Audiolab 6000A MKII Integrated Amplifier (Black) + Wharfedale Diamond 12.3I Floorstand Speakers - Pair (Black)

Audiolab 6000A MKII Integrated Amplifier (Black) + Wharfedale Diamond 12.3I Floorstand Speakers - Pair (Black) Audiolab 6000A MKII Integrated Amplifier (Black) Building on the legacy of the award-winning 6000A, the Audiolab 6000A MKII introduces key advancements inspired by the flagship 9000A and versatile 7000A models. With refined circuitry and enhanced performance, it continues Audiolab’s tradition of delivering exceptional sound at an accessible price point—perfect for audiophiles seeking high-quality audio from a brand with over 40 years of innovation. Prior to September 2018, the model of reference for the audiolab brand was naturally the illustrious 8000A. Yet, back in 2018, Audiolab rewrote the history book with the announcement of the 6000A - the most inexpensive model in a 40+ year history of the Great British brand. The 6000A earned What Hi-Fi? Five-Star status, Hi-Fi News Outstanding Product recognition, Hi-Fi Choice Editor’s Choice, and became a staple for thousands of new audiophiles entering the world of high-quality sound. Since the 6000A inception - a design project that commenced in 2016 - the Audiolab brand’s evolution has been thick and fast. In recent times, award-winning models have been introduced in the digital music playback sources and integrated amplifier domains. Models like the 9000CDT, 9000N, 7000CDT, 7000N Play, 9000A, and 7000A have showcased Audiolab’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance at a variety of price points. Key Enhancements Improved Power Supply and Transformer The Audiolab 6000A MKII uses an improved transformer and implementation. Increased voltage delivered from the transformer secondary windings, and reduced impedance for better control of the power supply voltage. The effect of this is a typically Audiolab sound signature - remarkable sonic consistency that is thoroughly engaging with crisp definition, incredible dynamics, and rhythmic timing. A substantial 200VA toroidal transformer is followed by 4 x 15000uF reservoir capacitors for the power-amp power supply (30000uF per rail). This helps the amp to maintain firm control of the music, whilst enabling excellent dynamic range. Expanded Connectivity Then, there’s the connectivity: the state-of-the-art digital-to-analogue signal conversion enables the four S/PDIF inputs and new HDMI ARC input for convenient AV system integration – a key area of improvement over the original model and new ‘must’ for a growing number of modern audiophiles. Then there's a step up to a Bluetooth 5.1 aptX HD receiver. for optimum range, speed and performance when streaming over Bluetooth connection. Class AB Amplification: Audiophile Pedigre Unlike the growing trend of Class D amplifiers offered by competitors at this price point, the 6000A MKII stays true to Audiolab's audiophile heritage with a Class AB power amplifier. The amplifier delivers 50W per channel, with a peak current delivery of 11 amps into difficult loads. The amplifier’s CFB (Complementary Feedback) topology ensures superior linearity and thermal stability, keeping the idle current independent of output transistor temperatures. Signal Purity and Flexibility The preamp section of the 6000A MKII continues Audiolab’s philosophy of minimalism for maximum signal purity. The precision analogue volume control and independent low-noise power supplies ensure a performance that competes with significantly more expensive analogue amplifiers. Other inputs continue to extend to analogue RCA and a phono stage with a dedicated high-quality, low-noise circuit with precise RIAA equalisation. Not to mention the now-Audiolab standard dedicated headphone amp also with current-feedback circuitry. Its gain bandwidth and high slew rate ensure a dynamic, detailed and engaging performance with all manner of headphone types – more boxes ticked for this most integrated of integrated amplifiers. Multi-Functional Operation Modes The multifunctional operation modes are implemented as standard too: ‘Integrated’ – a combination of the pre and power amp stages. ‘Pre’ - which turns the unit into a dedicated preamplifier. And ‘Pre Power’ mode: a unique mode that separates the pre and power stages: ‘Pre-Power Mode’ disconnects the pre and power amp stages so the 6000A MKII can be used solely as a power amp—for example, connected to an AV processor in a home cinema system. It also enables additional signal processing by connecting the 6000A’s ‘preamp out’ socket to an external processor and returning the processor’s output to the amp’s ‘power amp in’ socket. Specifications General Description Integrated Amplifier Design Philosophy and Core Technology 2x50W (8 ohms) / 2x75 (4 ohms) Class AB Design ES9038Q2M 32-bit DAC Bluetooth 5.1 (aptX / aptX HD) Dedicated High Performance Low Noise MM Phono stage Dedicated Current-Feedback Headphone Amp Integrated / Pre-Power / Pre Modes only Modes Inputs 3 x Analogue, 1 x Phono (MM), 1 x Power Amplifier, 2 x SPDIF (Coax), 2 x SPDIF (Optical), 1 x HDMI ARC, 1 x Bluetooth (aptX / aptX HD), 1 x 12V Trigger Outputs 1 x PRE Amplifier, 1 x Stereo Speaker, 1 x Headphone, 1 x 12V Trigger Sampling Frequency Optical / Coaxial: 44.1kHz-192kHz Preamplifier Section Gain +8dB (Line); +54dB (Phono MM) Input Sensitivity 720mV (Line, Volume = 0dB); 3.1mV (Phone MM, Volume = 0dB) Input lmpedance 10K (Line); 47k/100pF (Phono MM) Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) <0.0004% (1kHz @ 2V, Volume = 0dB) Frequency Response 20Hz-20kHz (+/-0.1dB) Output Voltage 2.3V max. (Volume = 0dB) Output Impedance 120 ohms Signal-to-Noise Ratio >110dB (Line, A-weighted); > 79dB (Phono MM, A-weighted) DAC D to A Converter ES9038Q2M Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) <0.001% (1KHz @ 0dBFS) Output Level (OdBFS, 1kHz) 2.05Vrms Max.Sampling Frequency Optical, Coaxial: 192kHz; Signal-to-Noise Ratio (S/N) >116dB (A-weighted) Power Amplifier Section Gain +29dB Rated Power Output 2 x 50W (8 ohms, THD<1%); 2 x 75W (4 ohms, THD<1%) Frequency Response 20Hz-20kHz (+/-0.3dB) Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) Input Sensitivity <0.003% (1kHz @ 50W / 8 ohms) 720mV Signal-to-Noise Ratio (S/N) >109dB (A-weighted) Max. Output Current 11A Wharfedale Diamond 12.3i Floorstanding Speakers - Pair (Black) DIAMOND 12.3i Since its launch in 2020, the Wharfedale DIAMOND 12 Series has received widespread praise as a standard for performance and value in affordable hi-fi speakers. After over five years of consistent success, awards, and positive reviews from audio enthusiasts and critics alike, the DIAMOND 12 Series has established itself as one of the most enduring and best-selling speaker series. Now, Wharfedale is excited to introduce the updated DIAMOND 12i Series. This new series features luxurious, modern finishes and subtle acoustic improvements that build on the strong foundation of the original design. A Design Legacy — Now with a Contemporary Edge The DIAMOND 12 Series raised the bar in its category for sound quality, design, and musical engagement. Today, Wharfedale’s in-house team has further developed the series, focusing not on reinventing but on refining and improving. The series now includes three beautiful new finishes that complement modern interiors: All-Black: A deep, rich semi-matte finish that offers a sleek, contemporary look—subtle and sophisticated. Classic Walnut with Semi-Matte Black Baffle: A timeless classic reimagined, blending the natural warmth of walnut with a clean, contrasting baffle for a premium appearance. Stone Grey: A striking modern option that suits minimalist styles and stands out. More Than Skin Deep Known for quality, affordability, and exceptional build quality, the Wharfedale Diamond series has always prioritised fit and finish. The new luxurious finishes enhance the loudspeaker’s premium look and feel, matching its impressive sound performance. Incremental Acoustic Enhancements Along with the aesthetic upgrade, Wharfedale’s engineering team revisited the speaker’s internals, paying special attention to bass port tuning and airflow control. Small but significant changes to the port design and internal damping have improved bass clarity and low-frequency control—especially in real-world environments. Listeners will notice the difference. A thorough port design effort led by Wharfedale’s Director of Acoustic Design, Peter Comeau, and senior engineers Dan Bailey Ornellas and Oliver Davies aimed to refine low-frequency performance through extensive empirical testing and listening evaluations. The development process lasted several months and included advanced techniques, such as laser interferometry, extensive anechoic and in-room measurements, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to assess airflow and pressure in the port structure. Critical listening sessions—totalling hundreds of hours—were held to confirm the results. The outcome is a bass response that is better controlled and more articulate, with improved transitions between low and mid frequencies and consistent spatial performance, no matter the placement. These changes maintain the DIAMOND 12’s signature neutrality while subtly increasing listener engagement and dynamic flow. At the Core: Klarity™ Cone Technology The DIAMOND 12i mid/bass driver cones remain unchanged and are made from Klarity™, a special blend of polypropylene and mica that provides excellent stiffness and low distortion. This results in a cone that is lightweight, well-damped, and very responsive, delivering natural, expressive dynamics and precise transient response. A low-damping surround enhances the cone’s efficiency and dynamic range, while ribbed shaping and profile simulation ensure a smooth, linear frequency response without added distortion. Advanced Magnet Assembly Each mid/bass driver features a precise magnet system with an aluminium compensation ring to reduce the effects of inductance changes as the voice coil moves. This advanced motor system minimises intermodulation and distortion, producing cleaner, more accurate sound. The voice coil is wrapped around a high-power epoxy/glass fibre bobbin, which performs significantly better than standard materials at this price point, offering greater power handling, thermal stability, and structural strength. 25mm Textile Dome Tweeter High frequencies are produced by a 25mm woven polyester dome with a high-loss damping coating, resulting in extended, smooth treble response. The front plate is designed acoustically with a flat profile and minimal waveguide to enhance dispersion and output. The result is clear, natural high frequencies with excellent off-axis performance. High-Quality Crossover Components Wharfedale’s engineers use a sophisticated Linkwitz-Riley crossover design, complete with air-core inductors—components typically found in high-end speakers. The crossover network is finely adjusted for minimal phase shift and smooth integration between drivers. The magnet structure for the mid/bass driver is modified to address the resistance of these high-quality inductors, ensuring fast, clean bass without compromise. Low-Resonance Cabinet Design Each enclosure features a multi-layered sandwich construction that reduces panel resonance and distortion. Even the adhesive properties between the layers have been acoustically tested to optimise damping. Inside, intelligent spot bracing connects opposite cabinet walls using computer-modelled braces that reduce vibration without passing it from one surface to another. This contributes to the solid and authoritative sound signature of the Diamond 12i series. Preserve the Essence, Perfect the Experience Overall, the new DIAMOND 12i series is sure to impress. The changes may seem minor, but the impact is significant. It looks, feels, and performs like something new because it is. Yet, it still retains all of the qualities that made the original iteration so special! Specifications: Model DIAMOND 12.3i General Description 2.5-way floorstanding speaker Design Philosophy and Core Technology Enclosure Type bass reflex Transducer Complement ABR Bass Driver 5" (130mm) advanced PP Cone Midrange Driver 5" (130mm) advanced PP Cone Treble Driver 1" (25mm) Textile Dome Full-range Driver AV Shield No Sensitivity (2.83V @ 1m) 89dB Recommended Amplifier Power 30-150W Peak Power Handling Peak SPL 102dB Nominal Impedance 8Ω Compatible Minimum Impedance 5.0Ω Frequency Response (+/-3dB) 45Hz - 20kHz Bass Extension (-6dB) 40Hz Crossover Frequency 2.2kHz Cabinet Volume (in litres) 26.6L Dimensions ( H x W x D ) (925+50) x 180 x (320+28)mm Net Weight 19.5kg/pcs