Set-up and installation
Contents
The Audiolab 6000N Play takes the place of our loyal Nad M50 in the set below:
- Bryston B60r integrated amplifier with optional phono stage
- Audio vector Qr1 monitor speakers
- Metrum Acoustics Onyx D/A converter
- Iso Acoustics Aperta 155 stands
- Cabling: Audioquest Go4 speaker, Supra Sword rca, Dion Audio D75 coaxial
In addition, we tested the streamer with the matching Audiolab 6000A because they will probably often be used together. We connect both devices via the usb control function. In this way, the remote control can be used for both products. When you connect the streamer analog to the amplifier, you can adjust the volume through the app. Digital goes through the remote control
Since both devices are made for each other, this combination works fine. When you buy both components you have a very tight and solid set that sounds good. A set that will not disappoint and is very versatile. But by now we know that the amplifier can go surprisingly well with the Bryston so we wonder if the streamer can do even better?
Connected to the Onyx, the sound improves a fair bit. That’s logical, we hear you thinking. Yes and no. The streamer itself has to be at the same level otherwise you will get a signal that the rest of the set will fail. But the Audiolab doesn’t disappoint. We hear the punch and dynamics of the Bryston and the detailing and tranquillity of the Metrum. Now everything sounds much more urgent and direct than by the rather cozy 6000A.
Compare
The Audiolab 6000N lets the signal through nicely and the music stands like a house. Do you have a better dac then this streamer will gratefully use this. In terms of sound, the Audiolab 6000N is doing pretty well and takes his place in the set with a lot of bravura and self-confidence. Not bad for a 500 euro streamer.
And how does it go in a direct comparison with the Bluesound Node 2. We put both aircraft next to each other at Alpha headquarters and let the Sopra’s do their thing. We send both analog to the Pass Labs and immediately hear a difference. Node’s doing better here. If we go digital through the Pavane it will be a different story. Then it’s a lot closer together and it becomes more a matter of taste. The Audiolab clicks a little warmer and the middle is a little more prominent.
Competition
Apart from the inevitable Bluesound Node 2(i) there are not that many streamers in this price range. Yamaha has an interesting option with the NP-S303 and there is the slightly older Arcam rplay. Auralic had the Aries Mini but it disappeared from the range. And that’s about where it stops unless we look at more niche brands like Sonore, Allo or Volumio. Maybe something to explore in the future.
