The Audiolab 9000Q is a preamplifier that embodies the sonic perfection of the 9000 series flagship in its purest form. Inspired by the award-winning Audiolab 9000A integrated amplifier, the 9000Q elevates your music listening experience to a new level. This innovative preamplifier combines advanced technologies with the highest build quality and offers thoughtful features such as tone control and fully balanced signal paths. The result: an incomparably versatile and precise sound that transforms every note into an emotional experience.

A Milestone of the 9000 Series

The Audiolab 9000 series builds on the success of the legendary 8000, 8200, and 8300 models. With new developments such as the 9000Q preamplifier and the 9000P power amplifier, the series targets a broader audience and is perfect for demanding audio systems.

The 9000Q captivates with the elegant aesthetics of the series – robustly crafted and impeccably finished. With its two rotary controls and the high-resolution 4.3-inch TFT color display, it outwardly resembles the 9000N and exudes timeless elegance.

Design and Technology

The Audiolab 9000Q was developed from the ground up as a standalone, dedicated preamplifier – far more than just a stripped-down version of the 9000A integrated amplifier. Under the leadership of Jan Ertner, the experienced designer of the 9000 series, the 9000Q was designed as a highly advanced solution for uncompromising sound quality.

At the heart of the 9000Q is the ES9038PRO DAC chip, the most powerful DAC in the Sabre series. By combining it with proprietary circuits, the HyperStream-II architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator technology are optimally utilized. This enables outstanding dynamics and ultra-low distortion – ideal for high-resolution digital audio files.

Furthermore, the 9000Q features an improved MM phono stage with a new, single-stage Class A circuit, which also makes it exceptional as a standalone phono stage.

Tone Control

A specially developed transformer ensures precise and detailed reproduction, even under high power demands.

The 9000Q offers new tone controls for treble and bass, which can be adjusted via the menu. With an adjustment range of +/-6 dB in 2 dB steps, it allows precise adaptation to room acoustics, loudspeakers, or personal preferences.

Connections

Inputs:

- 3 x Line-level AUX
- 1 x Balanced XLR stereo pair
- 1 x MM Phono input
- 2 x Coaxial (S/PDIF, up to 192 kHz, 24 Bit)
- 2 x Optical (S/PDIF, up to 192 kHz, 24 Bit)
- 1 x Bluetooth 5.1 (aptX, aptX HD, LDAC)
- 1 x USB-PC input

Outputs:

- 2 x RCA
- 1 x XLR
- 1 x Headphone (6.3 mm)
- 2 x 12V Trigger

Additionally, the 9000Q has three variable pre-outputs (2 x RCA, 1 x XLR), which can be used simultaneously without affecting performance.

Further Features

The integrated headphone amplifier with Current-Feedback technology offers a dynamic and detailed reproduction for headphones of all kinds.

Two 12V trigger outputs allow control of external devices such as the Audiolab 9000CDT or 9000N. The 9000Q harmonizes ideally with the 9000P power amplifier, whether in stereo or mono-bridged configuration.

The 4.3-inch TFT display offers an intuitive user interface with extensive functions:

- Digital upsampling
- Input sensitivity adjustment
- Balance control
- Automatic standby switching
- Volume limit on power-on

The display can also be used as a VU meter, showing the levels for the left and right channels in real-time – either analog or digital.

Conclusion

The Audiolab 9000Q sets new standards in the world of preamplifiers. With excellent craftsmanship, state-of-the-art technologies, and versatile functions, it offers a sound quality that convinces even the most demanding music lovers. A true highlight of the 9000 series and a perfect addition to high-end audio systems.

General Description:

Preamplifier

Design Philosophy and Core Technologies:

ES9038Pro 32-bit DAC

MQA Full Decoder (PC USB, Coax/Optical)

4.3" 800 x 480 IPS LCD

Bluetooth 5.1 (aptX/aptX HD/LDAC) Streaming

Specialized Current-Feedback Headphone Amplifier

High-Performance MM Phono Stage with Low Noise

Inputs:

Analog: 3 x Line, 1 x XLR, 1 x Phono (MM)

Digital: 2 x SPDIF (Coaxial), 2 x SPDIF (Optical)

Other: 1 x PC USB (Type B), 1 x Bluetooth (aptX/aptX HD/LDAC)

Outputs:

Pre-amplifier: 2 x RCA, 1 x XLR

Headphone: 1 x 6.3 mm

Trigger: 2 x 12V Trigger

Sampling Rates:

Optical/Coaxial: 44.1 - 192 kHz

PC USB: 44.1 kHz - 768 kHz (PCM), DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DSD512

Preamplifier / DAC Section

D/A Converter:

ES9038Pro

Input Sensitivity:

1 Vrms (Line, Volume = 0 dB)

2 Vrms (XLR, Volume = 0 dB)

4.5 mV (Phono MM, Volume = 0 dB)

Total Harmonic Distortion (THD):

< 0.001% (1 kHz @ 0 dBFS)

Frequency Response:

20 Hz - 20 kHz (+/-0.1 dB)

Output Impedance:

120 Ohms

Maximum Sampling Rate:

Optical/Coaxial: 192 kHz

PC USB: PCM 768 kHz, DSD512

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (S/N):

113 dB (A-weighted, RCA)

117 dB (A-weighted, XLR Direct)

Headphone Amplifier Section

Total Harmonic Distortion (THD):

< 0.01% (1 kHz, 50 mW)

Output Impedance:

2.35 Ohms

Load Impedance:

20 - 600 Ohms

General

Standby Power Consumption:

< 0.5 W

Weight:

6.2 kg (net), 8 kg (gross)

Dimensions (W x H x D):

444 x 90 x 328 mm

Carton Dimensions (W x H x D):

514 x 165 x 470 mm

Mains Voltage (region-dependent):

20-240 V, 50/60 Hz

100-120 V, 50/60 Hz

Standard Accessories:

Power cord, remote control, operating manual, antennas

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