audiolab 9000A Integrated Amplifier

The Most Advanced audiolab Amp Yet for Analog and Digital Sources

The 9000A integrated amplifier is the center of audiolab's focus on being the beating heart of a 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.

The 9000A is the brainchild of lead designer, Jan Ertner. Famed for a plethora of class-leading and award-winning audio electronic models, Jan has pushed the 9000A to the highest levels of performance by evolving and redeveloping the principles that created the 8300A and uber-successful 6000A, to deliver the most exceptional performance ever seen in an audiolab integrated ampliﬁer.

Versatility is key to audiolab's integrated ampliﬁer appeal, and the 9000A caters to audiophiles of all creeds. It's loaded with digital and analog 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.

Flexible and Capable

Diﬀerentiating itself from rivals in its category, the audiolab 9000A blends digital capability with an analog pedigree. Premium level D/A conversion, as one would always expect from audiolab, allows a range of digital sources (over four digital inputs) to be connected directly to this high-power integrated unit. Yet, based on over 40 years of ampliﬁer design pedigree, not to mention a recent history of multi-award-winning audio solutions, the 9000A also caters to analog device integrations (via three AUX, balanced XLR and a dedicated phono input).

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

Full Color LCD Screen

Matching the modern hi-ﬁ enthusiast's requirements, the 9000A features a full-color IPS LCD screen oﬀering clear and informative playback, source, and ﬁle information. Not to mention a host of menu options for optimum performance and user-deﬁned settings. Various display options are provided, which also include two VU meter options, allowing the 9000A to be visually informative or, in the case of 'display oﬀ' settings, a discreet centerpiece of any audio system.

Flagship ESS 9038PRO 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 caliber.

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.

The amp's four S/PDIF digital inputs – two coaxial and two optical – handle hi-res PCM data up to 24-bit/192kHz and benefit from a host of user-selectable digital filters that allow you to optimize the response to suit the source file and bandwidth of the partnering equipment.

PCM audio is supported to 32-bit/768kHz, alongside DSD to 22.5MHz (DSD512). Every significant hi-res and lossless audio format is catered for, including FLAC, ALAC, AIFF and WAV, as well as compressed legacy formats.

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.' Thismakes the 9000A an excellent system choice for subscribers to Tidal's 'HiFi Plus' tier where Tidal Masters (MQA) content can be found.

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.

Discrete Class AB Power Amp Stage for the Power Hungry

The 9000A's discrete Class AB power amp stage delivers 100W per channel into 8 ohms (160w per channel into 4 ohms!). Unlike over-specified competitor models, the genuine 100W per channel will put the 9000A up against the best in its class. Referring to the standards set with the audiolab 6000A (rated at 50W per channel), the 9000A's 100W per channel will undoubtedly satisfy the most demanding of loudspeakers and their power-hungry masters.

A key to the audiolab performance is the world-famous CFB (Complementary Feedback) topology, which ensures superior linearity and excellent thermal stability, as the idle current is kept independent of the temperature of the output transistors. An all-new and custom specified 320VA toroidal transformer, followed by 4 x 15,000uF reservoir capacity (60,000uF in total), helps the amp to maintain firm control of the music with excellent dynamic range.

In an effort to maintain consistent signal purity, with line input signals passing to a precision analog volume stage, the preamp section is kept as simple as possible. As with all of Jan Ertner's designs, the circuity is a work of art in more than layout and architecture. The design protects the sensitive preamp section from noise interference and coloration – a key cornerstone of the audiolab philosophy.

High-Performance Phono Stage

With every iteration of integrated amplifier design, audiolab works to improve on the benchmark, built-in phono stage section. The 9000A is no different. It pushes the boundaries of performance of an onboard phono preamp section. The all-new phono pre-amp for 9000A offers compatibility for moving magnet cartridges. The JFET-based circuit with precise RIAA equalization offers the best of both worlds for the turntable using audiolab fans.

The headphone output stage employs current-feedback circuitry with wide bandwidth and a high slew rate. The 9000A ensures a dynamic, detailed, and engaging performance with all manner of headphones, with an extra added audiolab sparkle from the consistent signal integrity from all inputs.

Three Operating Modes

The 9000A offers three operating modes, making it a versatile and essential component in any system. The primary mode is 'Integrated' – this combines the preamp and power amp stages for connection to digital and analog sources and a pair of speakers.

'Pre-Power Mode' disconnects the preamp and power amp stages. The allows the 9000A to be used solely as a power amp – for example, connected to an AV processor in a home theater system. It also enables additional signal processing to be added by connecting the 9000A's 'preamp out' socket to an external processor, then returning the processor's output to the amp's 'power amp in' jack, making the most of its gargantuan 100W per channel performance and critical performance characteristic of the 9000A's pre-section.

Finally, 'Pre Mode' disables the power amp stage, turning the 9000A into a still glorious standalone preamp. This enables external power amplification to be added, thus providing a possible upgrade path.

Product Features

Overview

Integrated Amp with DAC and Phono Stage
2 x 100W (8 ohms) / 2 x 160W (4 ohms) Class AB
Flagship ES9038 Pro 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
Three Operation Modes: Integrated / PRE-POWER / PRE Only
USB Upgrade Support

Inputs

3 x Analog RCA
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

Product Specs

Rated Power Output : 2 x 100W (8 ohms, THD<1%); 2 x 160W (4 ohms, THD<1%)
Input Impedance: 10K (Line); 47K // 100pF (Phono MM)
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) (Preamp): < 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)
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) (Amp): <0.002% (1kHz @ 50W / 8 ohms)
Standby Power Consumption: <0.5W
Dimensions (W x H x D): 17.48" x 13.36" x 3.5"
Weight: 20.7 lb.

Product Warranty

Parts & Labor

3 Years with Registration | 1 Year Limited Without Registration

audiolab Warranty Information

Product Manual

	audiolab 9000A User Manual (PDF Format)

" It is superbly made and nice to use. The company hasn’t skimped on features so it is likely to slot in easily into even the most complex systems. This is a flexible product too, offering the user an easy upgrade route when the time arises.

" In terms of clarity, precision and the ability to render convincing instrumental textures, this amplifier is up there with the best at the price."

- What Hi-Fi?, June 8, 2023

"Across all sources, Audiolab's new 9000A proved a highly capable performer that unlocks pretty much any type of music and lets the listener in. It has no obvious foibles or flaws that distract, and serious power output that takes the worry of driving tricky speakers out of the equation. It's a great all rounder then, and very hard to fault at its price. Indeed I would say that so far it's the company's best ever integrated amplifier by a good way – and thus represents great value for money."

- David Price, stereonet.com, April 10, 2023

"This is the easiest review I’ve ever had to do. Why? Well normally with amplifiers, it’s 'struggle-city' for me in trying to describe the slight differences in characteristics of one amp compared to others. With this one, not so much. It is the most transparent amp I’ve ever heard. It adds nothing. And therefore, it pairs well with everything."

- Taps Das, Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity, May 15, 2023

"The 9000A is a fascinating release. I have a theory. It’s probably totally wrong but it’s a theory, nevertheless. I think Audiolab recognise that there’s competition all over the place at this price point and so are trying to shave a piece of this crowded market by under-cutting much of the competition by just enough to attract the attention to those who are being careful with their budget. To that aim, the 9000A uses tried and trusted tech such as the Omnia-based screen and software to keep costs as low as possible. For that price then, you get an immensely capable amplifier that does a job and does it well."

- Paul Rigby, theaudiophileman.com, February 17, 2023

"The 9000A is sublimely good. Audiolab has taken everything it does, refined it and created an amplifier that manages to be effortlessly brilliant without losing its emotional edge. The result is an unquestionable Best Buy."

- Ed Selley, avforums.com, April 11, 2023