9000A

Integrated Amplifier

Digital Face

Matching the modern hi-fi enthusiast’s requirements, the 9000A features a full-colour IPS LCD screen, offering clear and informative playback, source and file information. Not to mention a host of menu options for optimum performance and user-defined settings. Various display options are provided, which also include two VU meter options, allowing the 9000A to be visually informative or, in the case of ‘display off’ settings, a discreet centrepiece of any audio system.

Flexible and capable

Differentiating itself from rivals within its category, the audiolab 9000A blends digital capability with an analogue pedigree. Premium level D/A conversion, as one would always expect from audiolab, allows a range of digital sources (over four digital inputs) to be connected directly to this high-power integrated unit. Yet, based on over 40 years of amplifier design pedigree, not to mention a recent history of multi-award-winning audio solutions, the 9000A also caters for analogue device integrations (via three AUX, balanced XLR and a dedicated phono input).

The world of modern audio enjoyment is not limited to wired playback devices though, hence the 9000A also supports wireless connectivity via Bluetooth and digital audio via a PC USB connection.

The 9000A is the brainchild of lead designer, Jan Ertner. Famed for a plethora of class-leading and award-winning audio electronic models, Jan has pushed the 9000A to the highest levels of performance by evolving and redeveloping the principles that created the 8300A and uber-successful 6000A, to deliver the most exceptional performance ever seen in an audiolab integrated amplifier.

Flagship DAC

The 9000A features the latest ESS 9038PRO flagship 32-bit DAC chip. Using the critically acclaimed patented HyperStream® II architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator, the ES9038PRO delivers an unprecedented performance level that will satisfy the needs of the most demanding audio applications – fitting an amplifier of the 9000A’s calibre.

Years of experience and countless ESS-equipped models mean that audiolab is more than familiar with making the most of this technically excellent but challenging DAC technology. Great attention has been paid in developing a system that allows audiolab electronics and ESS DAC technology to offer the best in audiophile performance.

The amp’s four S/PDIF digital inputs – two coaxial and two optical – handle hi-res PCM data up to 24-bit/192kHz and benefit from a host of user-selectable digital filters that allow the user to optimise the response to suit the source file and bandwidth of the partnering equipment.

PCM audio is supported to 32-bit/768kHz, alongside DSD to 22.5MHz (DSD512). Every significant hi-res and lossless audio format is catered for, including FLAC, ALAC, AIFF and WAV, as well as compressed legacy formats.

ROON

Further to this, the audiolab 9000A is also Roon tested, thus opening up to the world of Roon. Roon’s fundamental goal is to provide a consistently stellar user experience. This goal doesn’t stop at the software… the experience extends all the way down to the audio playback hardware, regardless of manufacturer. As a Roon Tested partner, audiolab has provided equipment to Roon for testing with a variety of different operating systems and computers and shared information about its design and capabilities. We have a direct relationship with Roon and in many cases, the Roon support team has our devices on hand, so you can confidently choose to use audiolab hardware with Roon.

Roon transforms the experience of browsing music. Artist photos, credits, bios, reviews, lyrics, tour dates, and composers are located automatically, then interconnected by links to build a surfable, searchable digital magazine about your collection.

And Roon finds all the same links between your personal files and the millions of tracks available on TIDAL, so you can start with the music you know, then explore and discover new music from the world beyond your collection.

In addition to music browsing, Roon is a multi-room, multi-user networked audio platform built to the exacting standards of audiophiles. It offers features like bit-perfect playback, DSD and PCM upsampling, multichannel playback, and signal path display. Click here for more information on Roon.

MQA All the Way

The 9000A also delivers full decoding of MQA, the hi-res streaming technology from a custom engineered MQA certified DAC solution. This means that the complete ‘three unfold’ decoding process is performed internally, as opposed to just the final unfold in the manner of an MQA ‘renderer’, which makes the 9000A an excellent system choice for subscribers to Tidal’s ‘HiFi Plus’ tier where Tidal Masters (MQA) content can be found.

As expected for modern audio playback convenience, Bluetooth connectivity is featured as standard with the 9000A stepping up to the aptX HD protocol for sonically superior and easy wireless streaming from smartphones, tablets, laptops and more. Bluetooth-paired devices also benefit from the quality of the amp’s DAC section and filter options.

The 9000A’s discrete Class AB power amp stage delivers 100W per channel into 8 ohms (160w per channel into 4 ohms!). Unlike over-specified competitor models, the genuine 100W per channel will put the 9000A up against the best in its class. Referring to the standards set with the audiolab 6000A (rated at 50W per channel), the 9000A’s 100W per channel will undoubtedly satisfy the most demanding of loudspeakers and their power-hungry masters.

A key to the audiolab performance is the world-famous CFB (Complementary Feedback) topology, which ensures superior linearity and excellent thermal stability, as the idle current is kept independent of the temperature of the output transistors. An all-new and custom specified 320VA toroidal transformer, followed by 4 x 15,000uF reservoir capacity (60,000uF in total), helps the amp to maintain firm control of the music whilst enabling excellent dynamic range.

In an effort to maintain consistent signal purity, with line input signals passing to a precision analogue volume stage, the preamp section is kept as simple as possible. As with all of Jan Ertner’s designs, the circuity is a work of art in more than layout and architecture. The very design protects the sensitive preamp section from noise interference and colouration – a key cornerstone of the audiolab philosophy.

High-Performance Phono Stage

With every iteration of integrated amplifier design, audiolab works to improve on the bench-mark, built-in phono stage section. The 9000A is no different; pushing the boundaries of performance of an onboard phono pre-amp section. The all-new phono pre-amp for 9000A offers compatibility for moving magnet – a JFET-based circuit with precise RIAA equalisation offers the best of both worlds for the turntable using audiolab fans.

Similarly, for the headphone output stage employing current-feedback circuitry with wide bandwidth and high slew rate; the 9000A ensures a dynamic, detailed and engaging performance with all manner of headphone types, with that extra added audiolab sparkle from the consistent signal integrity from all inputs.

The audiolab 9000A continues with the theme of flexibility in audio system integration. As is a staple to the audiolab integrated amplifier design, the 9000A offers three variations of operating mode, making it a versatile and essential component in any system.

Power to the People

The primary mode is ‘Integrated’ – this combines the pre and power amp stages, for the connection of digital and analogue sources to the amp’s inputs and a pair of speakers to its binding posts.

‘Pre-Power Mode’ disconnects the pre and power amp stages. The allows the 9000A to 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 to be added, by connecting the 9000A’s ‘preamp out’ socket to an external processor, then returning the processor’s output to the amp’s ‘power amp in’ socket, making the most of its gargantuan 100W per channel performance and critical performance characteristic of the 9000A’s pre-section, regardless of what magic the users wants to implement in between!

9000N

Developed to be the perfect digital streaming companion for the flagship audiolab 9000 series, the new 9000N is the result of over three year’s development and innovation to provide a critically stable, high-resolution wireless (and wired) digital music playback.

Overview

Digital face

Debuting earlier in 2022, the audiolab 9000 series exemplifies audiolab’s reputation for delivering class-leading amplifiers and, more recently, CD playback. Having forayed into entry-level streaming with the wildly successful, multi-award-winning 6000N Play and, more recently, the 7000N Play, the more high-end 9000N has been eagerly anticipated!

The 9000N answers the 9000 series and its natural progression towards a more premium hi-fi solution while answering overwhelming customer demand for a solidly built and impeccably finished streaming component.

Flexible and capable

The format of the 9000N reflects the crisp elegance of the 9000A and matching CDT. Equipped with rotary controls and an absence of buttons (except for the power switch), the 9000N also implements the 4.3in colour screen, as found in the rest of the series – the perfect window for presentation for your digital music files… including full-colour album artwork!

The screen displays a variety of information in a more visually appealing way than most other streaming devices, many of which have traditionally relied upon the accompanying app for operational feedback and user control and interface. The 9000N’s display offers full menu controls, an array of options, and user settings, including multi-language selection and general display options.

Most impressively, the 9000N display presents details of format data, playback information and, as mentioned above, full-colour album artwork display. Album artwork is visible in the default playback screen but can also be expanded for an artwork-emphasised playback screen. The display can even be set to display a VU meter in ‘analogue’ or ‘digital’ form, showing real-time decibel levels for the left and right channels – a satisfying graphical representation of the music as it plays. For a more minimalistic option, the display can be dimmed or turned off completely, as the user prefers.

Stream like a dream

Proudly developed to combine an incredibly capable and equally stable streaming platform with audiolab’s digital know-how, world-beating DAC implementation and signal flow, and the intuitive 9000 series general user interface, for the ultimate streaming solution.

The audiolab 9000N app offers immediate access to Qobuz and Tidal, with full access to hi-res and MQA content, as well as Spotify, TuneIn internet radio and UPnP music server systems and digital audio files stored on USB HDD devices.

The app offers intelligent search functionality and full access to, control of and even the creation of user-defined playlists, folders and album grouping functions. File information, track detail and app-in-app search, select, and compilation functions are easily accessible. Qobuz and Tidal users will be pleased to know that, unlike some other apps and platforms, the hi-res and Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) tracks can be easily identified with icons within the app itself, with no need to hop between the service and device apps to find such content.

Unlike comparable technology from other manufacturers, the 9000N offers wireless playback over a Wi-Fi connection, not solely dependent on the albeit sometimes preferable wired /ethernet connection. This, along with the full album artwork and ESS9038Pro DAC chipset integration, represents several advanced features for the 9000N to boast.

Yet, it is also not limited to the audiolab 9000N app; the 9000N also offers playback via Airplay II as well as Tidal Connect and Spotify Connect for those who prefer the proprietary streaming service app.

And to add to the impressive list of digital audio platform compatibility, the 9000N is Roon Ready. Roon Ready devices are network players with Roon’s own streaming technology built right in, connected over your ethernet or WiFi network. These devices make bit-perfect high-resolution audio simple because they require no configuration, they give you access to the best audio quality and they provide stable, reliable playback.

Digital circuitry

The hardware is based upon a Quad Arm® Cortex®-A53 core MCU with 1.8 GHz per Core. This powerful ‘brain’ behind the system ensures seamless, rock-steady operation and additional benefits such as album artwork caching; for faster loading of the accompanying artwork files, thus enhancing the user experience and visual aesthetic.

Ever since the much-admired M-DAC launched more than a decade ago, Audiolab has been famed for the performance of its DAC circuitry. The 9000N incorporates the ES9038PRO – an eight-channel DAC chip representing the pinnacle of ESS Technology’s current Sabre range. This is accompanied by proprietary circuitry to make the most of the chip’s HyperStream II architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator technology for unprecedented dynamic range and ultra-low distortion.

No company knows more about making the most of Sabre DAC technology than Audiolab, having worked with it for years through several product generations. Although consistently technically excellent, these DAC chips are also challenging to implement to maximum effect and must be integrated into a product’s circuit design with care to extract their full sonic potential. The post-DAC active filter is a critical element, and Audiolab has developed a new circuit that is perfectly tailored to make the most of the ES9038PRO

The 9000N also delivers full decoding of , the hi-res streaming technology. This means that the complete ‘three unfold’ decoding process is performed internally, as opposed to just the final unfold in the manner of an MQA ‘renderer’, making the 9000A an excellent amplifier for subscribers to Tidal’s ‘HiFi Plus’ tier where Tidal Masters (MQA) content can be found. It is officially Roon Tested, too, ensuring it works seamlessly in a Roon audio environment.

Versatile connectivity

As any audiolab fan would expect, the 9000N incorporates state-of-the-art digital-to-analogue signal conversion. The 9000N offers connectivity via analogue XLR or RCA outputs. As a standalone MQA full decoder, it can be used with any amplifier or secondary pre-amp system that offers analogue connections. Further magic is employed through the digital output and option ‘MQA Pass through functionality’. For users who may employ an equally powerful DAC (9000A owners, for instance), the 9000N can stream and throughput an untouched MQA signal (from Tidal or Qobuz, for example) which that secondary DAC can then decode. This offers further functionality and versatility, not to mention a totally unadulterated signal flow – a benefit for the purists.

High-end audio that shoots for the stars but doesn’t cost the Earth

The 9000 series enters the streaming realms with a view of bringing the epitome of affordable high-end audio – build quality to be proud of, versatile functionality without a hint of compromise, and a performance that delivers every detail of the music and brings it to life in captivating style. It provides remarkable sonic consistency across all manner of digital and analogue sources, always musically engaging yet also refined.

Specifications
Model    9000A
General Description    Integrated Amplifier
Design Philosophy and Core Technology    2 x 100W (8 ohms) / 2 x 160W (4 ohms) Class AB
ES9038Pro 32-bit DAC
4.3" (800 x 480mm) Large Size Full View IPS LCD
Built-in Certified MQA Full Decoder (PC USB, Coax/Optical)
Bluetooth 5.1 (aptX/aptX HD/AAC/LDAC) Support
Dedicated High-performance, Low-noise MM Phono Stage
Dedicated Current-Feedback Headphone AMP
Integrated / PRE-POWER / PRE Only Modes
USB Upgrade Support
Inputs    3 x Analogue, 1 x XLR, 1 x Phono (MM), 1 x Power Amplifier,
2 x SPDIF (Coax), 2 x SPDIF (Optical), 1 x PC USB (USB B),
1 x Bluetooth (aptX/aptX HD/LDAC), 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;
PC USB: 44.1kHz-768kHz (PCM) / DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DSD512
Preamplifier Section    
Gain (max.)    +6dB (Line), +53dB (Phono MM)
Input Sensitivity    1Vrms (Line, Volume = 0dB);
2Vrms (XLR, Volume = 0dB), 4.4mV (Phono MM, Volume=0dB)
Input Impedance    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 & XLR, A-weighted); > 80dB (Phono MM, A-weighted)
DAC    
D to A Converter    ES9038Pro
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)    < 0.001% (1kHz @ 0dBFS)
Output Level (0dBFS, 1kHz)    2.1Vrms
Max. Sampling Frequency    Optical, Coaxial: 192kHz;
PC USB: PCM768kHz, DSD512
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (S/N)    > 117dB (A-weighted)
Power Amplifier Section    
Gain    +29dB
Rated Power Output    2 x 100W (8 ohms, THD<1%);
2 x 160W (4 ohms, THD<1%)
Frequency Response    20Hz-20kHz (+/-0.3dB)
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)    <0.002% (1kHz @ 50W / 8 ohms)
Input Sensitivity    1Vrms
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (S/N)    > 110dB (A-weighted)
Max. Output Current    15A
Headphone Amplifier    
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)    < 0.01% (1kHz, 50mW )
Output Impedance    2.35 ohms
Load Impedance    20-600 ohms
General    
Standby Power Consumption    <0.5W
Net Weight    9.4kg
Gross Weight    11.2kg
Dimensions (mm) (W x H x D)    444 x 342 x 89
Carton Size (mm) (W x H x D)    514 x 470 x 161
Finish    Black
Power Requirements    220-240V ~ 50/60Hz;
(depending on region)    100-120V ~ 50/60Hz
Standard Accessories    Power Cord, Remote Control, User Manual, Antennas, etc.

Model    9000N
General Description    Network Player
Design Philosophy And Core Technology    ESS Sabre ES9038Pro 32bit DAC
Quad Arm® Cortex®-A53 core,1.8GHz per Core
Audiolab 9000N Streaming technology (IEEE 802.11 a / b / g / n / ac,2.4/5GHz)
UPnP AV protocol with audio streaming extension (Open Home)
Built-in Certified MQA Full decoder (via streaming & PC USB)
Native support for Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, MQA, Qobuz and TuneIn Radio
Roon Ready
Gapless Playback
High-resolution album artwork display
USB storage / flash drive / USB hard disk (Single-partition FAT32, exFAT and NTFS) playback
4.3" (800 x 480px) IPS LCD screen
iOS (11.0 or later) / Android (Android 4.0 or later) required for App control
The audiolab 9000N App Features    Native support for TIDAL, MQA, Qobuz and TuneIn Radio
Tidal MQA icons to easily identify high-res music
Qobuz high-res icons to identify high-res music
Volume control
High-resolution album artwork display
Artwork caching
Intelligent search functionality
Multiple Playlist complications & functionality
Multiple tag handling
Composer tag support
Album-grouping in playlist
Automatic internet links to artists / album / songs
Saving and restoring of playlists (including Tidal and Qobuz)
Inputs    1 x Network Streaming
1 x PC USB (USB Type-B)
1 x Ethernet 10/100 / 1000 Base-T Ethernet
1 x 12V Trigger
Outputs    1 x RCA (pair)
1 x XLR (pair)
1 x Optical
1 x Coaxial
1 x 12V Trigger (Link)
Supported File Formats    DSD Lossless: DSF (DSD), DIFF (DSD), DoP (DSD)
PCM Lossless: FLAC, Apple Lossless (ALAC), WAV, AIFF
Compressed (lossy) Audio: MP3 MQA
Sampling Frequency    PCM: 44.1kHz-768kHz (705.6kHz / 768kHz Fixed-point supported via Audiolab 9000N App streaming)
DSD: DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DSD512 (Native)
Digital Section    
Digital Output Voltage    500mV +/- 50mVpp
Output Impedance    75Ω
Frequency Response    -0.01dB (20Hz - 20kHz, ref.1kHz)
Max. Sampling Frequency    192kHz / 24bit
Digital Outputs    1 x Coaxial , 1 x Optical
D to A Converter    
Variable Output Voltage    0 – 2.05V
DAC    ES9038Pro
Frequency Response    +/-0.5dB (20Hz - 20kHz, ref.1kHz)
Total Harmonic Distortion    <0.001% (1kHz @ 2.05Vrms)
Max. Sampling Frequency    768kHz / 32bit
Signal-to-noise ratio (A-weighted)    >116dB(RCA), >120dB(XLR)
Output Impedance    120Ω
General    
Standby Power Consumption    <0.5W
Net Weight    6.2kg
Gross Weight    8kg
Dimensions (mm)(W x H x D)    444 x 89 x 333
Carton Size (mm)(W x H x D)    514 x 470 x 161
Finish    Black / Silver
Power Requirements
(depending on region)    220-240V ~ 50/ 60Hz
100-120V ~ 50/ 60Hz
Safety Regulation Conformity    
Standard Accessories    Power Cord, Remote Control, User Manual