Audiolab 9000A Integrated amplifier

Key Features

• Class AB power amplifier
• 100 Watt per channel into 8 ohms (150w into 4 ohms)
• Flagship DAC ESS 9038PRO flagship 32-bit built-in
• Full MQA decoder
• Bluetooth aptX
• 4.3” IPS LCD user interface 
• 2 x Optical, 2 x Coax, XLR input and Phono input

Following on from the original 8000 series, the award-winning 8200, 8300 series and more recent 6000 series, Audiolab returns to the more premium price and performance categories with the new Audiolab 9000 Series.

As ever, the 9000A is the centre of the Audiolab focus in being the beating heart of any high-performance audio system. It's more powerful, capable and feature-packed than any of the preceding models - the most advanced Audiolab integrated amplifier yet. Versatility is key to Audiolab's integrated amplifier appeal, and the 9000A offers to cater for audiophiles of all creeds. Loaded with digital and analogue source connection, wireless connectivity for portable devices, an all-new phono stage to cater for vinyl playback and the usual, class-leading amplification for loudspeakers and headphones.

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.

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 to developing a system that allows Audiolab electronics and ESS DAC technology to offer the best 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.
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 (150W 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.

Who is Audiolab?

Originally created by Philip Swift and Derek Scotland over 30 years ago, Audiolab has always designed high-performance electronics at real-world prices with great build quality. The original 8000 series have been re-engineered for the 21st century and the resulting 6000 models extended to embrace digital music streaming.