Audio T Verdict
The Audiolab 9000A is a genuinely accomplished flagship integrated amplifier, combining substantial Class AB power with the analogue and digital flexibility required by an ambitious modern Hi-Fi system.
Its 100-watt output, 15-amp current capability and 320VA power supply give it considerably greater authority than the 6000A MKII and 7000A. The ES9038PRO DAC, USB audio and balanced input also allow high-quality source components to be connected without immediately requiring a separate DAC or preamplifier.
A refined Moving Magnet phono stage, dedicated headphone amplifier and separate Integrated, Pre and Pre-Power modes make the 9000A an excellent long-term system hub, with plenty of scope for future expansion.
Audiolab 9000A Integrated Amplifier
The 9000A is Audiolab’s flagship integrated amplifier, designed to combine high-current loudspeaker control with extensive analogue, digital and wireless connectivity.
Its discrete Class AB output stage delivers 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 160 watts per channel into 4 ohms, supported by a 320VA toroidal transformer and 60,000µF of power-supply reservoir capacity.
Three RCA line inputs, one balanced XLR input, a Moving Magnet phono stage, four S/PDIF inputs, PC USB audio and Bluetooth provide connections for a broad range of source equipment.
Discrete Class AB Power Amplifier
The 9000A uses a traditional discrete Class AB output stage rather than an off-the-shelf Class D amplifier module.
Audiolab’s Complementary Feedback topology is designed to maintain linearity and thermal stability by reducing the effect that output-transistor temperature has on the amplifier’s idle current.
Rated output is 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 160 watts per channel into 4 ohms, with a maximum published output current of 15 amps.
320VA Toroidal Transformer
A custom-specified 320VA toroidal transformer supplies the amplifier’s analogue circuitry.
Four 15,000µF reservoir capacitors provide 60,000µF of total energy storage, helping the amplifier respond to short musical peaks without losing control of the connected loudspeakers.
The internal layout is designed to keep the sensitive preamplifier and digital circuits away from unnecessary electrical noise generated by the power supply and output stage.
Speaker Matching
The 9000A has enough power and current delivery to partner a wide range of high-quality standmount and floorstanding loudspeakers.
Successful matching still depends on several factors:
- Speaker sensitivity
- Nominal and minimum impedance
- Room size
- Listening distance
- Preferred playback level
- Low-frequency extension
- The electrical demands of the crossover and drive units
Its 160-watt output into 4 ohms and 15-amp current capability provide useful headroom with demanding loudspeakers, but a demonstration remains worthwhile before purchasing a complete system at this level.
More Power Still Requires Sensible Use
The 9000A offers substantial clean output, but no amplifier or loudspeaker is immune from damage when driven beyond its limits.
Reduce the volume immediately if the sound becomes strained, compressed, harsh or obviously distorted.
ESS Sabre ES9038PRO DAC
The internal digital-to-analogue converter is ESS Technology’s flagship ES9038PRO.
Its 32-bit HyperStream II architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator technology provide the foundation for the 9000A’s digital section.
Audiolab combines the DAC with its own clocking, low-noise power supplies, digital filtering and analogue output circuitry rather than relying upon the converter chip alone.
PC USB Audio
A rear USB Type B input accepts digital audio from a compatible Windows computer or Mac.
PCM sampling rates are supported from 44.1kHz to 768kHz, while native DSD compatibility extends through DSD64, DSD128, DSD256 and DSD512.
Compatible Windows computers may require the current Audiolab USB audio driver. Supported Mac systems can normally use the amplifier through the operating system’s built-in USB audio facilities.
Two Different USB Connections
The USB Type B socket is the computer-audio input.
The separate USB Type A socket marked Update is intended for installing official firmware from a compatible storage device. It is not a general music-file input.
Roon Tested
The Audiolab 9000A is Roon Tested for compatible computer USB operation.
This means Audiolab and Roon have tested the amplifier with supported computers and operating systems.
Roon Tested is different from Roon Ready. The 9000A does not contain Ethernet, Wi-Fi or an independent Roon network endpoint, so a suitable computer, streamer or other Roon source is still required.
MQA Full Decoder
Audiolab’s current specification lists the 9000A as an MQA Full Decoder through its PC USB, coaxial and optical inputs.
This allows compatible MQA-encoded material to be decoded within the amplifier rather than relying upon a separate MQA-capable DAC.
Normal PCM and DSD playback does not require MQA processing, and the availability of MQA-encoded music depends on the selected source and service.
Four S/PDIF Digital Inputs
Two optical and two coaxial inputs are provided for external digital sources.
Suitable products can include:
- CD transports
- Network music streamers
- Digital radio tuners
- Televisions with stereo PCM output
- Games consoles
- Blu-ray and DVD players
- Compatible set-top boxes
The optical and coaxial connections accept PCM sampling frequencies from 44.1kHz to 192kHz.
Digital Upsampling
The 9000A can automatically upsample incoming S/PDIF and PC USB signals to either 352.8kHz or 384kHz, according to the original sampling frequency.
Upsampling can also be switched off through the menu.
The preferred setting may depend on the recording and system, so it is worth comparing the available options rather than assuming one will always sound better.
Selectable Digital Filters
The ES9038PRO DAC provides several reconstruction-filter options for adjusting the way the converter handles frequencies near the upper limit of the digital signal.
The principal filters described by Audiolab include:
- Linear Phase Fast Roll-Off
- Linear Phase Slow Roll-Off
- Minimum Phase Fast Roll-Off
- Minimum Phase Slow Roll-Off
- Hybrid Fast Roll-Off
Linear Phase Slow Roll-Off is the factory default.
The audible differences may be subtle and can vary with the source material, speakers and room.
Adjustable DPLL
The Digital Phase Lock Loop setting changes the DAC’s tolerance of jitter within an incoming optical or coaxial signal.
Normal is the recommended setting for correctly functioning digital sources.
Wide can be selected if the amplifier has difficulty locking to a source with unusually high jitter, although the wider setting should not normally be required.
Bluetooth 5.1
Bluetooth 5.1 provides convenient wireless playback from compatible phones, tablets and computers.
Audiolab’s current specification lists support for:
The codec used during playback depends on the capabilities and settings of the transmitting device.
Bluetooth Is Not Network Streaming
The 9000A contains a Bluetooth receiver but does not include Wi-Fi, Ethernet or an integrated music-streaming platform.
For app-based streaming services, internet radio, network libraries or Roon Ready playback, connect a separate network player such as the Audiolab 9000N.
The streamer can connect through the balanced XLR input, an RCA line input or one of the amplifier’s digital inputs.
Balanced XLR Input
One stereo pair of balanced XLR inputs is provided for a compatible source component.
This is particularly useful with products such as the matching Audiolab 9000N, a high-quality DAC or another source fitted with balanced outputs.
A separate XLR cable is required for the left and right channels.
The 9000A’s published balanced-input sensitivity is 2V with the volume set to 0dB.
Three RCA Line Inputs
AUX 1, AUX 2 and AUX 3 provide three conventional stereo RCA inputs.
These can accommodate suitable line-level products including:
- CD players
- Music streamers
- Radio tuners
- Cassette decks
- External DACs
- External phono stages
- Other compatible analogue sources
Do not connect a turntable directly to a line input unless the turntable or an external phono stage provides a suitable line-level signal.
Adjustable Analogue Input Sensitivity
The level of each analogue source can be adjusted by up to 6dB in either direction.
This helps reduce large changes in volume when moving between products with different output voltages.
Begin with the adjustment at its neutral position and make only the change required to achieve a reasonably consistent level.
Moving Magnet Phono Stage
The dedicated phono input is designed for a turntable fitted with a Moving Magnet cartridge or another cartridge with a compatible output.
Its JFET-based circuit provides precise RIAA equalisation and a published gain of 53dB.
Input loading is 47k ohms with 100pF capacitance, while a separate ground terminal is provided for turntables with an earth lead.
Moving Magnet Only
The internal phono stage is not intended for a conventional low-output Moving Coil cartridge.
Use a suitable external Moving Coil phono stage or step-up solution connected to one of the amplifier’s RCA line inputs or balanced input, where appropriate.
Dedicated Headphone Amplifier
A 6.3mm headphone socket is positioned on the front panel.
The dedicated current-feedback headphone circuit is designed for headphone loads between 20 and 600 ohms.
Its published output impedance is 2.35 ohms, helping it partner a broad range of conventional wired headphones.
Connecting headphones automatically deactivates the loudspeaker terminals.
4.3-Inch Colour Display
The 9000A uses a 4.3-inch full-colour IPS display with a published resolution of 800 × 480 pixels.
It can show:
- Selected input
- Volume level
- Incoming digital sampling frequency
- Operating mode
- Menu settings
- Digital VU meters
- Analogue-style VU meters
- Audiolab logo display
The display can also be switched off where a darker and less distracting listening environment is preferred.
Display Adjustment
Display brightness, animation and timeout behaviour can be changed through the setup menu.
The timeout can be set to five, ten, fifteen or thirty seconds.
Operating a control temporarily returns the relevant information to the screen before it reverts to the selected display mode.
Integrated Mode
Integrated Mode connects the internal preamplifier and power amplifier in the conventional way.
All selected sources pass through the volume-controlled preamplifier before reaching the internal Class AB output stage and connected speakers.
The preamplifier output remains active, allowing an additional power amplifier, compatible powered subwoofer or other suitable product to be connected.
Pre Mode
Pre Mode disconnects the internal power-amplifier stage and allows the 9000A to function as a standalone DAC and preamplifier.
The variable preamplifier output can then feed a separate stereo power amplifier or a pair of monoblock amplifiers.
The internal loudspeaker output is disabled while the headphone output remains available.
Pre-Power Mode
Pre-Power Mode separates the internal preamplifier and power-amplifier sections while leaving both available independently.
This allows an external processor or equalisation system to be connected between the preamplifier output and power-amplifier input.
It also allows a compatible home cinema processor or AV amplifier to feed the 9000A’s power stage directly.
Home Cinema Integration
Pre-Power Mode can incorporate the 9000A’s front-channel power amplifier into a suitable home cinema system.
Configuration and volume management must be completed carefully to prevent unexpectedly high playback levels or accidental use of two active volume controls.
Bi-Amplification
The preamplifier output remains active during normal Integrated Mode.
This allows an additional compatible power amplifier to be used for passive bi-amplification where the loudspeakers provide separate input terminals and their manufacturer supports this arrangement.
The second amplifier should provide compatible gain and polarity.
Connecting a Powered Subwoofer
The 9000A does not provide a dedicated filtered subwoofer output.
Its full-range variable preamplifier output can feed a powered subwoofer with a suitable line-level input.
Crossover frequency, level and phase must be adjusted on the subwoofer itself.
The correct settings depend on the main speakers, room and listening position.
12V Trigger Input and Output
A 12V trigger input and output allow compatible system components to move between standby and operation together.
The output can control products such as a matching Audiolab transport or power amplifier.
The input allows the 9000A to respond to a compatible source, processor or control system.
A suitable 3.5mm trigger cable is required and is not supplied.
Remote Control
An Audiolab system remote handset is included.
It provides access to:
- Standby
- Source selection
- Volume and muting
- Integrated, Pre and Pre-Power modes
- Menu navigation
- Display selection
- Compatible Audiolab 9000 Series products
The handset requires two AAA batteries, which Audiolab states are not included.
Power-On Volume Limit
The menu includes a configurable maximum power-on volume.
When the amplifier leaves standby, it returns to the level used at the end of the previous session or the selected power-on limit, whichever is lower.
This helps prevent unexpectedly loud playback at the beginning of a new listening session.
Automatic Standby
Automatic standby can be set to 20 minutes, 60 minutes or Never.
The amplifier enters standby after the selected period without activity.
Standby power consumption is below 0.5 watts.
No HDMI ARC
The Audiolab 9000A does not include HDMI ARC or HDMI eARC.
A compatible television can still connect through an optical or coaxial digital output where it can be configured to send two-channel PCM.
Listeners who require HDMI ARC within an Audiolab integrated amplifier should consider the 7000A or 6000A MKII.
No Built-In Network Streamer
The 9000A does not include Wi-Fi, Ethernet, internet radio or an integrated streaming app.
The matching Audiolab 9000N provides network playback, streaming-service access, balanced analogue outputs and digital outputs.
A separate streamer also allows the network platform to be upgraded independently of the amplifier in the future.
Installation and Ventilation
The 9000A should be placed on a strong, stable and level shelf.
Its ventilation openings must remain clear, and the amplifier should not be enclosed within furniture that prevents heat from escaping.
Allow open space above and around the unit, particularly when driving demanding speakers or playing music at higher levels.
Do not stack another warm-running product directly on top.
Speaker Connections
One pair of stereo loudspeaker terminals is provided.
Maintain correct polarity by connecting positive to positive and negative to negative at both the amplifier and speakers.
Use suitable speaker cable and make sure no loose conductor strands can create a short circuit between adjacent terminals.
Switch the amplifier off before connecting or disconnecting loudspeakers.
Running In
The electronic components and connected loudspeakers may settle slightly during their initial use.
No special running-in signal is required. Play varied music at sensible levels and allow the system to develop naturally.
Speaker positioning, room acoustics and system matching will normally have a much greater effect than following an exact running-in timetable.
9000A or 7000A?
The 7000A provides 70 watts per channel into 8 ohms, an ES9038Q2M DAC, USB audio, HDMI ARC, Bluetooth and an MM phono stage.
The 9000A increases output to 100 watts per channel, raises maximum current to 15 amps, uses the flagship ES9038PRO DAC and adds a balanced XLR input and larger display.
The 7000A remains the more practical option where HDMI television connectivity is essential, while the 9000A places greater emphasis on outright amplification, digital performance and balanced source connectivity.
9000A or 9000Q and 9000P?
The 9000A combines preamplification, digital conversion and stereo power amplification within one cabinet.
The separate 9000Q and 9000P provide additional system flexibility, balanced connection options and the ability to place the preamplifier and power amplifier independently.
The integrated 9000A requires less shelf space and fewer interconnects, while the separate combination may suit listeners planning a more extensive or upgradeable system.
Finish Options
The Audiolab 9000A is available in:
Its styling coordinates with the Audiolab 9000CDT, 9000N, 9000Q and 9000P.
Key Features
- Flagship integrated stereo amplifier
- Discrete Class AB output stage
- 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms
- 160 watts per channel into 4 ohms
- 15-amp maximum output current
- Complementary Feedback amplifier topology
- 320VA toroidal transformer
- Four 15,000µF reservoir capacitors
- 60,000µF total reservoir capacity
- ESS Sabre ES9038PRO 32-bit DAC
- Two coaxial digital inputs
- Two optical digital inputs
- S/PDIF PCM support up to 24-bit/192kHz
- USB Type B computer-audio input
- USB PCM support up to 32-bit/768kHz
- DSD64, DSD128, DSD256 and DSD512 support
- Roon Tested
- MQA Full Decoder through supported digital inputs
- Digital upsampling to 352.8kHz or 384kHz
- Selectable DAC reconstruction filters
- Adjustable DPLL
- Bluetooth 5.1
- aptX, aptX HD, AAC and LDAC support
- Three stereo RCA line inputs
- One stereo balanced XLR input
- Low-noise Moving Magnet phono stage
- Dedicated current-feedback headphone amplifier
- 6.3mm headphone socket
- Integrated, Pre and Pre-Power operating modes
- Power-amplifier input
- Variable preamplifier output
- 12V trigger input and output
- 4.3-inch full-colour IPS display
- 800 × 480-pixel display resolution
- Digital and analogue-style VU meters
- Adjustable analogue input sensitivity
- Configurable power-on volume limit
- Configurable automatic standby
- System remote control included
- 9.4kg net weight
- Black or Silver finish
- Three-year extended warranty when registered within 90 days
Frequently Asked Questions
How powerful is the Audiolab 9000A?
It delivers 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 160 watts per channel into 4 ohms.
What is its maximum output current?
Audiolab specifies a maximum output current of 15 amps.
What type of amplifier is it?
It uses a discrete Class AB power stage with Audiolab’s Complementary Feedback topology.
Which DAC does it use?
Digital conversion is handled by the flagship ESS Sabre ES9038PRO 32-bit DAC.
Does it support USB audio?
Yes. The USB Type B input accepts audio from compatible Windows computers and Macs.
What is the maximum USB resolution?
PC USB supports PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD up to DSD512.
Can the USB Type A socket play music from a memory stick?
No. The USB Type A socket is for installing official firmware updates.
Is the 9000A Roon Ready?
No. It is Roon Tested for compatible computer USB operation but is not an independent networked Roon Ready endpoint.
Does it decode MQA?
Audiolab’s current specification identifies it as an MQA Full Decoder through PC USB, coaxial and optical inputs.
How many optical and coaxial inputs are provided?
There are two coaxial and two optical S/PDIF inputs.
What resolution do the S/PDIF inputs support?
They accept PCM sampling frequencies from 44.1kHz to 192kHz.
Does it have Bluetooth?
Yes. It uses Bluetooth 5.1 and supports aptX, aptX HD, AAC and LDAC.
Does it include Wi-Fi or network streaming?
No. Connect a separate music streamer such as the Audiolab 9000N for network playback and streaming services.
Does it have HDMI ARC?
No. A television can connect through optical or coaxial PCM, but HDMI ARC is not included.
Does it have a balanced input?
Yes. One stereo pair of balanced XLR inputs is provided.
How many unbalanced line inputs are provided?
There are three stereo RCA line inputs.
Can the analogue input levels be adjusted?
Yes. Each analogue input can be adjusted by up to 6dB in either direction.
Does it have a phono stage?
Yes. It includes a dedicated low-noise Moving Magnet phono input and turntable ground terminal.
Can a Moving Coil cartridge connect directly?
A conventional low-output Moving Coil cartridge requires a suitable external phono stage or step-up solution.
Does it have a headphone output?
Yes. A dedicated current-feedback headphone amplifier feeds the front-panel 6.3mm socket.
Which headphone impedances are supported?
Audiolab specifies a load range of 20–600 ohms.
Do the speakers continue playing when headphones are connected?
No. Inserting a headphone plug deactivates the loudspeaker terminals.
Can it operate as a preamplifier?
Yes. Pre Mode disables the internal power stage and sends the selected source through the variable preamplifier output.
Can it operate as a power amplifier?
Yes. Pre-Power Mode allows a compatible external preamplifier or AV processor to feed the power-amplifier input.
Can it be integrated into a home cinema system?
Yes. Pre-Power Mode can incorporate its power stage into a suitable AV system, although setup and volume management must be completed carefully.
Can a powered subwoofer be connected?
Yes. A suitable powered subwoofer can connect to the full-range variable preamplifier output.
Does it have a dedicated subwoofer output?
No. Crossover, level and phase adjustment must be completed on the connected subwoofer.
Can it be used for bi-amplification?
Yes. The preamplifier output remains active in Integrated Mode and can feed a compatible additional power amplifier.
How many pairs of speakers can be connected?
One pair. The 9000A provides one set of stereo loudspeaker terminals.
Does it have 12V trigger connections?
Yes. One trigger input and one trigger output are provided. A suitable 3.5mm cable is required separately.
How large is the display?
It uses a 4.3-inch full-colour IPS display with a published resolution of 800 × 480 pixels.
Can the display be switched off?
Yes. Brightness, animation and timeout behaviour can also be adjusted.
Does it require ventilation?
Yes. Install it on a strong open shelf, keep its ventilation openings clear and do not stack warm-running equipment directly above it.
What are its dimensions?
It measures 444mm wide, 89mm high and 342mm deep.
How much does it weigh?
The current official net weight is 9.4kg.
Is a remote control included?
Yes. An Audiolab system remote is supplied, although its two required AAA batteries are not included.
Which finishes are available?
The Audiolab 9000A is available in Black and Silver.
What warranty is included?
Audiolab offers an extended three-year warranty when the product is registered online within 90 days of purchase. Without registration, cover is one year or the applicable statutory period, whichever is longer.
Related Audiolab Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Audiolab 9000 Series demonstrations
- Speaker and amplifier matching advice
- Balanced XLR and RCA connection guidance
- Turntable and Moving Magnet cartridge advice
- Computer USB audio and driver support
- CD transport and network-streamer setup
- Bluetooth pairing assistance
- Headphone matching advice
- Subwoofer and bi-amplification guidance
- Home cinema integration support
- Warranty-registration assistance
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a demonstration or discuss building a system around the Audiolab 9000A.