Audiolab 6000N Play Music Streamer

About The Audiolab 6000N Play Music Streamer

The Audiolab 6000N Play music streamer brings high-resolution wireless streaming to any hi-fi system. With both Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity, it allows you to stream from smartphones, tablets, computers, or a NAS drive with ease. Featuring a slim, stylish design that matches the award-winning Audiolab 6000 Series, the 6000N Play is an affordable way to add modern streaming capability to traditional audio setups.

ESS Sabre32 DAC for Exceptional Sound Quality

At its core, the 6000N Play uses the ES9018 Sabre32 Reference DAC, the same chip found in the acclaimed Audiolab 6000A amplifier. Combined with Audiolab’s precision circuitry, isolated power supply, and high-efficiency toroidal transformer, this DAC delivers ultra-low noise, wide dynamic range, and crystal-clear sound. Simply connect the RCA analogue output to your amplifier or active speakers and enjoy premium-quality audio.

High-Resolution Audio Streaming

The Audiolab 6000N Play network player supports popular file formats including MP3, AAC, FLAC, and WAV, handling resolutions up to 24-bit/192kHz. In Critical Listening Mode, it streams native high-resolution files without down-sampling for uncompromised sound quality. Multiroom playback is also supported, with CD-quality streaming across multiple zones.

Flexible Wired and Wireless Connectivity

Connect the 6000N Play via Ethernet for the most stable playback, or enjoy the convenience of built-in dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz). Using DTS Play-Fi technology, the 6000N integrates seamlessly with iOS, Android, Windows, and DLNA/UPnP servers, giving you access to music libraries, internet radio, and streaming services across your home network.

Voice Control with Amazon Alexa

The 6000N Play works with Amazon Alexa (via a separate Alexa-enabled device) for hands-free control. You can use voice commands to play specific artists, albums, songs, stations, or playlists from compatible services like Spotify, TuneIn, and Amazon Music. Basic playback controls such as play, pause, skip, and volume are also supported.

Multiroom Audio with DTS Play-Fi

Thanks to DTS Play-Fi, the Audiolab 6000N Play supports multiroom audio. Play the same song across multiple rooms or different tracks in each zone. Up to eight devices can stream simultaneously, with support for as many as 16 Play-Fi products on one network.

Spotify Connect and Music Apps

The 6000N Play streamer integrates directly with Spotify Connect, letting you stream straight from the Spotify app (free or premium). It also supports Amazon Music, Qobuz, Tidal, Deezer, internet radio, and more via the KEF Connect app.

Easy Access with Six Presets

On the front panel, the 6000N Play includes six preset buttons for quick access to your favourite internet radio stations or streaming services. These presets can also be managed through the Play-Fi app for added convenience.

Versatile Outputs for Any System

The Audiolab 6000N Play offers both analogue and digital outputs, making it compatible with a wide range of amplifiers, receivers, and powered speakers. Outputs include stereo RCA, optical (Toslink), and coaxial, supporting 2-channel PCM audio up to 24-bit/192kHz.

Our Review

Audiolab has a fantastic reputation for top quality gear but at reasonable prices. Behind that modest facade, the 6000N Play exudes an air of quiet confidence, borrowing tech and features from the acclaimed6000A amplifier and 6000CDT CD transport. Buying an Audiolab 6000N Play doesn't mean you have to get rid of your CD's and LP's but is a great way to get started in a format that is not going to disappear in a hurry. It's price-point doesn't ask you to take out a loan, but its contemporary design and host of quality features and exceptional sound make it hard to resist. As one writer said: "Quite frankly, it's the best budget solution we've had the pleasure of meeting."

The operational simplicity, coupled to Play-Fi's versatility, is yet another key to the 6000N Play's appeal. For some, it is the perfect way to stream music from the likes of Spotify, Tidal and Deezer, with all the additional functionality of Play-Fi including multi-room audio. For others, it is simply the best way of adding radio to their hi-fi system, with the huge choice of stations available via the internet – the traditional hi-fi 'tuner' component, reinvented for the streaming age. Call us to talk more.

Main Features & Specifications

• Design: Component Music Server (also known as Network Music Player)
• Installation/Set Up: Easy with no complicated computer-based configuration. Just download the DTS Play Fi app and within minutes, you're ready to listen.
• DAC: ES9018 Sabre32 32-bit/192kHz digital-to-analogue converter for high-performance playback of digital sources
• Connection: Connect to your home network via wired either Ethernet or Wi-Fi for music streaming:
  • stream from compatible services like Spotify Premium, TIDAL, HDtracks, Deezer, Qobuz, Amazon Music and Napster (subscriptions may be required)
• Internet Radio: Choose either TuneIn, iHeartRadio
• Streaming Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz
• Presets: Six programmable presets for quick access to favourite stations or playlists
• DTS Play-Fi® app lets you wirelessly play music and create a multi-room music system with other Play-Fi speakers and components
  • available for Apple iOS, Android, Kindle, and Windows PC
• Frequency Response: 20-20,000 Hz (±0.5dB)
• Isolated Power Supply: Derived from the highly acclaimed Audiolab 6000CDT CD transport
• Analogue Output: Stereo RCA output
• Optical Digital Output: Yes
• Coaxial Digital Output: Yes
• RJ-45 Ethernet Port: Makes for a better wired connection to your network
• Type B USB Control port: Connect to Audiolab 6000A stereo amplifier (cable included)
  • allows DTS Play-Fi app to control amp volume
• Type A USB Port: Service updates only
• 12-volt Trigger: Both in and out
• Power Cord: The Audiolab 6000N Play network audio player comes with a detachable IEC AC power cord. Click here to see upgrade options.
• Available Finishes: Silver & Black
• Dimensions (WxHxD): 445 x 80 x 330mm. Including feet, terminals and controls
• Net Weight: 4.9 kg
• Manufacturer's Warranty: 1 year

Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE