marantz will focus on their Model series. Now currently as what I saw it is around 900 euros, which is a great price for this device. When it was originally introduced it was around 1600 euros and it was not a strong value at all. To me, the big problem is that Marantz PM8006 and 6007 offer in their respective price range more value for money. But this has streaming, and a pretty decent one too. Now why would you pick Marantz over Audiolab, it might be for their signature warm and smooth sound. It has this beautiful weighty big warm sound, with the upper bass being very rounded. It does not have a soundstage and imaging like Audiolab, but it has this smooth sound, which makes everything sound lush, and beautiful and yet at the same time have weight to it. The rhythmic section of music has more presence and kick, and there are decent details and texture to them. It is all about what you want and prefer in sound if you like sound signatures like that. And streaming in Marantz is much better than Audiolab, will that be interface-wise or sound-wise. So if you want that sound that sounds like a big warm hug, and far better streaming this one is more for you. But Audiolab is far better in imaging, soundstage, extraction of details around the midrange, so think about that and choose which one might be for you.
Denon PMA 900hne
The next one is the newest out of these 4 amps, and that is Denon PMA 900hne. It is also the cheapest out of the four. This Denon amp is really underrated in my opinion. It has more power than Audiolab, and it has a fantastic phono stage. And the sound signature is more towards the big lower end and strength. It creates a sound that you feel in your gut and heart. It can also be used as an AV receiver alternative. The bass is probably the best out of the four, but it is not the only thing it offers, as it also brings a good combination of other elements, with good soundstage, good details, and plenty of inputs and outputs. It is also really good at grounding bright speakers fantastically. Also, like Marantz, it has far better streaming than Audiolab. But Audiolab is also far better in terms of soundstage, clarity, imaging, and scope of midrange and richness. It has more audiophile prestige than this device. But if you prefer great bass, great reproduction of male vocals, great phono, far better streaming, and also a device that is cheaper than Audiolab, then Denon might be for you.
Primare i15 Prisma
Now, the Primare i15 Prisma is the most expensive out of the four. And one thing that is certainly better out of the four is streaming. I adore Prisma modules inside Primare, and to me, it is closest to reproducing sound like a stand-alone music streamer. But sound-wise, Primare has three things better than Audiolab, and that is dynamics, details, and bass. Starting with bass, which has a tad more oomph and strength than Audiolab, especially for one balanced device like Primare. It just helps your speakers to express bass better with more command. Secondly is detail reproduction and textures. I just could hear more organic sound properties of percussion, strings, etc., and with more details for those clinical listening sessions. But Audiolab did perform with a better soundstage and imaging, the sound was a bit more open and it creates a perception of better placement of individual elements on a dynamic scale. Also, the way it unclutters the stage for vocals to shine is a bit better than Primare. Also, I felt a bit more expression coming out of midrange, it had a bit more energy than Primare, even though they both are balanced and a little bit laid back. Knowing this, Audiolab is a cheaper device, and it comes with its pros and cons, so you have to weigh which one is for you.
Conclusion
Now out of all these four, which one do I like the most? It certainly is Audiolab, it brings the utmost quality for the price it is in. I love how open and detailed it is. I love how there is richness and expression in the midrange. Even its balanced nature is a great way to experiment with different recipes to create the best sound synergy, and it allows a sound which is not so much taxing for your ear and brain, to create great lengthy listening sessions. I have fallen in love with this amp, and I think you will too.
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Keep daydreaming,
And see you soon. Bye