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

As always, the 9000A is at the core 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 - audiolab's most advanced integrated amplifier to date. Versatility is key to the appeal of audiolab integrated amplifiers, and the 9000A offers the right device for audiophiles of all stripes. Equipped with digital and analog source connections, wireless connectivity for portable devices, an entirely new phono stage for vinyl playback, and the usual top-class amplification for speakers and headphones.

Display

The 9000A meets the demands of the modern HiFi enthusiast and is equipped with a colored IPS LCD display that provides clear and informative playback, source, and file information. It also offers a variety of menu options for optimal performance and custom settings.

Various display options are available, including two VU meter options, making the 9000A either a visually informative or, in the case of the "display off" settings, a discreet centerpiece of any audio system.

Digital face with an analog heart

The audiolab 9000A stands out from its competitors in its category, combining digital capabilities with an analog pedigree. Top-level D/A conversion, as expected from audiolab, allows for direct connection of a range of digital sources (via four digital inputs) directly to this powerful integrated system. Nevertheless, based on over 40 years of amplifier development, not to mention the recent history of multiple award-winning audio solutions, the 9000A also offers the integration of analog devices (via three AUX, balanced XLR, and a dedicated phono input).

However, the world of modern audio enjoyment is not limited to wired playback devices, so the 9000A also supports wireless connections via Bluetooth and digital audio signals via a PC-USB port.

The 9000A is the brainchild of Chief Designer Jan Ertner. Known for a wealth of leading and award-winning audio electronics models, Jan has elevated the 9000A to the highest level of performance by refining and redefining the principles that produced the 8300A and the highly successful 6000A, to achieve the most exceptional performance ever realized in an audiolab integrated amplifier.

Flagship DAC

The 9000A is equipped with the latest ESS 9038PRO 32-bit DAC chip. With the critically acclaimed patented HyperStream® II architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator, the ES9038PRO delivers an unprecedented level of performance that meets the demands of even 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 technically excellent but demanding DAC technology. Great attention has been paid to developing a system that allows audiolab electronics and ESS DAC technology to deliver the best in audiophile performance. The amplifier's four S/PDIF digital inputs - two coaxial and two optical - process high-resolution PCM data up to 24-bit/192kHz and benefit from a variety of freely selectable digital filters, allowing the user to tailor playback to the source file and the bandwidth of the partner device.

MQA across the board, aptX HD

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

As befits modern audio playback, the 9000A comes standard with Bluetooth and supports the aptX HD protocol for sonically excellent and easy wireless streaming from smartphones, tablets, laptops, and more. Bluetooth-paired devices also benefit from the quality of the DAC section and the amplifier's 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, with a true 100W per channel, belongs among the best in its class. Following the standards set by the audiolab 6000A (50W per channel), the 9000A's 100W per channel will undoubtedly satisfy even the most demanding loudspeakers and their power-hungry masters.

Key to its performance is the world-renowned CFB (Complementary Feedback) topology, which ensures superior linearity and excellent thermal stability, as the quiescent current is independent of the output transistors' temperature. An entirely new and custom-designed 320VA toroidal transformer, followed by 4 x 15,000uF storage (a total of 60,000uF), helps the amplifier control the music confidently while enabling excellent dynamic range.

In an effort to maintain consistent signal purity, with line input signals routed to a precision analog volume control stage, the preamplifier 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 coloration - a key cornerstone of the audiolab philosophy.

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

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

Flexible and powerful

The audiolab 9000A continues the theme of flexibility in audio system integration. As is customary with audiolab integrated amplifiers, the 9000A offers three different operating modes, making it a versatile and indispensable component in any system.

The primary mode is 'Integrated' - this combines the pre- and power amplifiers to drive digital and analog sources at the amplifier's inputs and a pair of loudspeakers 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 theater system. It also allows for additional signal processing by connecting the 9000A's 'Preamp Out' to an external processor, and the processor's output is then connected to the amplifier's power amp input to take advantage of the gigantic 100W per channel and the critical performance characteristics of the 9000A's preamplifier, regardless of what the user wishes to conjure up in between!

Finally, 'Pre Mode' switches off the power amplifier and transforms the 9000A into a still magnificent standalone preamplifier. External power amplification can be added to this, representing a potential upgrade path.

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

Design Philosophy & Core Technology

2 x 100W (8 Ohm) / 2 x 160W (4 Ohm) Class AB
ES9038Pro 32-bit DAC
4.3" large IPS LCD display with full screen display
Built-in certified MQA Full Decoder hardware (PC USB, Coax/Optical)
Supports Bluetooth 5.1 (aptX/aptX HD/AAC/LDA) Streaming
Dedicated low-noise MM Phono Stage
Dedicated Current Feedback Headphone AMP
Integrated / PRE-POWER / PRE-only modes
Supports USB upgrade

Input Section

3 x Analog, 1 x XLR, 1 x Phono (MM/MC), 1 x Power Amplifier, 2 x SPDIF (Coax), 2 x SPDIF (Optical), 1 x PC USB (USB B), 1 x Bluetooth (aptX/aptX HD), 1 x 12V Trigger

Output Section

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

Gain

+6dB (Line & XLR), +53dB (Phono MM)

Input Sensitivity

Vrms (Line, Volume = 0dB); 2Vrms (XLR, Volume = 0dB), 4.4mV (Phono MM, Volume=0dB)

Input Impedance

0K (Line & XLR); 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 Ohm

Signal-to-Noise Ratio

110dB (Line & XLR, A-weighted); > 80dB (Phono MM, A-weighted)

DAC

Digital/Analog 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)

Gain

+29dB

Rated Power

2 x 100W (8 Ohm, THD<1%);
2 x160W (4 Ohm, THD<1%)

Frequency Response

20Hz-20kHz (+/-0.3dB)

Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)

< 0.002% (1kHz @ 50W / 8 Ohm)

Input Sensitivity

1Vrms

Signal-to-Noise Ratio

110dB (A-weighted)

Max. Output Current

15A

Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)

< 0.01% (1kHz, 50mW)

Output Impedance

2.35 Ohm

Load Impedance

20-600 Ohm

Standby Power Consumption

< 0.5W

Net Weight

9.4kg

Gross Weight

11.2kg

Dimensions (mm) (W x H x D)

444 x 342 x 89

Power Requirements (region dependent)

220-240V ~ 50/60Hz; 100-120V ~ 50/60Hz

Standard Accessories

Power cord, remote control, user manual

Thomas Henke, IAD GmbH
Johann-Georg-Halske-Str.11, 41352 Korschenbroich, DE
info@iad-gmbh.de
http://www.iaggroup.cn
02161-617830