An integrated amplifier combines a preamplifier (source switching and volume control) and a power amplifier (speaker drive) in a single unit. It is the most common amplifier type for home hi-fi systems and the most cost-effective path to quality amplification. Audiolab and Quad integrated amplifiers — exclusively distributed in Australia by AVR — are among the most decorated in their respective price classes.
For bookshelf speakers in typical rooms, 30–60W per channel is sufficient. For floorstanding speakers or larger rooms, 80–150W is recommended. Speaker sensitivity matters as much as power — a speaker at 88dB needs half the amplifier power of one at 85dB to reach the same volume. The Audiolab 6000A (50W) suits most bookshelf speakers. The Audiolab 9000A (100W) suits demanding floorstanders.
Feature
Quad 3
Audiolab 6000A MkII
Power (8 ohms)
65W/ch
50W/ch
DAC chip
ESS ES9038Q2M
ESS ES9038Q2M
Phono stage
MM
MM
Bluetooth
aptX, aptX HD
aptX, aptX HD
USB input for a computer
Yes
No
HDMI ARC
Yes
Yes
Headphone output
Yes
Yes
Both use the same ESS DAC chip. The Quad 3 adds a USB input for a computer and Quad's bass and tilt tone controls. Specifications from Quad and Audiolab.
Yes. The Audiolab 6000A includes a 32-bit ESS Sabre DAC with USB, optical, and coaxial digital inputs, plus a moving magnet phono stage for turntable connection, and a headphone output. The 6000A has won multiple What Hi-Fi? Awards as Best Integrated Amplifier Under £600 — one of the most consistently decorated products in the AVR range.
Yes, if your amplifier has a dedicated phono input (labelled PHONO). The Audiolab 6000A MkII, Quad 3 and Leak Stereo 130 all include built-in MM phono stages. If your amplifier does not have a phono input, a separate phono preamplifier is required between the turntable and amplifier.
Audiolab, Quad, and Leak integrated amplifiers are available directly from avrevolution.com.au with free shipping on orders over $500. You can also audition at AVR's authorised dealer network in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth. Visit avrevolution.com.au/pages/dealers.
Yes. All Audiolab, Quad, and Leak amplifiers purchased through AVR carry a 1-year Australian warranty, extended to 3 years when the product is registered with AVR within 90 days of purchase. As the exclusive local distributor, all warranty service is handled in Australia — no overseas returns required.
