Audiolab 9000A Integrated Amplifier

As ever, the 9000A is the centre of the Audiolab focus on 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.

Features

• Class AB amplification delivering 2x 100W (8Ω) / 2x 160W (4Ω)
• ESS Sabre ES9038PRO DAC with digital upsampling, five selectable reconstruction filters and a Class A post-DAC filter
• PCM to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512 via USB, with full MQA decoding
• Bluetooth 5.1 with LDAC, aptX HD and AAC
• JFET-based MM phono stage and dedicated current-feedback headphone amplifier
• 4.3" colour IPS display and three operating modes: Integrated, Pre-Power and Pre

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.

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 benchmark, 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 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.

Specifications