Need Advice: Audiolab 6000A + Q Acoustics Concept 20 — Rolled-off Treble? Looking for Neutral to Bright Sound

[gurujee]

Hi everyone,

Looking for some advice and experience from fellow audiophiles.

My current stereo setup consists of:

• Amplifier: Audiolab 6000A
• Speakers: Q Acoustics Concept 20 with QA Official Stands
• Streamer: iFi Zen Stream powered by Topping P50 LPS
• Speaker Cable: QED XT40i

This stereo chain is also connected via HT Bypass to my Marantz SR6008 AVR, which I use for home theatre duties.

Here’s the issue: I’ve always felt the high frequencies from this stereo setup are a bit rolled off — not quite the clear, sparkling highs I enjoy. It wasn’t until I tried listening directly through the Marantz AVR (using the Audiolab as power amp only) that I noticed a significant difference. The Marantz sound had exactly the kind of clarity and sparkle I’m after. This confirmed for me that the speakers are capable of it — the limiting factor seems to be the Audiolab amp, or possibly the lack of room correction in the stereo setup.

Now I’m at a crossroads and would love some guidance. My listening preference leans toward absolute neutrality or a slightly bright tonal balance.

Here are the upgrade options I’m considering:

1. Change the amp
   Suggestions I’ve found include Rega Elicit, Naim Nait, or even Yamaha A-S1200/2200. I’m leaning this way because it feels like the Audiolab is the most likely bottleneck.
2. Change the speakers
   Some recommend a speaker change — something like Wharfedale Evo 4.2, which reportedly pairs well with the Audiolab and leans a bit brighter. But I’m unsure if this will solve the problem or just be a sideways move.
3. Add a better DAC
   Upgrading to a DAC like the Chord Qutest has been suggested, but I wonder if that would really fix the tonal character or just improve overall resolution.
4. Add room correction hardware
   Devices like the MiniDSP Flex with Dirac Live might introduce the clarity I crave by fixing room issues — but is that overkill if the amp itself has a warm/dark signature?

So, what’s the best move here?

I’d love to hear from anyone who has experience with similar setups or who’s gone down a similar upgrade path. Should I ditch the Audiolab, or pair it with more forward-sounding speakers? Or is room correction the missing piece? Maybe even all of the above?

I can spend maximum 150000/- for any of the upgrade. Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

 

[Kannan]

If using the Marantz as pre, it sounds good, why do you want to change anything. Also in this setup, is the streamer connected to the Marantz.

 

[gurujee]

If using the Marantz as pre, it sounds good, why do you want to change anything. Also in this setup, is the streamer connected to the Marantz.

Using Marantz as pre defeats the whole purpose of having a separate stereo system and it is only the highs that better with marantz, everything else is the standard of sound when AVR does stereo duty.
No streamer is only connected with the int.amp. When using marantz as pre, I am using Spotify connect/airplay directly with the AVR.

 

[amrutmhatre90]

@gurujee add a dedicated streamer to your Audiolab setup.
A simple streamer as Wiim Pro connected to Audiolab via coax will give you good sonic benefits

I have used similar setup in past, and did not find concept 20 to be rolled off a lot, but yes they are not the sparkling speakers.

 

[gurujee]

@gurujee add a dedicated streamer to your Audiolab setup.
A simple streamer as Wiim Pro connected to Audiolab via coax will give you good sonic benefits

I have used similar setup in past, and did not find concept 20 to be rolled off a lot, but yes they are not the sparkling speakers.

I already have the IFI Zen Stream connected to it

 

[amrutmhatre90]

I already have the IFI Zen Stream connected to it

Sorry missed it.
Then your need for sparkling might come from change of speakers, as they wouldn't sparkle as you want

 

[premoddev]

If you have spare cables available, can you try changing cables? especially the interconnect connects your streamer to amp.

 

[fLUX]

IME the Cambridge Audio CXA80 worked great with Concept 20. Something in similar lines might do well, however in similar budget you can opt for a more resolving speaker too using your AL6000 for auditions.

 

[gurujee]

If you have spare cables available, can you try changing cables? especially the interconnect connects your streamer to amp.

sorry to mention- I am using this for connecting the streamer to the amp -

Othello Digital reference SPDIF Co Axial Digital Cable by Sound Foundation ​

 

[MaSh]

Looks like your Audiolab Pre section is the weak link. You have a good streamer. Get a DAC which can also do Pre duties (a lot of them around) and use the Audiolab as a power amp. If this works well, you can plan for a dedicated DAC and a separate Preamp (Solid State or even Tube) to drive the Audiolab in the future. This could prove to be a cheaper and easier way to move forward.

MaSh

 

[rajeshg_k123]

Looks like after adding marantz you have found difference. If it was room EQed probably that could be reason that you liked it. Try to listen again without room EQ from marantz and see if its as per your liking.
If it's not room EQ then it could be DAC.

 

[COOLDUDE7808]

Read this ...maybe this amp will work for you .

Rega Elicit MK5 review

Rega’s premium integrated amplifier is more versatile and even better sounding than ever

www.whathifi.com

I have not heard this , but also looking for amp which is forward with vocals and slightly more treble - not warm or laidback .

Check Rega products and audition them if you can . Norge which I am using currently is better than marantz in this department .