Audiolab 6000A MKII Manual

Getting Started

Welcome to Audiolab 6000 Series.

6000A MKII is the latest in a long line of Audiolab integrated amplifiers with a pedigree thatstretches back to the very first 8000A that made Audiolab an overnight sensation.

The 6000A MKII features analogue and digital audio circuitry of the highest quality and has been designed by engineers who are passionate about the reproductionof music, and we hope you will enjoy its performance for many years to come.

Please read through this manual to obtain the very best performance from your 6000A MKII.

Features:

• Bluetooth aptX/aptX HD
• DAC-ES9038Q2M
• Dedicated high performance MM Phono Input
• Separate Pre-Power sections for flexibility of operation
• Automatic equipment activation via 12V trigger
• Auto standby function

Inputs:

• Three unbalanced analogue input pairs (AUX1, 2, 3)
• One Phono input (MM)
• One Power-Amp input
• Two Coaxial SPDlF digital inputs
• Two Optical SPDlF digital inputs
• Bluetooth 5.1 (aptX / aptX HD) input
• One HDMI ARC input
• One 12V Trigger input

Outputs:

• Pre-Amplifier output
• Loudspeaker output
• Headphone output
• 12V trigger output

Unpacking

Unpack the product fully. The carton should contain:

• The Audiolab 6000A MKII
• One IEC power cord suitable for your area
• One Remote handset
• This instruction manual
• 2 x AAA batteries

If an item is missing or damaged report this to your dealer as soon as possible.

Retain the packing for safe transport of your unit. If you dispose of the packing, do so with regard to any recycling regulation in your area.

Placement

The unit is designed to run warm during normal operation but ensure you do not block any ventilation openings.

Place the unit on a sturdy shelf or table. If you use an equipment rack, ensure the unit has adequate ventilation and is on its own shelf.

Check your mains voltage corresponds to the rating printed on the rear panel (near the power inlet socket).

If in doubt, consult your dealer. If you move to an area with a different mains voltage seek advice from an Audiolab appointed dealer or a competent service technician.

Fitting Batteries

Open the battery compartment cover, unwrap the supplied AAA batteries and place them in the battery compartment with the correct polarity. Replace the cover.

Always use AAA batteries and replace them in sets - never mix old and new batteries.

Very weak batteries can leak and damage the handset. Replace them in good time!

Note: there is a risk of fire and burns if a battery is handled improperly.

Do not disassemble, crush, puncture, short the contacts or dispose of the batteries in fire or water.

Do not attempt to open or service a battery.

Discard used batteries in full accordance with recycling regulations in force in your area.

Handset Operation

The handset operates several Audiolab components.

The handset buttons shown crossed out are for use with other Audiolab units and are not operational when used with the 6000A MKII.

Point the handset at the remote receiver and press the relevant key. The handset should be within 15 meters of the player and there must be a clear line of sight between the two units.

Analogue Inputs (Line Level)

Connect your analogue sources to one of the three line level inputs, AUX1, AUX2 or AUX3.

Phono Input (MM)

Connect your Turntable (Moving Magnet cartridge) to the PHONO Input. Connect the Earth lead from your Turntable (if available) to the GROUND terminal.

Coaxial Digital Inputs

Connect your coaxial digital sources to either COAX1 or COAX2.

Optical Digital Inputs

Connect your Optical digital sources to either OPT1 or OPT2.

ARC Digital Input

ARC function allows you to send audio from your ARC-compliant TV to 6000A MKII through a single HDMI connection. To enjoy the ARC function, please ensure your TV is both HDMI-CEC and ARC compliant and set up accordingly.

Please note: Your TV must support the HDMI-CEC and ARC functions.

HDMI-CEC and ARC must be set to on. Please make sure that your TV's HDMI ARC Audio output is set to PCM Stereo or PCM 2-channel*. The configuration method of HDMI-CEC and ARC differ depending on the brand or model of your TV. For details about the ARC function, please refer to your TV owner's manual.

Please make sure that you are using a HDMI 1.4 cable or higher to support the HDMI ARC functionality.

*exact naming may vary depending on your TV.

Bluetooth Connection

Select BT source on the 6000A MKII, on your mobile device search for 'Audiolab 6000A MKII BT' and connect.

Once paired the front panel SOURCE indicator will be turned on. If you switch to another input on the 6000A MKII your mobile device will be disconnected after 60 sec. To reconnect, select BT on the 6000A MKII and it will connect to the last paired device, or select 'Audiolab 6000A MKII BT' on your mobile device in the Bluetooth menu and it will reconnect.

Long pressing the pause/play button on the remote control will disconnect the bluetooth connection between your transmitting device, and the 6000A MKII.

Pre-Amplifier Output

Pre-amplifier output for driving external power amplifiers, subwoofers or signal processors.

Loudspeaker Terminals

One set of Loudspeaker output terminals.

Headphone Output

A stereo 6.3mm (1/4") jack is provided on the front panel for connecting Headphones.

When Headphones are connected the audio to the loudspeakers terminals will be cut off.

USB Update

Any official Audiolab update will be provided by download from audiolab.co.uk

Please read and follow any instructions provided with any such download.

POWER OFF the 6000A MKII unit. Insert the USB storage device, onto which the USB update files have been loaded. Press the STANDBY button on the front panel then simultaneously POWER ON, your 6000A MKII will upgrade automatically.

Wait for the device display to confirm that the update is completed. Then, unplug the USB drive and restart the 6000A MKII. The unit is now ready to use.

12V Trigger Connections

The 6000A MKII features two 12V Trigger connections, one output and one input. Use the output to control other products (ie. Audiolab amplifiers or 3rd party compatibleequipment). Use the input when the 6000A MKII is to be controlled (ie. by Audiolab 6000CDT, or 3rd party compatible equipment).

The Trigger connections are made using 3.5mm to 3.5mm jack interconnects (not incl.).

Mains Input

Before connecting the 6000A MKII to the mains supply make sure all other connections to your system have been properly and securely made.

Make sure the ON/OFF switch on the rear of the unit is switched off.

Now connect the supplied mains cable to the AC supply outlet.

Operation

Switching On and Off

Switch on all source units before switching on power to the 6000A MKII.

When switching On: The power LED illuminates.

When switching Off: Switch off the 6000A MKII before the source units.

Standby Mode

The 6000A MKII will enter standby mode after being powered on. Press the "Standby" button to bring the 6000A MKII out of standby, the power indicator LED becomes brighter and the display shows "6000A MKII" welcome screen while the unit is getting ready for operation.

The Auto Standby feature will, by default, put the unit into standby after 20min of inactivity.

This feature can be configured using the MENU and be set to 20min, 1hour or Never.

Source Select

Rotate the SEL knob on the front panel or use the source buttons on the remote handset to select different source inputs.

Volume Control

Rotate the VOL knob on the front panel, or use the Volume up/down keys on the remote control, to set the volume level. The range is -78dB to +8dB, the factory default volume setting is -20dB.

Power On (Limit)

Power On Limit sets the maximum volume level as the unit is switched on.

When coming out of standby, the volume setting will be set to the level that was used at the end of the previous operating session OR to the Power On Limit value set in this menu, whichever is lowest.

This will avoid a sudden loud signal at the beginning of a new session. Set to OFF to disable this function

Mute

Press the VOL knob on the front panel or the MUTE button on the remote handset to mute / un-mute the sound.

Display Setting

The DISPLAY button on the remote control will toggle the front panel display ON/OFF.

When the display is OFF: Using the front panel controls or pressing any remote key will momentarily turn on the display, after 5 sec. the display will go off.

Digital Filter Selection (DAC)

The DAC in the 6000A MKII has a choice of 5 digital filters, Press the MENU key on the remote control to access the FlLTER optlons. Configure the digital filter for the audio DAC. Linear Phase (Slow Roll-Off) is the default setting.

• L FAST: Linear Phase (Fast Roll-Off)

This is the most common filter with clean overall suppression and excellent rejection, best for music with large transients. Provides crisp clean highs.

• L SLOW: Linear Phase (Slow Roll-Off)

A low group delay and symmetrical input response with less ringing than 'Linear-phase fast roll-off'. It offers punchier bass than 'Linear-phase fast roll-off', with clean highs. (Default)

• M FAST: Minimum Phase (Fast Roll-Off)

This offers minimal pre-ringing. It is usually preferred for imaging and sound stages. It offers no aliasing in the frequency domain and stronger bass than 'Linear Phase', with clean highs.

• M SLOW: Minimum Phase (Slow Roll-Off)

A Non-Symmetrical filter designed to minimise pre-ringing. It offers a strong punchy bass with a good transient attack.

• H FAST: Hybrid (Fast Roll-Off)

This is the combination of 'Linear-phase' and 'Minimum-phase'. It offers a fast transient attack, strong punchy bass and crisp highs.

Integrated Mode

The pre-amplifier section is internally connected to the power amplifier, Pre-amplifier All signals to and from the power amplifier of the 6000A MKII are disconnected. In this output is also operational in this mode. A second power amplifier can be connected for mode, the 6000A MKII functions as a stand-alone pre-amplifier. The pre-amplifier bi-amplification, as shown in the diagram.

Pre-Power Mode

The preamplifier section is internally disconnected from the power amplifier. The 6000A MKII can be used as a stand-alone power amplifier (ie. part of an AV setup). This mode can also be used if additional signal processing is required, connecting the pre-out to an external signal processor and then taking the output from the processor to the 6000A MKII Power-IN.

Pre Mode

All signals to and from the power amplifier of the 6000A MKII are disconnected. In this mode, the 6000A MKII functions as a stand-alone pre-amplifier. The pre-amplifier section of the 6000A MKII can be connected to a stereo power amplifier, or to two mono-block amplifiers.

The MENU

The Menu enables you to customise the unit and optimise the interface with other equipment in your system.

6000A MKII has 11 different menu pages. Press the MENU key on the remote control to enter the menu mode. Press or to cycle through menu pages. Press to enter menu options and confirm option selections. The menu can also be accessed via the MODE knob on the front panel. Rotate the MODE knob to cycle menu options. Press the MODE knob to enter menu options and confirm option selection.

Service Centre Address

Scan the QR code using a smart-phone device, for product warranty registration online.

The three (3) year extended warranty is applicable to items purchased from Jan 1st 2021, onwards. Items purchased prior to this date are not eligible for this extended warranty service but are subject to statutory warranty claims and all applicable consumer rights.

To qualify for the extended 3 year warranty, you must register your product within ninety (90) calendar days from the date of purchase.

Visit audiolab.co.uk/warranty-registration to complete your online registration. Items not registered online will have a Limited Warranty for one (1) year, or for the period of your country's statutory warranty, whichever is longer.

Should a fault occur with your product, please pack it correctly using the original packing, so you can ship it safely. For technical support, servicing or product queries and information, please contact either your local retailer or the office below:

IAG Service Dept.
13/14 Glebe Road
Huntingdon
Cambridgeshire
PE29 7DL
UK

Tel: +44(0)1480 452561
Email: info@audiolab.co.uk

For information on other authorised service centres worldwide contact your local distributor.

A list of global distributors is available on the Audiolab website: www.audiolab.co.uk

Important Safety Information

To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove the cover (or back) as there are no user-serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified personnel. The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

Read these instructions. Keep these instructions.

Heed all warnings.

Follow all instructions.

Do not use this apparatus near water.

Clean only with a dry cloth.

Do not block any ventilation openings. Install under the manufacturer's instructions. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for the replacement of the obsolete outlet.

Protect the power cord from being stepped on or pinched, particularly at the plugs, convenience receptacles, and at the point where they exit from the apparatus. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods.

Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilt or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

These servicing instructions are for use by qualified service personnel only. To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not perform any servicing other than that contained in the operating instructions unless you are qualified to do so. Do not install this equipment in a confined or built-in space such as a bookcase or similar unit, and keep well ventilated in an open space. The ventilation should not be impeded by covering the ventilation openings with items such as newspaper, tablecloths, curtains etc.

Only use attachments/accessories specified or provided by the manufacturer (such as the exclusive supply adapter, battery etc).

Please refer to the information on the exterior panel of the enclosure for electrical and safety information before installing or operating the apparatus.

To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture. The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall not be placed on the apparatus.

For the terminals marked with the symbol " " may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock. The external wiring connected to the terminals requires installation by an instructed person or the use of ready-made leads or cords.

Ground protection terminal. This product should be connected to a power outlet with ground protection.

No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the apparatus.

Attention should be drawn to the environmental aspects of battery disposal.

Use of the apparatus in tropical climates.

THE FUSE VALUES ARE: 220 – 240V (UK, China, etc.) T2.0AL 250V Slow Blow
100 – 120V (USA, Japan, etc.) T4.0AL 250V Slow Blow