Audiolab 7000A silver

The Audiolab 7000A represents the perfect balance between performance, versatility, and accessibility. This integrated stereo amplifier is strategically positioned between the 6000 and 9000 series, offering a generous power output of 70W per channel at 8 ohms, a high-precision ESS digital-to-analog converter, and comprehensive connectivity. With its IPS color display and carefully designed Class AB amplification circuit, the 7000A stands out as the ideal centerpiece of a modern home audio system without compromising sound quality.

Amplification Architecture and Audio Performance

The 7000A is based on a discrete Class AB amplification design, delivering substantial power of 70W per channel at 8 ohms and 110W at 4 ohms. This power reserve, combined with a maximum current capacity of 9A, allows it to effortlessly drive even the most demanding speakers.

The output stage uses a complementary feedback (CFB) topology, a technical advancement that ensures superior linearity and excellent thermal stability. This approach keeps the bias current independent of the output transistors’ temperature, ensuring consistent performance regardless of listening intensity.

At the heart of the device is a generously sized power supply, a crucial element often overlooked in amplifiers at this price range. The 250VA toroidal transformer, coupled with an impressive reservoir capacity of 60,000 µF (four 15,000 µF capacitors), enables the 7000A to maintain firm control over the speakers while preserving excellent dynamics. This energy reserve translates into precise and authoritative sound reproduction, particularly appreciated in complex musical passages.

Digital-to-Analog Converter and Signal Processing

The 7000A features a high-quality digital-to-analog converter (DAC) based on the ESS ES9038Q2M chip, renowned for its exceptional performance. This chip utilizes ESS Technology’s 32-bit HyperStream architecture and a time-domain jitter eliminator to ensure precise and musical conversion.

Post-conversion signal processing benefits from a Class A topology, ensuring ultra-low noise levels and an extended dynamic range. By default, the DAC oversamples incoming signals to 352.8 kHz or 384 kHz, but this function can be disabled according to listening preferences.

The device offers five different anti-aliasing filters, allowing users to fine-tune the sound reproduction based on recordings and the system used. The default filter, Linear Phase with slow roll-off, provides a good balance between temporal precision and the absence of artifacts.

The 7000A also stands out with its full MQA certification, enabling complete decoding (three unfoldings) of MQA files. This feature makes it particularly suitable for Tidal HiFi Plus subscribers, granting access to studio-quality Tidal Masters recordings.

Connectivity and Versatility

The strength of the 7000A lies in its ability to centralize all modern audio sources. On the analog side, the amplifier features two RCA line inputs, an MM phono input for turntables, and a power amplifier input.

The digital section is equally comprehensive, with two coaxial SPDIF inputs, two optical SPDIF inputs, and a USB-B input for direct connection to a computer. The latter supports PCM signals up to 768 kHz as well as DSD up to DSD512, covering all current high-resolution formats.

Integration into a modern living room is facilitated by the inclusion of an HDMI ARC input, allowing direct connection to a TV and superior audio quality for movies and streaming applications. Wireless connectivity is also included with a Bluetooth 5.0 module compatible with aptX and aptX LL for high-quality wireless transmission with reduced latency.

On the output side, the 7000A offers an RCA preamplifier output, enabling an upgrade to a bi-amplified configuration, as well as a dedicated headphone output with a specific circuit. 12V trigger connections complete the package for integration into a home automation system.

Preamplifier and Phono Section

The preamplifier section of the 7000A has been designed with the same care as the power stage. It offers a gain of +6 dB for line inputs and an input sensitivity of 820 mV, deliberately chosen to limit noise. This characteristic explains why the volume is generally set higher than on other amplifiers, without indicating any issue.

A useful feature allows the gain of the line and phono inputs to be adjusted by ±6 dB, making it easier to balance levels between different sources. This flexibility is particularly useful with sources that have a lower output level.

The integrated MM phono input, with its +55 dB gain and 47 kΩ input impedance, provides precise RIAA correction for vinyl enthusiasts. With a signal-to-noise ratio of over 76 dB, it ensures quiet and faithful reproduction of records without the need for an external phono preamplifier.

Headphone Amplifier

The 7000A includes a high-quality headphone amplifier, designed with a current feedback circuit for better dynamics. With an output impedance of 10 ohms and total harmonic distortion below 0.01%, it is perfectly suited for headphones with impedances ranging from 20 to 600 ohms.

This section is not a mere add-on but a dedicated circuit offering listening quality comparable to external headphone amplifiers. Dynamics, precision, and musicality are all present, allowing for fully enjoyable headphone listening sessions without compromising sound quality.

User Interface and Ergonomics

The user interface of the 7000A represents a significant advancement over previous models. The 2.8-inch IPS color display (48 x 64 mm) offers exceptional readability and makes navigating the device’s various features easy.

The graphical interface provides detailed display of settings and playback information. A particularly appreciated feature is the VU meter display, available in analog or digital versions, allowing real-time visualization of signal levels.

The electronic volume control operates in 1 dB steps, from 0 to -78 dB, offering precise adjustment of listening levels. The amplifier also offers three operating modes: integrated (normal use), preamp-power amp (for external processor insertion), or preamp-only (use as a standalone preamplifier).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between the 7000A and the 6000A model it replaces?
The 7000A improves on the 6000A in several key areas: higher power output (70W vs. 50W per channel), a new and more advanced ESS ES9038Q2M DAC, an IPS color display replacing the monochrome display, and extended connectivity including an HDMI ARC input. The power supply has also been upgraded with a more powerful toroidal transformer.

Is the 7000A suitable for powering low-sensitivity or difficult-impedance speakers?
Absolutely. With its maximum current capacity of 9A and power output of 110W at 4 ohms, the 7000A can efficiently drive most speakers, even those with variable impedance or modest sensitivity. Its robust power supply with a 250VA toroidal transformer ensures excellent stability with challenging loads.

Why does the volume need to be set higher than on other amplifiers?
Audiolab has deliberately chosen a lower input sensitivity (820mV) to reduce noise. As a result, the volume is typically set between 1 and 2 o’clock (or even 3 o’clock for some low-level recordings). This behavior is normal and does not indicate a lack of power in the amplifier.

What are the benefits of full MQA decoding?
Full MQA decoding (“three unfoldings”) allows the complete retrieval of information contained in MQA files, unlike simple “renderers” that only perform the final unfolding. For Tidal HiFi Plus subscribers, this means accessing the original studio quality of Tidal Masters recordings without additional hardware.

Can I use the 7000A as a preamplifier only?
Yes, the 7000A offers a “preamp only” mode that disables the power stage and uses the RCA preamplifier output. This allows it to be used as a high-quality source and preamplifier with an external power amplifier or active speakers.

Do the different digital filters significantly impact the sound?
The impact of digital filters varies depending on the recordings and the system used. The default filter (Linear Phase with slow roll-off) provides a good balance, but experimentation is encouraged. Some listeners may notice subtle differences in spatial presentation or instrument texture, while others may perceive little change.

Technical Specifications

Amplification and Audio Performance

• Class AB amplification
• Output power:
  • 2 x 70 W at 8 ohms (THD < 1%)
  • 2 x 110 W at 4 ohms (THD < 1%)
• Maximum current: 9 A
• Toroidal transformer: 250 VA
• Reservoir capacity: 60,000 µF (4 x 15,000 µF)
• Complementary feedback topology (CFB) for improved thermal stability and linearity
• Total harmonic distortion: < 0.003% (1 kHz at 40 W / 8 ohms)
• Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz (+/-0.3 dB)
• Gain: +29 dB
• Input sensitivity: 720 mV
• Signal-to-noise ratio: > 110 dB (A-weighted)

Digital-to-Analog Converter and Signal Processing

• Integrated DAC: ESS ES9038Q2M
• 32-bit HyperStream architecture and time-domain jitter eliminator
• Post-DAC filtering based on Class A topology
• Certified full MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) decoder
• Compatibility with Tidal Masters and other high-resolution platforms
• Total harmonic distortion: < 0.0005% (1 kHz at 0 dBFS)
• Output level: 2.1 Vrms (0 dBFS, 1 kHz)
• Maximum sampling rates:
  • Optical / Coaxial: 44.1 kHz - 192 kHz
  • USB PC: 44.1 kHz - 768 kHz (PCM) / DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DSD512
• Advanced digital phase-locked loop (DPLL) settings

Connectivity and Inputs/Outputs

• Analog inputs:
  • 2 x RCA line inputs
  • 1 x MM phono input (moving magnet)
  • 1 x power amplifier input
• Digital inputs:
  • 2 x SPDIF (coaxial)
  • 2 x SPDIF (optical)
  • 1 x USB PC (USB B - Windows / macOS only)
  • 1 x HDMI ARC
  • 1 x Bluetooth 5.0 (aptX / aptX LL)
• Outputs:
  • 1 x RCA preamplifier output
  • 1 x stereo speaker output
  • 1 x dedicated headphone output with current feedback circuit
• Other connections:
  • 1 x 12V trigger input
  • 1 x 12V trigger output

Preamplifier Section

• Gain: +6 dB (line), +55 dB (MM phono)
• Input sensitivity:
  • 820 mV (line, volume = 0 dB)
  • 3.1 mV (MM phono, volume = 0 dB)
• Input impedance:
  • 10 kΩ (line)
  • 47 kΩ // 100 pF (MM phono)
• Total harmonic distortion: < 0.0005% (1 kHz at 2 V, volume = 0 dB)
• Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz (+/-0.1 dB)
• Maximum output voltage: 2.3 V (volume = 0 dB)
• Output impedance: 100 ohms
• Signal-to-noise ratio:

  • 110 dB (line, A-weighted)

  • 76 dB (MM phono, A-weighted)

• Moving magnet phono preamplifier with RIAA correction

Headphone Amplifier

• Total harmonic distortion: < 0.01% (1 kHz, 50 mW)
• Output impedance: 10 ohms
• Recommended load impedance: 20 - 600 ohms
• Current feedback circuit for improved dynamics

Interface and Display

• 2.8-inch IPS color screen (48 x 64 mm)
• Enhanced graphical interface with detailed settings and playback information
• VU meter display (analog or digital)
• Operating modes: integrated / preamp-power amp / preamp only

Streaming and Software Compatibility

• Roon Tested compatible: integration with the Roon platform for advanced music library management
• Multiroom and network playback via Roon
• PCM and DSD compatibility with upsampling and bit-perfect playback
• Update support via USB

General Information

• Standby power consumption: < 0.5 W
• Weight: 8.4 kg (net), 10.7 kg (gross)
• Dimensions (W x D x H): 444 x 340 x 78 mm
• Carton dimensions (W x D x H): 500 x 455 x 140 mm
• Finish: black / silver
• Power supply:
  • 220-240 V ~ 50/60 Hz
  • 100-120 V ~ 50/60 Hz (depending on region)
• Included accessories: power cord, remote control, user manual, antennas, etc.