Audiolab 9000A black

The Audiolab 9000A represents the culmination of over 40 years of expertise in amplification. This flagship model combines a powerful analog section with advanced digital capabilities, offering exceptional versatility for modern audiophiles. Featuring Class AB amplification delivering 2 x 100W into 8Ω, an ESS 9038PRO 32-bit converter, a dedicated phono preamplifier, and comprehensive connectivity, the 9000A stands out as the ideal centerpiece of a contemporary high-fidelity audio system.

Design and User Interface

The 9000A boasts an elegant and timeless aesthetic, with a robust chassis available in black or silver finishes. Its clean front panel is dominated by a 4.3-inch high-resolution (480 x 800 pixels) color IPS LCD screen, which serves as much more than just a decorative element.

This display provides clear visualization of essential information: selected source, file format being played, volume level, and active settings. Users can choose between several display modes, including two types of VU meters that add a dynamic visual touch. For purists who prefer discretion, an option allows the screen to be completely turned off.

Navigation is handled via touch controls and perfectly integrated physical buttons, including a large, precise volume dial. The “MODE” switch allows users to toggle between different operating configurations, while the overall ergonomics are designed for intuitive use despite the wealth of features.

High-Performance Analog Core

The 9000A’s amplification section showcases Audiolab’s expertise. Its Class AB architecture delivers a generous power output of 2 x 100W into 8Ω and 2 x 160W into 4Ω, with remarkably low total harmonic distortion (<0.005%). A high damping factor (>200) and an impressive signal-to-noise ratio (>110 dB) complete this impressive technical profile.

High-Precision Digital Universe

The 9000A features a reference-grade digital-to-analog converter, the ESS Sabre ES9038PRO 32-bit with HyperStream II architecture. This high-end DAC ensures remarkably precise conversion, effectively eliminating jitter and achieving harmonic distortion below 0.001%.

Format compatibility is comprehensive: PCM up to 32-bit/768 kHz, DSD up to DSD512 (22.5 MHz), as well as all common formats (FLAC, ALAC, AIFF, WAV). The 9000A is also certified for full MQA decoding (up to 3 unfoldings), making it perfectly suited for Tidal Masters content.

Adjustable digital filters allow optimization of the response based on the source file type, offering fine-tuned sound reproduction according to listening preferences.

Versatility and Comprehensive Connectivity

Flexibility is at the heart of the 9000A’s design, offering three distinct operating modes. The “Integrated” mode uses all stages (preamplifier and power amplifier) for traditional use. The “Preamplifier” mode allows the use of only the preamplification section, with output to an external amplifier. Finally, the “Power Amplifier” mode disables the internal preamplifier for direct connection to an AV processor or external preamplifier.

The connectivity is particularly extensive:

• Digital inputs: 2 coaxial, 2 optical, 1 USB-PC
• Analog inputs: 3 line (AUX), 1 balanced XLR, 1 MM phono, 1 power amplifier
• Outputs: 1 preamplifier, 1 stereo speakers, 1 headphone
• Wireless connectivity: Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX/aptX HD/AAC/LDAC support

This wealth of connections allows integration of virtually any source, from the most traditional to the most modern, making the 9000A a true universal audio hub.

Specialized Features

The 9000A includes a high-quality phono preamplifier, specifically optimized for moving magnet (MM) cartridges. Its JFET circuit ensures precise RIAA equalization for faithful vinyl reproduction, with a gain of +53 dB and a signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 80 dB.

The headphone amplifier is equally impressive, featuring a current-feedback circuit offering a wide bandwidth and strong dynamics. Compatible with headphones ranging from 20 to 600Ω impedance, it delivers detailed reproduction with total harmonic distortion below 0.01%.

These two sections demonstrate Audiolab’s attention to specific use cases, allowing vinyl enthusiasts and audiophile headphone users to fully enjoy their equipment without compromise.

Integration into the Modern Audio Ecosystem

The 9000A integrates seamlessly into the contemporary audio ecosystem thanks to several advanced features. Its “Roon Tested” certification ensures optimal compatibility with this sophisticated music management platform, providing access to enriched metadata (biographies, lyrics, credits) and multi-room functionality.

Full MQA format support allows users to fully exploit high-resolution content from services like Tidal HiFi Plus, while Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity with high-definition codecs (aptX HD, LDAC) ensures high-quality wireless transmission from mobile devices.

The USB port also allows firmware updates, ensuring the device’s evolution and longevity in the face of future technological advancements.

Technical Specifications

Display and User Interface

• 4.3-inch high-resolution color IPS LCD screen (480 x 800 px)
• Clear and informative display for playback, source, and files
• Numerous menu options to optimize performance
• Various display modes, including two VU meters
• Display off option for discreet integration

Digital-to-Analog Conversion

• ESS 9038PRO converter (32-bit) with HyperStream II architecture
• Temporal jitter elimination for ultra-precise performance
• Supports PCM up to 32-bit / 768 kHz and DSD512 (22.5 MHz)
• Adjustable digital filters to optimize response based on the source file
• Maximum sampling rates
  • Optical / coaxial: 44.1 kHz - 192 kHz
  • USB PC: 44.1 kHz - 768 kHz (PCM) / DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DSD512
• Signal-to-noise ratio: > 117 dB (A-weighted)
• Total harmonic distortion: < 0.001% (1 kHz at 0 dBFS)
• Output level: 2.1 Vrms (0 dBFS, 1 kHz)

Compatibility and Supported Formats

• Audio formats: FLAC, ALAC, AIFF, WAV, MQA
• Roon Tested certification for seamless integration
  • Access to enriched metadata (biographies, lyrics, credits, reviews, etc.)
  • Multi-room and multi-user functionality with bit-perfect playback
• Full MQA support
  • Built-in certified MQA decoder (3 unfoldings)
  • Compatible with Tidal HiFi Plus to play Tidal Masters (MQA)
  • MQA decoding via USB PC, coaxial, and optical
• Update support via USB

Amplification Section

• Powerful Class AB amplification
  • 2 x 100 W at 8 Ω (THD < 1%)
  • 2 x 160 W at 4 Ω (THD < 1%)
• CFB (Complementary Feedback) topology for better linearity and thermal stability
• 320 VA toroidal transformer for robust power supply
• Total reservoir capacity of 60000 μF (4 x 15000 μF) for improved dynamics
• Optimized analog preamp for maximum signal purity
• Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz (+/-0.3 dB)
• Total harmonic distortion: < 0.002% (1 kHz at 50 W / 8 Ω)
• Maximum output current: 15 A
• Gain: +29 dB
• Input sensitivity: 1 Vrms
• Signal-to-noise ratio: > 110 dB (A-weighted)

Phono Preamplifier

• Optimized JFET circuit for MM (moving magnet) cartridges
• Precise RIAA equalization for faithful vinyl reproduction
• Gain: +53 dB
• Input sensitivity: 4.4 mV (volume = 0 dB)
• Input impedance: 47 kΩ // 100 pF
• Signal-to-noise ratio: > 80 dB (A-weighted)

Headphone Amplifier

• Current feedback circuit for wide bandwidth and high dynamics
• Compatible with all types of headphones for detailed and immersive playback
• Recommended load impedance: 20 - 600 Ω
• Output impedance: 2.35 Ω
• Total harmonic distortion: < 0.01% (1 kHz, 50 mW)

Operating Modes

• Integrated mode: preamplifier + power amplifier for standard use
• Preamplifier mode: use as a preamplifier only, output to an external amplifier
• Power amplifier mode: internal preamplifier disabled for connection to an AV processor

Detailed Technical Specifications

• Preamplifier section
  • Output voltage: 2.3 V max. (volume = 0 dB)
  • Output impedance: 120 Ω
  • Signal-to-noise ratio: > 110 dB (line and XLR, A-weighted)
  • Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz (+/-0.1 dB)
  • Gain: +6 dB (line)
  • Input sensitivity: 1 Vrms (line, volume = 0 dB), 2 Vrms (XLR, volume = 0 dB)
  • Input impedance: 10 kΩ (line)
  • Total harmonic distortion: < 0.0004% (1 kHz at 2 V, volume = 0 dB)

Connectivity and Inputs / Outputs

• Digital inputs
  • 2 coaxial inputs (SPDIF)
  • 2 optical inputs (SPDIF)
  • 1 USB port for PC connection (Windows / macOS only)
  • Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX / aptX HD / AAC / LDAC support
• Analog inputs
  • 3 line inputs (AUX)
  • 1 balanced XLR input for better sound quality
  • 1 dedicated phono input for MM (moving magnet) cartridges
  • 1 power amplifier input
  • 1 12 V trigger input
• Outputs
  • 1 preamplifier output
  • 1 stereo speaker output
  • 1 headphone output
  • 1 12 V trigger output

Physical Characteristics

• Dimensions (W x H x D): 444 x 89 x 342 mm
• Packaging dimensions (W x H x D): 514 x 161 x 470 mm
• Net weight: 9.4 kg
• Gross weight: 11.2 kg
• Standby power consumption: < 0.5 W
• Supplied accessories: power cord, remote control, user manual, antennas, etc.