Description
The Audiolab 9000A is a cutting-edge digital audio technology, massively upgraded analogue circuitry, more connectivity and performance that elevates the open, detailed and engaging sound for which the 6000A is famed to an entirely different level.
Digital face
Matching the modern hi-fi enthusiast’s requirements, the 9000A features a full-colour IPS LCD screen, offering clear and informative playback, source and file information. Not to mention a host of menu options for optimum performance and user-defined settings. Various display options are provided, which also include two VU meter options, allowing the 9000A to be visually informative or, in the case of ‘display off’ settings, a discreet centrepiece of any audio system.
Flexible and capable
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).
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.
The 9000A’s discrete Class AB power amp stage delivers 100W per channel into 8 ohms (160w 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.
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. 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.
Power to the people
The primary mode is ‘Integrated’ – this combines the pre and power amp stages, for the connection of digital and analogue sources to the amp’s inputs and a pair of speakers to its binding posts. 
SPECIFICATIONS
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″ (80 x 48mm) 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 89 x 342
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
