audiolab 9000A stereo integrated amplifier, silver

After the successful 8000 series, the award-winning 8200 and 8300 series and the newer 6000 series, audiolab returns to the higher price and performance ranges with the new audiolab 9000 series.

As always, the 9000A is at the centre of audiolab's focus, as it is the beating heart of any high-performance audio system. It is more powerful, more capable and equipped with more features than any previous model - the most advanced audiolab integrated amplifier to date. Versatility is the key to the appeal of audiolab integrated amplifiers and the 9000A offers the right unit for audiophiles of all stripes. Featuring digital and analogue source connections, wireless connectivity for portable devices, an all-new phono stage for vinyl playback, and the usual premium amplification for speakers and headphones.

Display
The 9000A meets the needs of the modern hi-fi enthusiast and is equipped with a colour IPS LCD display that provides clear and informative playback, source and file information. It also offers a wide range of menu options for optimum performance and custom settings.

A variety of display options are available, including two VU meter options that make the 9000A a visually informative or, in the case of the 'display off' settings, a discreet centrepiece of any audio system.

Digital face with an analogue heart
The audiolab 9000A stands out from the competition in its category, combining digital capabilities with an analogue pedigree. The highest level of D/A conversion expected from audiolab allows a range of digital sources (via four digital inputs) to be connected directly to this powerful integrated system. Yet, based on over 40 years of amplifier development, not to mention a recent history of multiple award-winning audio solutions, the 9000A also offers analogue integration (via three AUX, balanced XLR and a dedicated phono input).

The world of modern audio enjoyment is not limited to wired players, however, so the 9000A also supports wireless connectivity via Bluetooth and digital audio via a PC USB port.

The 9000A is the brainchild of chief designer Jan Ertner. Known for a plethora of leading and award-winning audio electronics models, Jan has elevated the 9000A to the highest level of performance by evolving and redefining the principles that created the 8300A and the highly successful 6000A to achieve the most exceptional performance ever realised in an audiolab integrated amplifier.

Flagship DAC
The 9000A features the latest ESS 9038PRO 32-bit DAC chip. Featuring the critically acclaimed patented HyperStream® II architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator, the ES9038PRO delivers an unprecedented level of performance to meet the demands of the most demanding audio applications - just right for a 9000A amplifier.

Thanks to years of experience and countless ESS-equipped models, audiolab is more than familiar with the technically excellent but demanding DAC technology. Great attention has been paid to developing a system that allows audiolab electronics and ESS DAC technology to offer the best in audiophile performance. The amplifier's four S/PDIF digital inputs - two coaxial and two optical - process high-resolution PCM data at up to 24-bit/192kHz, and benefit from a variety of user-selectable digital filters that allow the user to match playback to the source file and bandwidth of the partner device.

MQA across the board, aptX HD
PCM audio is supported up to 32-bit/768kHz, DSD up to 22.5MHz (DSD512). All major high-resolution and lossless audio formats, including FLAC, ALAC, AIFF and WAV, as well as compressed older formats are supported. The 9000A also offers full decoding of MQA, the Hi-Res streaming technology, via a specially developed MQA certified DAC solution. This means that the complete decoding process is performed internally with three levels of deconvolution, making the 9000A a great system for subscribers to Tidal 'HiFi Plus', where Tidal Masters (MQA) content can be found.

As befits modern audio playback, the 9000A is equipped with Bluetooth as standard. and supports the aptX HD protocol for sonically superior and easy wireless streaming from smartphones, tablets, laptops and more. Bluetooth-connected devices also benefit from the quality of the amplifier's DAC section and filter options.

Powerful phono stage
The 9000A's discrete Class AB power amplifier delivers 100W per channel into 8 ohms (160W per channel into 4 ohms!). Unlike over-specified competitor models, the 9000A's true 100W per channel is among the best in its class. Following the standards set with the audiolab 6000A (50 W per channel), the 100 W per channel of the 9000A channel will undoubtedly satisfy even the most demanding speakers and their power-hungry masters.

A key to the performance is the world-famous CFB (Complementary Feedback) topology, which ensures superior linearity and excellent thermal stability, as the quiescent current is independent of the temperature of the output transistors. An all-new and bespoke 320VA toroidal transformer, followed by 4 x 15,000uF of storage (60,000uF in total), helps the amplifier to safely control the music while allowing excellent dynamic range.

In an effort to maintain consistent signal purity, with line input signals being passed to a precision analogue volume stage, the preamp section has been kept as simple as possible. As with all Jan Ertner designs, the circuitry is not only a work of art in terms of layout and architecture. The design itself protects the sensitive preamplifier section from noise interference and colouration - an important cornerstone of audiolab's philosophy.

With each new generation of integrated amplifiers, audiolab works to improve the built-in phono stage, which is considered the benchmark. The 9000A is no different; it pushes the boundaries of what an integrated phono preamp can do. The all-new phono preamp for the 9000A offers Moving Magnet compatibility - a JFET-based circuit with precise RIAA equalisation. This gives audiolab's turntable fan the best of both worlds.

Similarly, the headphone output stage uses a wide bandwidth, high slew rate current feedback circuit. The 9000A ensures dynamic, detailed and compelling performance with all types of headphones, with the added audiolab factor of consistent signal integrity at all inputs.

Flexible and powerful
The audiolab 9000A continues the theme of flexibility in audio system integration. As is common with audiolab integrated amplifiers, the 9000A offers three different modes of operation, making it a versatile and essential component in any system.

The primary mode is 'Integrated' - this combines the pre and power amplifiers to provide digital and analogue sources at the amplifier's inputs and a pair of speakers at the binding posts.

The 'Pre-Power Mode' separates the pre and power amplifiers. This allows the 9000A to be used as a pure power amplifier - for example, in conjunction with an AV processor in a home theatre system. It also allows for additional signal processing by connecting the 9000A's 'Preamp Out' socket to an external processor and the output of the processor is then connected to the amplifier's power amp socket to take advantage of the 9000A's gigantic 100W per channel power and critical preamp performance features, regardless of what the user wants to conjure up in between!

Finally, 'Pre Mode' switches off the power amp and transforms the 9000A into a still glorious standalone preamp. To this, external power amplification can be added, providing a possible upgrade path.

Never before has audiolab been in this price and performance bracket. New standards are being set here!