Audiolab 6000A Mkii with Wharfedale EVO 5.2 Bookshelf Speakers

Since the inception of the 6000A in 2016, Audiolab’s brand has undergone rapid evolution. The introduction of award-winning models in both digital music playback and integrated amplifier domains has cemented the company’s position at the forefront of audio technology. The 9000CDT, 9000N, 7000CDT, 7000N Play, 9000A, and 7000A models have exemplified Audiolab’s commitment to pushing performance boundaries across a range of price points. With the launch of the 9000A – Audiolab’s most advanced integrated amplifier – and the 7000A, positioned between the high-end 9000A and more affordable 6000A, the brand's engineers have introduced numerous technical advancements, culminating in the 6000A MKII.

A Step-Up 

The Audiolab 6000A MKII maintains the original 6000A's role as an accessible yet impressive "step-up" amplifier, ideal for entry-level audiophiles, but now with significant upgrades in both sound and features. Visually, the MKII remains almost identical to its predecessor, ensuring seamless integration with existing components from the 6000, 7000, and 9000 series. This consistency in design allows for an enhanced listening experience while maintaining compatibility across the Audiolab range.

Power Supply

One of the key upgrades in the 6000A MKII is the enhanced transformer and power supply implementation. The design offers increased voltage from the secondary windings of the transformer, with reduced impedance for better control over the power supply voltage. This leads to the signature Audiolab sound – exceptional consistency, dynamic range, crisp definition, and rhythmic timing. The inclusion of a robust 200VA toroidal transformer, paired with four 15,000uF reservoir capacitors, ensures superior control over the music and impressive dynamic performance.

Advanced DAC and Expanded Connectivity 

Audiolab has significantly improved the DAC performance in the MKII, now featuring the ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M chipset, an upgrade from the previous ES9018. This flagship DAC supports 32-bit/768kHz PCM and incorporates HyperStream® II architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator, offering ultra-low noise and a remarkable dynamic range. The MKII also boasts expanded connectivity options, including four S/PDIF inputs and a HDMI ARC input for AV system integration. Bluetooth 5.1 aptX HD support further enhances streaming performance with superior range, speed, and quality.

Multi-Functional Operation

The 6000A MKII continues Audiolab’s minimalist philosophy to ensure maximum signal purity, with a precision analogue volume control and independent low-noise power supplies. The amplifier also includes an advanced phono stage with a high-quality, low-noise, JFET-based circuit. Additionally, the dedicated headphone amplifier provides a dynamic and detailed listening experience across a range of headphones. Audiolab has introduced multiple operational modes, including ‘Integrated,’ ‘Pre,’ and ‘Pre-Power,’ offering flexible functionality for various setups, such as connecting the unit to an AV processor for home cinema systems.

A Benchmark in Integrated Amplifiers

The 6000A MKII builds on the reputation of its predecessor by offering outstanding value and high-quality sound in a more refined, versatile, and future-proof package. Audiolab’s continued dedication to improving performance through incremental advancements has resulted in an integrated amplifier that offers even greater performance, ensuring its place as an essential component for audiophiles and enthusiasts alike.

The EVO 5 Series marks a significant advancement for Wharfedale, taking the successful formula of the EVO4 and enhancing it with luxurious design upgrades and technical improvements. This evolution brings a new level of sophistication, offering a speaker that defies its price bracket. Combining high-performance features and an elegant appearance, the EVO 5 delivers an exceptional listening experience suitable for both audiophiles and casual listeners alike. Whether you're after detailed musical expression or clear, immersive sound, the EVO 5 speakers provide a high-fidelity experience that competes with much more expensive audio systems.

Distinct Approach to High Frequencies 

The EVO series is rooted in the same extensive research and development that defined Wharfedale’s flagship Elysian project. It was designed to bridge the gap between affordable pricing and high-end sound quality, with the EVO AMT (Air Motion Transformer) high-frequency unit being a standout feature. The AMT tweeter offers unparalleled precision and detail by using a pleated diaphragm, which expands and contracts to move air efficiently. This allows the AMT to push four times more air than a traditional dome tweeter, resulting in lower distortion, faster transient response, a wider frequency range, and superior dispersion.

ResoFrame™

Wharfedale has further refined the EVO 5's performance with the addition of Silentweave™, a new sound-absorbing material placed behind the AMT diaphragm. Silentweave™ combines cotton and felt fibre to minimise sound wave reflection and coloration, ensuring a purer sonic output. In addition, the ResoFrame™ acoustic damping system, made from elastomer, has been incorporated into the drive units to reduce mechanical resonances and smooth the response. The AMT benefits from an additional elastomer gasket, which enhances the lower treble band’s clarity and removes any harshness, resulting in a cleaner, more natural high-frequency reproduction.

Unparalleled Vocal Reproduction 

The EVO 5 also features innovative improvements in midrange and bass performance. The new Resoseal™ technique applies a mass ring of elastomer to the rear of the cone, optimising midrange response and enhancing vocal reproduction. This ensures that voices sound more natural, full-bodied, and emotionally engaging. These enhancements contribute to an overall listening experience that is both immersive and rich, with vocals and midrange frequencies becoming more prominent and engaging.

Next Gen Slot Loaded Profiled Port

The internal cabinet volume of the EVO 5 has been optimised for deeper bass extension and improved sound dispersion. This results in a more immersive and expansive audio field. Additionally, the speaker features a hybrid plinth made from both metal and wood, enhancing structural integrity and minimising unwanted vibrations. Wharfedale’s proprietary Slot Loaded Profiled Port (SLPP) system channels the bass drivers' rear output effectively, improving low-frequency performance. The innovative three-directional SLPP port design reduces turbulence and distortion, allowing the speakers to produce tight, controlled bass that integrates seamlessly with the midrange and treble for a balanced and refined sound.

6000A MkII Integrated Amplifier Specifications

EVO 5.2 Bookshelf Speaker Specifications