03 Sep 2024

AUDIOLAB 6000A PLAY > HiFi & Music Source Review

This is a look at the Audiolab 6000A Play, an integrated amplifier with a streaming DAC platform that does the lot, basically. I have fond memories of the Audiolab series in the early 90s when it was the period where you were you had either the NAD 3020e or the Audiolab 8000A if you were serious about your early HiFi journey. It must be said, as someone on the NAD side, Audiolab always looked that bit more stylish and this new Audiolab 6000A Play retains those historic good looks in a very contemporary design.


Thoughts
…this is an amazing price point to start any digital or analogue HiFi journey…
This Audiolab 6000A Play is priced so competitively in the toughest of markets. I’m reminded of the brilliant Leema Pulse IV with this, but that was three times the price, the pricing with this 6000A Play is silly; in terms of integrated amplification, I’m reminded too of the Rega Brio with its lively performance at a similarly crazy price.
For me, I’d certainly be very persuaded to spend my own cash on the straight 6000N Play streaming platform since I have the pre and power setup I want already. If was starting out all over again, this is an amazing price point to start any digital or analogue HiFi journey in the same way Audiolab always was.

Overall
At this price, this is ridiculous for all this functionality, and it looks great anywhere, it’s proper HiFi. Solid amplification, a good streaming DAC and it does just about anything you can throw at it, from vinyl to Bluetooth and beyond, and it has the Play-Fi front end.
- Simon Wilce. HIFI& Music Source, February 2022

Audiolab 6000A Play
HIFI& Music Source