Audiolab D9 DAC Headphone Amplifier with Focal Clear MG Open-Back Headphones

At the core of the Audiolab D9 is the state-of-the-art ESS Sabre32 ES9038PRO DAC, a 32-bit reference-class chipset celebrated for its exceptional signal-to-noise ratio, ultra-low distortion, and expansive dynamic range. This leading-edge digital-to-analogue converter, supported by HyperStream® II architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator, guarantees outstanding levels of detail, precision, and sonic clarity. The result is an audio performance that meets the expectations of even the most demanding audiophiles, preserving the full integrity of the original recording.

Precision

Supporting high-resolution audio formats, the D9 is engineered to handle PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD up to 22.5MHz (DSD512), along with full MQA decoding for authentic master-quality playback. HyperStream II and advanced jitter elimination technologies use a refined clocking system that ensures superb timing accuracy and minimal phase noise, creating a naturally accurate, three-dimensional soundstage. Five user-selectable DAC reconstruction filters allow fine-tuning of playback characteristics, and users can choose to upsample digital audio to 352.8kHz or 384kHz, further enhancing detail retrieval and musical nuance.

Unmatched Connectivity 

Designed as a versatile digital hub, the Audiolab D9 offers a wide array of connectivity options for seamless integration into complex audio systems. It includes two coaxial and two optical S/PDIF digital inputs, USB drive connectivity, and a new AES/EBU input suited for professional-grade setups. Outputs for coaxial and optical S/PDIF support system expansion, while playback from USB HDDs and Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD and LDAC offer flexible options for high-resolution wireless streaming from smart devices. Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analogue outputs ensure pristine signal transmission for both high-fidelity home systems and audiophile environments.

Can-Jam

In addition to its digital prowess, the D9 also serves as a high-power headphone amplifier, employing current-feedback circuitry for wide bandwidth and high slew rate performance. Suitable for all headphone types, it guarantees exceptional clarity and dynamic control. Housed in a sleek aluminium chassis that ensures both durability and resistance to interference, the unit features a vibrant 2.8" full-colour IPS display and an intuitive user interface, with multilingual menus and remote control support. Real-time playback information and total control over filter settings and playback sources place the D9 a step ahead of similarly priced alternatives, making it a true benchmark in digital audio conversion.

Clear MG

The  Focal Clear MG high-end open-back headphones. Combining new heights of innovation and performance with exceptional style and comfort, the Focal Clear Mg headphones offer class-leading quality. 

Features

• High-fidelity open-back headphones for consumer use, made in France
• New dome material: Magnesium, for lightness and damping
• Remarkable sound performance: perfect dynamics, detail and balance
• Comfortable and ergonomic
• Low impedance (55 Ohms) to achieve very good performance with a portable player

Focal Clear MG open-back headphones, listening pleasure for the home.

Made in France, the new headphones boast upgraded performance thanks to new magnesium dome drivers. After more than three years of research and development, the engineers at Focal chose this new alloy which - combined with the dome’s ‘M’ shape - gives the headphones even greater lightness, rigidity and damping, the three success factors for any speaker/headphone driver. 

The light and flexible surround also provides better dynamics and greater bass impact. The sound reproduction is even finer, with even greater precision and impact, creating a strikingly realistic sound.

The new grille has a honeycomb ‘M’-shaped design that more closely follows the curves of the driver. The more open design allows for a wider soundstage, while the reduced space between the driver and grille enables even more precise high-frequency reproduction. 

The Focal Clear Mg headphones stand out with their Chestnut and Mixed-Metal finish and their fine materials (leather, aluminium, microfibre), the headphones are extremely elegant. The new honeycomb grille on the earcups is a design highlight: not only does it increase the perceived value of the headphones; the more open structure contributes to the upgraded sonic performance. Finally, their perforated microfibre earpads offer enhanced opening and comfort. 

Acoustics are also exceptional: the full-range drivers with ‘M’-shaped magnesium dome provide even more dynamic sound rendering, particularly in the low frequencies, and more detail across the full spectrum. Meanwhile, we have preserved the neutral sound signature that was so popular in the Clear.  

D9 DAC/Headphone Amplifier Specifications

Clear MG Open Back Headphone Specifications