The new Audiolab 9000A Integrated Amplifier with the 9000CDT CD Transport caters 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.
In addition to the class-leading CD playback design, the 9000CDT also offers digital music file compatibly via a dedicated USB ‘Type A’ connection, to the rear of the unit. Every significant hi-res and lossless audio format is catered for, including WAV, AAC and WMA, as well as compressed legacy MP3 formats.
The 9000A is the best integrated amplifier Audiolab has ever made. The 9000A and 9000CDT introduces a smart new aesthetic, as befits a new flagship range. Solidly built and impeccably finished, the systems appearance reflects the crisp elegance and controlled muscularity of its sound.
Specification summary
- Integrated stereo amplifier with hi-res DAC
- CD Transport and USB HDD player
- Class AB power amplification: 2x 100W into 8 ohms
- DAC stage based around flagship ES9038PRO Sabre chipset
- Supports PCM to 32-bit/768kHz, DSD 64/128/256/512 and full MQA decoding
- Digital upsampling and five user-selectable DAC reconstruction filters
- Class A post-DAC active filter
- Bluetooth 5 streaming with LDAC and aptX HD support
- Certified ‘Roon Tested’
- High-performance MM phono stage
- Dedicated current-feedback headphone amp
- Three operational modes: Integrated Mode; Pre-Power Mode; Pre Mode
- 4.3in colour IPS LCD display
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.
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.
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.
Headphone amplifier
Headphone listeners are equally well served by the 9000A’s dedicated headphone amplifier. With its current-feedback design and high slew rate, a dynamic and detailed performance with all manner of headphones is assured – a far cry from the elementary headphone outputs of most integrated amps.
Cable inputs
- 1x USB Type B digital (768kHz)
- 4x S/PDIF digital (192kHz)
- 1x stereo XLR balanced analogue
- 4x stereo RCA analogue (3x line; 1x MM phono)
- 1x stereo RCA power amp input
- 1x USB Type A for firmware updates
- 1x 12V trigger
Cable outputs
- ▪ Gold-pated speaker binding posts
- 1x 6.3mm headphone output
- 1x stereo RCA preamp output
- 1x 12V trigger
CD transport
The 9000CDT builds on the reputation of the highly respected 6000CDT, engineered to make the most of any still-treasured CD collection. It incorporates a new, high-end transport mechanism, featuring a high-precision optical system and low-friction loading tray.
Following in a long list of award-winning audiolab CD playback devices, the 9000CDT uses a high-precision optical system with an electronic data buffer for accurate and seamless CD playback. The read-ahead digital buffer to reduce disc-reading failures, helping the 9000CDT play scratched and damaged CDs that may be unreadable by conventional mechanisms.
Isolation from vibration
To ensure a flawless signal reaches the accompanying DAC, the coaxial output of the 9000CDT is fed from a differential line driver. The master clock is controlled by a high-accuracy crystal oscillator, enabling the digital output from both coaxial and optical sockets to exhibit vanishingly low levels of jitter (digital distortion).
The low-friction loading tray, sturdy aluminium base and chassis of the 9000CDT work to tackle vibrations that are experienced due to the mechanics of a high-spin-velocity motor. Further, the transport is mounted in its own, electromagnetically shielded enclosure with a dedicated power supply. All of which contribute to the exemplary digital signal extraction, while the proven resonance reduction further improves performance and onward effect in ancillary Hi-Fi equipment and signal chains.
Digital files in any format
In addition to the class-leading CD playback design, the 9000CDT also offers digital music file compatibly via a dedicated USB ‘Type A’ connection, to the rear of the unit. Every significant hi-res and lossless audio format is catered for, including WAV, AAC and WMA, as well as compressed legacy MP3 formats.
Sporting a 4.3” IPS LCD screen with a detailed but simple to use GUI, the 9000CDT offers a vivid representation of information including system settings, format, folder, track details and other data.
| 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 / Silver |
| Power Requirements |
220-240V ~ 50/60Hz; |
| (depending on region) |
100-120V ~ 50/60Hz |
| Standard Accessories |
Power Cord, Remote Control, User Manual, Antennas, etc. |
| Model |
9000CDT |
| General Description |
CD Transport and USB HDD player |
| USB Storage Device Audio Format |
MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV file compatible |
| USB Storage Device File System |
FAT12, FAT16 and FAT32 device compatible |
| Digital Output Amplitude |
500 +/-50mVpp |
| Output Impedance |
75Ω |
| Frequency Response |
-0.01dB (20Hz-20kHz, ref.1 kHz) |
| Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) |
< 0.002% |
| Sampling Rate |
44.1kHz (48kHz files can be played via the 9000CDT |
|
but will be resampled to 44.1kHz) |
| Digital Output Interface |
1 x Coaxial , 1 x Optical |
| Standby Power Consumption |
< 0.5W |
| Power Requirements (according to region) |
220-240V - 50/60Hz |
|
100-120V - 50/60Hz |
| Product Size (mm) (W x D x H) |
444 x 322 x 89 |
| Carton Size (mm) (W x D x H) |
514 x 470 x 161 |
| Net Weight |
5.74kg |
| Gross Weight |
7.6kg |
