Audiolab 9000A - Black - Stereo Amplifier
About the Audiolab 9000A - Black - Stereo Amplifier:
Integrated amplifier, the Audiolab 9000A - Black - Stereo Amplifier
As always, the 9000A is the center of the audiolab focus because it is the beating heart of any high-performance audio system. It is more powerful, capable and feature-packed than any previous model - the most advanced audiolab integrated amplifier to date. Versatility is key to the appeal of Audiolab's integrated amplifier, and the 9000A caters to audiophiles of all creeds. Loaded with digital and analog source connectivity, wireless connectivity for portable devices, an all-new phono stage for vinyl playback, and the usual industry-leading amplification for speakers and headphones.
Digital face
Meeting the demands of the modern hi-fi enthusiast, the 9000A features a color IPS LCD screen with clear and informative playback, source and file information. Not to mention a host of menu options for optimal performance and user-defined settings. Several display options are available, including two VU meter options, allowing the 9000A to be visually informative or, in the case of "display off" settings, a discreet focal point of any audio system.
Flexible and capable
Setting itself apart from rivals within its category, the audiolab 9000A combines digital capabilities with an analog pedigree. Top-level D/A conversion, as you would always expect from audiolab, allows a range of digital sources (over four digital inputs) to be connected directly to this powerful integrated unit. But based on more than 40 years of experience in amplifier design, not to mention a recent history of multi-award-winning audio solutions, the 9000A also accommodates analog device integrations (via three AUX, balanced XLR and a dedicated phono input).
However, the world of modern audio enjoyment is not limited to wired playback devices, which is why the 9000A also supports wireless connectivity via Bluetooth and digital audio via a PC-USB connection.
The 9000A is the brainchild of chief designer Jan Ertner. Famous for a plethora of industry-leading and award-winning audio-electronic models, Jan pushed the 9000A to the highest level of performance by evolving and re-engineering the principles that created the 8300A and the highly successful 6000A to deliver the most exceptional performance ever seen in an audiolab integrated amplifier.
laggenschip DAC at the Audiolab 9000A - Black - Stereo Amplifier
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. Much 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 digital S/PDIF inputs -- two coaxial and two optical -- process high-resolution PCM data up to 24-bit/192 kHz and benefit from a host of user-selectable digital filters that allow the user to optimize the response to match the source file and bandwidth of the partner equipment.
PCM audio is supported up to 32-bit/768 kHz, in addition to DSD up to 22.5 MHz (DSD512). Every significant hi-res and lossless audio format is provided, including FLAC, ALAC, AIFF and WAV, as well as compressed older formats.
MQA all the way
The 9000A also delivers full decoding of MQA, the hi-res streaming technology from a custom MQA-certified DAC solution. This means that the entire "three unfolding" decoding process is performed internally, as opposed to just the final unfolding in the manner of an MQA "renderer," making 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 the convenience of modern audio playback, Bluetooth connectivity is standard with the 9000A switching to 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 filtering options.
The 9000A's discrete Class AB power amplifier stage delivers 100W per channel at 8 ohms (160W per channel at 4 ohms!). Unlike over-specified competitor models, the true 100W per channel will put the 9000A up against the best in its class. Referring to the standards set with the audiolab 6000A (rated 50 W per channel), the 9000A's 100W per channel will undoubtedly satisfy the most demanding speakers and their power-hungry masters.
A key to audiolab performance is the world-renowned Complementary Feedback (CFB) topology, which ensures superior linearity and excellent thermal stability, as idle current is kept independent of output transistor temperature. An all-new and custom-specified 320VA toroidal transformer, followed by 4 x 15,000uF reserve capacitance (60,000uF total), helps the amplifier maintain firm control of the music while enabling excellent dynamic range.
In an effort to maintain consistent signal purity, with line input signals going to a precise analog volume stage, the preamp section has been kept as simple as possible. As with all of Jan Ertner's designs, the circuit is a work of art in more than layout and architecture. The design itself protects the sensitive preamp section from noise interference and coloration - an important cornerstone of the audiolab philosophy.
High quality phono stage of the Audiolab 9000A - Black - Stereo Amplifier
With each iteration of integrated amplifier design, audiolab works to improve the standard built-in phono stage section. The 9000A is no different; pushing the limits of the performance of a built-in phono preamp section. The all-new phono preamp for 9000A offers moving-magnet compatibility - a JFET-based circuit with precise RIAA equalization provides the best of both worlds for the turntable using audiolab fans.
Likewise, for the headphone output stage that uses power feedback circuitry with wide bandwidth and high slew rate; the 9000A provides dynamic, detailed and immersive performance with all kinds of headphone types, with that extra added audiolab sparkle due to the consistent signal integrity of all inputs.
The Audiolab 9000A continues the theme of flexibility in audio system integration. As is a staple of Audiolab's integrated amplifier design, the 9000A offers three variations of operating modes, making it a versatile and essential component in any system.
Power to the people
The primary mode is "Integrated" - this combines the pre and power amplifier stages, for connecting digital and analog sources to the inputs of the amplifier and a pair of speakers to the terminals.
'Pre-Power Mode' disconnects the pre and power amplifier stages. This allows the 9000A to be used exclusively as a power amplifier - connected, for example, to an AV processor in a home theater system. It also makes it possible to add additional signal processing, by connecting the 9000A's 'preamp out' jack to an external processor and then sending the processor's output back to the amplifier's 'power amp in' jack, making the most of the 9000A's massive 100 W per channel and critical performance characteristic of the pre-section, no matter what magic users want to implement in between!
Finally, 'Pre Mode' disables the power amplifier stage, turning the 9000A into a still glorious stand-alone preamp. This allows external power amplification to be added, providing a possible upgrade path.
Never before did audiolab visit this price and performance category; new standards are being set.
Technical specifications of the Audiolab 9000A - Black - Stereo Amplifier
| 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″ (80 x 48 mm) large-format full-view IPS LCD | |
| Built-in certified MQA full decoder (PC USB, coaxial/optical) | |
| Support for Bluetooth 5.1 (aptX/aptX HD/AAC/LDAC). | |
| Special high-performance, low-noise MM Phono Stage | |
| Special Current-Feedback Headphone AMP | |
| Integrated / PRE-POWER / PRE Only modes. | |
| Support for USB upgrades | |
| Entries | 3 x analog, 1 x XLR, 1 x phono (MM), 1 x power amplifier, |
| 2 x SPDIF (coaxial), 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 headphones, 1 x 12V trigger |
| Sampling frequency | Optical / coaxial: 44.1 kHz - 192 kHz; |
| PC-USB: 44.1 kHz-768 kHz (PCM) / DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DSD512 | |
| Preamplifier section | |
| Profit (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 | maximum 2.3V (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: 192 kHz; |
| PC-USB: PCM768kHz, DSD512 | |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio (S/N). | > 117dB (A-weighted) |
| Power amplifier section | |
| Earn | +29dB |
| Rated output power | 2 x 100 W (8 ohm, THD <1%); |
| 2 x 160 W (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 (S/N). | > 110dB (A-weighted) |
| Max. Output Current | 15A |
| Headphone Amplifier | |
| 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 |
| Net weight | 9.4 kg |
| Gross weight | 11.2 kg |
| Dimensions (mm) (W x H x D) | 444 x 89 x 342 |
| Size of the box (mm) (W x H x D) | 514 x 470 x 161 |
| Finish | Black silver |
| energy needs | 220-240V ~ 50/60Hz; |
| (depending on the region) | 100-120V ~ 50/60Hz |
| standard accessories | Power cord, remote control, user manual, antennas, etc. |
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.