Audiolab has grown rather successfully as a brand under its new ownership and it’s clear that IAG (Wharfedale, Quad, Mission, Audiolab, Castle) is sticking to the formula that made the 6000 series a huge hit with a lot of audiophiles. An Audiolab 6000A Integrated Amplifier and 6000CDT have been the core of my office system for over 3 years and whilst the tonal balance requires rather careful system matching — the performance for the money has proven to be rather hard to beat.
I’ve never found the 6000A to be underpowered and the ability to use it as an integrated amplifier, pre-amplifier, or power amplifier has only added to its long-term value.
IAG have recently introduced a range of new “vintage” audio loudspeakers through Wharfedale and Mission and it’s clear looking at the specifications that they might benefit from more power than the 6000A can deliver.
We’ve reached out to Audiolab for more information and pricing and will update this article when that information is forthcoming.
The new Audiolab 7000 series follows in the footsteps of the award-winning 8000 and 8200 series but also bridges the gap between the 6000 series and the new high-end 9000 series.
7000A
Outwardly resembling the sequential series and therefore offering a brand-wide visual aesthetic match, the Audiolab 7000A improves on the 6000A with a genuine 70W per channel output, a new DAC, a new full-colour IPS LCD screen and more features.
More compact than the 9000 series, it maintains crisp ergonomics, high-quality engineering, a useful range of facilities and an excellent all-around acoustic performance and connectivity.
7000CDT
Outwardly resembling the sequential series and therefore offering a brand-wide visual aesthetic match, the Audiolab 7000CDT improves on the 6000CDT with a new mechanism, USB HDD playback and a new full-colour IPS LCD screen. More compact than the 9000 series and perfectly matched to the 6000 and 8300 series.
7000N Play
The new 7000N Play builds upon that legacy building introduction of wireless audio streaming to the brand with enhancements and improvements to match the step up from the established 6000 series to the new class-leading, 7000 series.
Bringing hi-resolution wireless audio streaming to any home audio system, the 7000N Play further expands on the multi-format, multi-platform, multi-source compatible DTS Play-Fi system, now with Apple AirPlay 2 compatibility.
For more information: audiolab.co.uk/7000series/
ANDRE ROY
February 5, 2023 at 2:06 pm
If Audiolab Integrated Amplifiers would include TONE CONTROLS, they would really be attractive to so many more of us with less than perfect speakers and hi fi setups. To be able to tailor the sound coming out of our speakers would be a major upgrade!
Ian White
February 5, 2023 at 2:45 pm
Andre,
I would agree with that. Their amplifiers tend to be very neutral sounding which is fine if the rest of your system is slightly warmer. I use the 6000A with the Wharfedale Diamond 10.1s and it’s a good balance. Do not use these amplifiers with really neutral sounding loudspeakers or it will become rather fatiguing over time.
Tone controls would help.
Best,
Ian White
Mike Cornell
February 6, 2023 at 1:43 pm
The nice thing about Audiolab integrated amps is the ability to separate the pre and power sections, which includes the ability to insert an outboard eq, so while they don’t come with tone controls per se, it’s easy to insert something like a Schiit Loki into the signal path. Tone control problem solved. On another note, while I can see the value of a cd transport for those who have a great DAC or a DAC built in to their amp, I wish they would combine the cd transport and play streamer functions into one unit to cut down on the box count.
Ian White
February 6, 2023 at 2:54 pm
Mike,
I own the 6000A and 6000CDT and only use really warm sounding speakers with it. It is reliable and well made.
I do wish the tonal balance was slightly more to the dark side.
Best,
Ian White
Morata eric
February 6, 2023 at 1:53 pm
Nice product, but After 2 years of horror with china wuhan virus, this product made in china IS not for me.
Remember than made in china grows old rather Bad.
Ian White
February 6, 2023 at 2:51 pm
Eric,
And what exactly did any of the companies have to do with COVID? Do you own a TV? Where is it made? I’m willing to bet the clothing on your back was made somewhere other than France.
We can all agree that the Chinese government sucks but that doesn’t mean you punish the employees of companies because of where something is made.
We’re all in favor of supporting domestic brands, but don’t penalize a brand for where it is made.
Best,
Ian White