Audiolab 7000N Play silver

The Audiolab 7000N Play represents an ideal solution for audiophiles looking to integrate streaming into their hi-fi system. This network audio player is strategically positioned between the 6000 series and the prestigious 9000 series, offering a remarkable balance of sound performance, versatility, and ease of use. Equipped with a reference ESS Sabre digital-to-analog converter and compatible with a multitude of streaming services, the 7000N Play transforms any traditional audio system into a modern connected platform without compromising sound quality.

Elegant Design in Service of Audio Excellence

The 7000N Play features the sleek aesthetic characteristic of Audiolab’s 7000 series. Its robust 444 mm wide chassis fits perfectly into a standard rack alongside other hi-fi components. Available in black or silver finishes, its minimalist front panel is dominated by a 2.8-inch (7.1 cm) IPS LCD screen with a resolution of 480 × 640 pixels.

The build quality is exemplary, with a rigid metal casing that effectively shields sensitive circuits from electromagnetic interference. The 5 kg weight reflects its solid construction, while the generous dimensions (444 × 340 × 78 mm) allow for optimal internal component layout, ensuring uncompromised acoustic performance.

The rear panel features a logical arrangement of connectors, all gold-plated to ensure optimal signal transmission. This attention to detail reflects Audiolab’s audiophile approach, prioritizing sound quality and long-term durability.

Limitless Connectivity

The heart of the 7000N Play lies in its DTS Play-Fi streaming technology, offering remarkable flexibility. This platform allows high-resolution music streaming up to 24-bit/96 kHz over your wireless network, with the ability to easily expand the system to multiple rooms.

The multi-platform compatibility is exemplary: whether you use an Android, iOS, Windows, or Kindle Fire device, the DTS Play-Fi app gives you access to your personal music library as well as a multitude of streaming services. Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz, Amazon Music, Deezer, KKBox, SiriusXM, Napster, iHeartRadio, Pandora, QQ Music, and many more are directly accessible from the interface.

The integration of Apple AirPlay 2 is a major advantage for Apple ecosystem users, allowing them to stream content from their devices without using the Play-Fi app. Similarly, Spotify Connect functionality enables the use of the native app to control playback on the 7000N Play.

For situations requiring maximum stability, particularly when playing high-resolution files, an Ethernet connection is available. This wired option ensures uninterrupted data transfer, especially appreciated by uncompromising audiophiles.

An Intuitive User Interface

The 2.8-inch color IPS LCD screen is a notable improvement over previous models. This high-resolution display offers a detailed yet simple-to-use graphical interface, clearly presenting essential information: active streaming service, system settings, file format being played, and other relevant data.

A particularly appreciated feature is the ability to display a “analog” or “digital” style VU meter, showing real-time decibel levels for the left and right channels. This graphical representation of the music being played adds a visual dimension to the listening experience.

Menu navigation is smooth, with an intuitive logic that allows quick access to various functions. Settings can be adjusted directly on the device or via the DTS Play-Fi app, offering maximum flexibility according to your usage preferences.

High-Precision Sound Reproduction

The 7000N Play is not just a simple bridge between streaming services and your audio system. Audiolab has paid particular attention to the quality of digital-to-analog conversion by integrating the ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M reference DAC, renowned for its precision and musicality.

This high-end converter, combined with a carefully isolated power supply, extracts the maximum information from digital files. The total harmonic distortion of less than 0.0005% (at 1 kHz and 2.1 Vrms) and the signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 115 dB attest to the purity of the delivered signal.

For demanding audiophiles, the 7000N Play offers five different digital filters to fine-tune sound reproduction according to your preferences:

• Linear (Fast): the most common filter offering clean overall suppression and excellent rejection, ideal for music with large transients
• Linear (Slow): low group delay and symmetrical input response with less resonance, offering punchier bass (default setting)
• Minimum (Fast): minimal resonance, generally preferred for imaging and soundstages
• Minimum (Slow): non-symmetrical filter designed to minimize resonance, offering powerful bass with good transient attack
• Hybrid (Fast): a combination of linear phase and minimum phase, offering fast transient attack, punchy bass, and crisp highs

Seamless Integration into the Audiolab Ecosystem

The 7000N Play fits perfectly into Audiolab’s philosophy of offering modular hi-fi components that can be combined to create a complete system. It is the ideal complement to the 7000A integrated amplifier and the 7000CDT CD player, forming a coherent chain both aesthetically and functionally.

The variable-level analog line output (0-2.1V) allows direct connection to a power amplifier or active speakers, while the digital outputs (coaxial and optical) offer additional flexibility for integration into more complex systems.

Automatic activation via a 12V trigger facilitates synchronization with other compatible devices, for example, automatically turning on the amplifier when the 7000N Play is powered on. This feature contributes to a smooth and intuitive user experience.

A particularly interesting feature for users of the 7000A amplifier is the ability to synchronize volume via the USB Control interface. By connecting the USB Control port of the 7000N Play to the Update port of the 7000A amplifier, you can control the volume directly from the DTS Play-Fi app.

Technical Specifications

Streaming Technology and Connectivity

• Built-in Wi-Fi with DTS Play-Fi technology support
• High-resolution audio streaming up to 24-bit / 96 kHz
• Multi-room compatibility for synchronized playback across multiple speakers
• AirPlay 2 compatibility, offering integration with Apple Music and other services
• Multi-platform support: Android, iOS, Windows, Kindle Fire
• Wired Internet connection for high-bandwidth applications
• Compatible streaming services:
  • Spotify, Tidal, Deezer, Amazon Music, Napster, KKBox, Sirius XM
  • HD Tracks, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Qobuz, QQ Music, Internet radio
• DLNA compatibility for streaming from a home media server
• Spotify Connect for direct playback from the Spotify app
• Automatic equipment activation via 12V trigger and link

User Interface and Display

• 7.1 cm (480 × 640 px) IPS color display
• Detailed information display:
  • Active streaming service
  • System settings
  • File format being played
  • Folder and track organization
• VU meter mode displaying real-time decibel levels
• Intuitive navigation via the DTS Play-Fi app
• USB port for firmware updates

Audio Section and DAC

• ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M reference DAC
• Isolated power supply
• Gapless playback
• Direct transfer mode during phone use
• High fidelity and optimal sound reproduction
• Variable output voltage: 0 – 2.1 V
• Total harmonic distortion: < 0.0005% (1 kHz at 2.1 Vrms)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: > 115 dB (A-weighted)
• Output impedance: 100 ohms
• Headphone impedance compatibility: 20-600 ohms

Digital Outputs

• Digital output intensity: 500 ± 50 mVpp
• Output impedance: 75 ohms
• Frequency response: -0.01 dB (20 Hz-20 kHz, ref. 1 kHz)
• Maximum sampling rate: 192 kHz / 24-bit
• Digital outputs: 1 × coaxial, 1 × optical, 1 × RCA line output
• DAC frequency response: ±0.5 dB (20 Hz-20 kHz, ref. 1 kHz)

Physical Characteristics

• Dimensions (W × D × H): 444 × 340 × 78 mm
• Carton dimensions (W × D × H): 500 × 455 × 140 mm
• Net weight: 5.0 kg
• Gross weight: 6.1 kg
• Finish: black / silver
• Standby power consumption: < 0.5 W

General Information

• Power supply: 220-240 V ~ 50/60 Hz or 100-120 V ~ 50/60 Hz (depending on region)
• Standard accessories: power cord, USB cable, user manual
• Full interoperability with all DTS Play-Fi products
• Wireless streaming audio player