Audiolab 9000A + KEF R3 META + Cables

£3,149.00 £3,999.00
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The Audiolab 9000A features the latest ESS 9038PRO flagship 32-bit DAC chip making it the perfect centre piece along with the KEF R3 META speakers.


The new Audiolab 9000A Integrated Amplifier is part of a brand new premium 9000 series from Audiolab. Also available is the 9000CDT CD Transport and there will also be a wireless audio streamer the 9000N available in the near future.

The 9000A is the first component in Audiolab’s new flagship range, the 9000 Series. It is also the best integrated amplifier Audiolab has ever made. The 9000A introduces a smart new aesthetic, as befits a new flagship range. Solidly built and impeccably finished, the amp’s appearance reflects the crisp elegance and controlled muscularity of its sound. 

Features

  • Integrated stereo amplifier with hi-res DAC
  • 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

Integrated Amplifier

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.

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.

Superior KEF sound

A bespoke 12th generation Uni-Q driver array with MAT is found in all seven models of the R Series and delivers an incredibly detailed performance. It’s the result of decades of accumulated in-house knowledge and the application of cutting-edge simulation and analysis tools. The developments are many and all play a part in R Series’ exceptional performance.

The result is an exceptional seven-model range of loudspeakers, engineered to deliver with exquisite detail and incredible insight. Whether your taste lies with traditional two-channel HiFi, multi-channel home theatre or both, the R Series reveals levels of detail that must be heard to be believed.

Deep, agile bass

Bass is a vital element of performance, and the low-frequency drivers of R Series have been engineered with acute care and precision. They are built using a two-part structure, where a shallow concave aluminium skin sits atop a paper cone. This stiffness combined with the cone’s unique geometry reduces unwanted resonances and delivers the pistonic movement that makes these drivers time so well. The drivers’ magnet system creates a broad, uniform magnetic field, while the suspension reduces harmonic distortion for a clean, precise sound. The result is exceptionally deep and agile bass that reveals every last bit of detail and punch available in the deep.

Features

  • Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MATTM) eliminates 99% of high-frequency distortion for pure, natural sound
  • Bespoke 12th generation Uni-Q with MAT driver array for exceptional acoustic accuracy
  • Refined tweeter gap damper tames resonances for improved detail
  • Flexible Decoupling Chassis prevents unwanted vibrations for better clarity
  • Enhanced crossover design and fine-tuned the signal path for pristine, clean sound

9000A Integrated Amplifier 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 / Silver
Power Requirements: 220-240V ~ 50/60Hz;
(depending on region) 100-120V ~ 50/60Hz
Standard Accessories: Power Cord, Remote Control, User Manual, Antennas, etc.

R3 META Speaker Specifications

Design: Three-way bass reflex
Drive Units: Uni-Q Driver Array:
HF: 25 mm (1 in.) vented aluminium dome with MAT
MF: 125 mm (5 in.) aluminium cone

Bass Unit:
LF: 165 mm (6.5 in.) hybrid aluminium cone
Crossover Frequency: 420 Hz, 2.3 kHz
Frequency Range: (-6dB) 38 Hz - 50 kHz
Typical in-room Bass Response: (-6dB) 30 Hz
Frequency Response: (±3dB) 58 Hz - 28kHz
Harmonic Distortion: (90dB, 1m) <1% 73 Hz and above
<0.5% 90 Hz - 20 kHz
Maximum Output: 110 dB
Amplifier Requirements: 15 - 180W
Nominal Impedance: 4 Ω (min. 3.2 Ω)
Sensitivity: (2.83V/1m) 87 dB
Weight: 12.4 kg (27.3 lbs) each
Dimension (H x W x D) with terminal: 422 x 200 x 336 mm each
Finishes: Black Gloss / White Gloss / Walnut / Indigo Gloss Special Edition

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When I walked into the store, I was made to feel welcome and was introduced to some of the products. I produces a list of specific items I was interested in and John was really helpful in showing me these items. He set the system up so I could experience it, he made some suggestions which made the package even better. Nothing seemed too much trouble for him, he was very knowledgeable about the products and gave great advice. I didn't feel pressured to buy anything, or didn't feel that he was upselling at any point. I left with an amazing package and I'd like to thank John and the team for the fantastic experience.

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