The Audiolab 9000A Integrated Amplifier is part of a brand new premium 9000 series from Audiolab. Also available is the 9000CDT CD Transport and there will also be a wireless audio streamer the 9000N available in the near future. The 9000A is the first component in Audiolab’s new flagship range, the 9000 Series. It is also the best integrated amplifier Audiolab has ever made. The 9000A introduces a smart new aesthetic, as befits a new flagship range. Solidly built and impeccably finished, the amp’s appearance reflects the crisp elegance and controlled muscularity of its sound. Features Integrated stereo amplifier with hi-res DAC Class AB power amplification: 2x 100W into 8 ohms DAC stage based around flagship ES9038PRO Sabre chipset Supports PCM to 32-bit/768kHz, DSD 64/128/256/512 and full MQA decoding Digital upsampling and five user-selectable DAC reconstruction filters Class A post-DAC active filter Bluetooth 5 streaming with LDAC and aptX HD support Certified ‘Roon Tested’ High-performance MM phono stage Dedicated current-feedback headphone amp Three operational modes: Integrated Mode; Pre-Power Mode; Pre Mode 4.3in colour IPS LCD display 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. MQA all the way The 9000A also delivers full decoding of MQA, the hi-res streaming technology from a custom engineered MQA certified DAC solution. This means that the complete ‘three unfold’ decoding process is performed internally, as opposed to just the final unfold in the manner of an MQA ‘renderer’, which makes the 9000A an excellent system choice for subscribers to Tidal’s ‘HiFi Plus’ tier where Tidal Masters (MQA) content can be found. 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 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. 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 Model 9000A General Description: 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" (800 x 480mm) 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
