Audio T Verdict
The Audiolab 9000N is a serious flagship network player, combining a stable streaming platform with an accomplished DAC and flexible system connectivity.
Its ES9038PRO conversion stage, balanced XLR outputs and high-resolution PCM and DSD support make it a natural partner for revealing amplifiers and speakers. It can also bypass its internal DAC through coaxial or optical outputs.
Roon Ready certification, AirPlay 2, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, local network playback, USB storage and PC USB audio give the 9000N enough flexibility to sit at the centre of an ambitious digital system.
Audiolab 9000N Network Music Player
The Audiolab 9000N is the flagship network music player in the 9000 Series.
It combines Audiolab’s dedicated streaming platform with an ESS Sabre ES9038PRO DAC, a powerful quad-core processor and a comprehensive selection of network, USB, analogue and digital connections.
The 9000N can operate as a conventional streamer connected to an integrated amplifier, as a digital transport feeding an external DAC, or as a streamer, DAC and volume-controlled preamplifier connected directly to a suitable power amplifier or active speaker system.
Dedicated Audiolab Streaming Platform
The 9000N uses Audiolab’s own Linux-based streaming platform rather than the DTS Play-Fi system found in the 6000N Play and 7000N Play.
Its operating system was developed to provide responsive browsing, stable high-resolution playback and close integration between the accompanying Audiolab 9000N app and the front-panel interface.
The platform provides intelligent searching, playlist creation, album grouping, composer-tag support, artwork caching and access to compatible streaming services and local music libraries.
Audiolab 9000N App
The Audiolab 9000N app is available for compatible Apple and Android phones and tablets.
It provides access to:
- TIDAL
- Qobuz
- TuneIn internet radio
- UPnP and OpenHome network libraries
- Compatible USB storage
- Search and browsing
- Playlist creation and management
- Album and artist information
- Volume control when using Adjustable output
- High-resolution album artwork
Service availability, subscriptions and app requirements can change, so check the current application where access to one particular platform is essential.
Spotify Connect and Spotify Lossless
Spotify Connect allows the 9000N to be selected directly from within the Spotify app.
Once playback has started, the 9000N retrieves the stream through the network rather than receiving it continuously from the controlling phone or tablet.
Audiolab’s current product information also confirms support for Spotify Lossless, allowing compatible Spotify accounts and content to play at CD quality through the native Spotify app.
TIDAL Connect
TIDAL Connect allows the 9000N to be selected as a playback device from within the TIDAL app.
This provides access to TIDAL’s interface, recommendations, favourites and playlists without requiring music selection through the Audiolab app.
Available formats and maximum playback quality depend on the current TIDAL service, subscription and source material.
Qobuz Connect
Qobuz Connect allows compatible music to be selected from within the Qobuz app and played directly through the 9000N.
The 9000N also provides native Qobuz access through the Audiolab app, including indicators that help identify high-resolution releases.
A suitable Qobuz subscription and internet connection are required.
Apple AirPlay 2
AirPlay 2 provides convenient playback from compatible iPhones, iPads, Macs and other Apple products.
This allows Apple Music and audio from many other applications to be sent to the 9000N without opening the Audiolab app.
The Apple device and 9000N must be connected to the same network.
Roon Ready
The 9000N is a certified Roon Ready network player.
Roon can discover and control the 9000N directly through Ethernet or Wi-Fi, providing integrated browsing of local libraries and supported streaming services.
Roon requires separate compatible server hardware and an active Roon subscription.
Roon Ready, Not Merely Roon Tested
Roon Ready means the network-streaming technology is built into the 9000N itself.
It can therefore operate as a networked Roon endpoint without needing to remain connected to a computer through USB.
UPnP and OpenHome Playback
The 9000N supports UPnP AV with the OpenHome audio-streaming extension.
This allows it to access compatible music stored on:
- NAS drives
- Computers running media-server software
- Dedicated music servers
- Compatible network-storage products
- Other suitable UPnP libraries
The server and 9000N must be connected to the same local network.
Gapless Playback
Gapless playback allows one compatible track to continue into the next without an unwanted pause.
This is particularly important for live albums, classical works, concept albums and continuous DJ mixes.
Correct operation can depend on the source, server, file format and selected playback method.
Dual-Band Wi-Fi
The 9000N supports IEEE 802.11 a, b, g, n and ac wireless networking across the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands.
The rear Wi-Fi antenna should be installed and positioned with adequate clearance from large metal objects and other sources of interference.
The menu can display the current Wi-Fi RSSI value, helping identify whether the wireless signal is sufficiently strong for reliable streaming.
Check the Wi-Fi Signal
Audiolab identifies approximately -67dBm as the minimum threshold for reliable streaming, with figures closer to zero representing a stronger signal.
Use Ethernet or improve the wireless coverage where the displayed value remains below -70dBm.
Gigabit Ethernet
A rear Ethernet connection provides wired access to the home network.
The hardware supports 10, 100 and 1000 Base-T Ethernet, although Audiolab specifies that a connection of at least 100 Base-T is required.
A wired connection is recommended where Wi-Fi coverage is weak, the network is congested or very high-resolution files are being played regularly.
Quad-Core Processing
The streaming platform is powered by a quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor running at 1.8GHz per core.
This processing platform manages network communication, music-library browsing, artwork caching, app interaction and playback of high-resolution files.
Cached artwork helps covers and library information appear more quickly after they have been accessed previously.
ESS Sabre ES9038PRO DAC
Digital-to-analogue conversion is handled by the flagship eight-channel ESS Sabre ES9038PRO DAC.
Its HyperStream II architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator technology are supported by Audiolab’s proprietary clocking, power supplies, output circuitry and post-DAC filtering.
The implementation supports PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz and native DSD up to DSD512 through compatible inputs and playback methods.
High-Resolution PCM Playback
The 9000N supports PCM sampling frequencies from 44.1kHz to 768kHz.
Playback at 705.6kHz and 768kHz is supported in fixed-point form through compatible Audiolab app streaming and PC USB operation.
The actual resolution available from subscription services depends on the service, recording and account level.
Native DSD Playback
Native DSD playback is supported at:
- DSD64
- DSD128
- DSD256
- DSD512
Supported DSD containers include DSF, DSDIFF and DoP-compatible material.
The available resolution can depend on whether playback is taking place through the network platform, USB storage or PC USB connection.
Supported File Formats
Published file compatibility includes:
- FLAC
- Apple Lossless or ALAC
- WAV
- AIFF
- MP3
- DSF
- DSDIFF or DFF
- DoP-compatible DSD
The detailed manual also lists AAC support for compatible USB-storage playback.
USB Storage Playback
A rear USB Type A connection allows music to be played directly from a compatible flash drive or USB hard disk.
The storage library appears within the Audiolab app as a USB Music Server associated with the 9000N.
This allows local music to be browsed without running separate NAS or computer-based server software.
Compatible USB Storage
Audiolab specifies compatibility with single-partition storage using:
Drives up to 4TB are recommended. Some drives up to 8TB may operate, but Audiolab does not guarantee compatibility because power requirements, controllers and enclosure designs vary.
Some USB Drives Need More Power
The USB storage connection provides 5V at up to 1A.
Large mechanical drives and some enclosures may require their own external power supply. SATA enclosures and memory-card adaptors may also prove incompatible.
PC USB Audio
A separate USB Type B input accepts digital audio directly from a compatible Windows computer or Mac.
The supplied USB A-to-B cable can be used to connect the computer to the 9000N.
Compatible Windows computers may require the current Audiolab USB driver, while supported Macs can normally use the operating system’s built-in audio facilities.
The USB Type B input supports PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD up to DSD512.
USB Firmware Updates
A separate USB Type A Update socket is provided for installing official Audiolab firmware.
This connection is different from the USB storage input and PC USB audio input.
The network-streaming module can also receive over-the-air updates, with the 9000N asking permission when new software becomes available.
Selectable Digital Filters
The DAC provides five reconstruction-filter options:
- 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 selected as the factory default.
The differences can be subtle and may depend on the recording, amplifier, speakers and personal preference.
PCM Upsampling
PCM upsampling can convert compatible signals to 352.8kHz or 384kHz before digital-to-analogue conversion.
When upsampling is enabled, only the analogue RCA and XLR outputs remain active because the processed sampling rate exceeds the capability of the S/PDIF outputs.
The digital-filter selections are also disabled while PCM upsampling is active.
Upsampling Disables the Digital Outputs
The coaxial and optical outputs cannot transmit the 352.8kHz or 384kHz upsampled signal.
Switch PCM upsampling off when using the 9000N as a digital transport feeding an external DAC.
Balanced XLR Analogue Outputs
One stereo pair of balanced XLR outputs is provided.
Audiolab recommends using these where the partnering amplifier or preamplifier has suitable balanced inputs.
Balanced connection can provide a higher signal-to-noise ratio and improved rejection of interference, particularly over longer cable runs.
One XLR cable is required for each channel.
Unbalanced RCA Analogue Outputs
One stereo pair of RCA outputs allows connection to a conventional line input on almost any integrated amplifier or preamplifier.
Suitable amplifier inputs include AUX, CD, Line and other standard line-level connections.
Do not connect the 9000N to a Moving Magnet or Moving Coil phono input.
Fixed Analogue Output
Fixed mode sends the analogue signal at its maximum output level.
This is normally the correct setting when connecting the 9000N to an integrated amplifier or preamplifier whose own volume control will be used.
Turn the receiving amplifier down before changing from Adjustable to Fixed output.
Adjustable Analogue Output
Adjustable mode activates the 9000N’s internal volume control.
This allows its RCA or XLR outputs to connect directly to a suitable stereo power amplifier or compatible active speakers.
The available volume range is -78dB to 0dB, and Adjustable is the factory-default output setting.
Take Care When Connecting Directly to a Power Amplifier
Confirm that Adjustable output is selected and begin at a low volume before starting playback.
Changing accidentally to Fixed output while connected directly to a power amplifier could produce an unexpectedly high listening level.
Power-On Volume Limit
The maximum volume used when the 9000N leaves standby can be configured through the menu.
The player returns to the level used during the previous session or the selected limit, whichever is lower.
This function applies to the adjustable analogue outputs. The digital outputs operate at a constant level.
Coaxial Digital Output
The coaxial RCA output allows the 9000N to operate as a digital transport feeding an external DAC or digital amplifier.
It supports PCM signals up to 24-bit/192kHz and has a specified output impedance of 75 ohms.
Use a properly screened 75-ohm digital cable rather than an arbitrary analogue RCA interconnect.
Optical Digital Output
The Toslink optical output provides an electrically isolated alternative to the coaxial connection.
It supports PCM output up to 24-bit/192kHz and can connect to compatible DACs, digital preamplifiers and integrated amplifiers.
The preferred connection can depend on the receiving equipment and complete system.
Digital Output Limitations
The coaxial and optical outputs are inactive when PCM upsampling is enabled.
With upsampling switched off, they remain active for PCM streams at or below 192kHz.
Signals above 192kHz cannot be passed through the S/PDIF outputs and require the 9000N’s internal DAC and analogue outputs.
4.3-Inch Colour Display
The front panel uses a 4.3-inch full-colour IPS display with a published resolution of 800 by 480 pixels.
It can show:
- Full-colour album artwork
- Track, artist and album information
- File format and sampling frequency
- Playback position
- Volume level
- Network status
- Digital VU meters
- Analogue-style VU meters
- System and firmware information
Display Options
Available screen layouts include:
- Home
- Artwork A
- Artwork B
- Digital VU meter
- Analogue-style VU meter
- Audiolab logo
- Display Off
Brightness and animation can be adjusted, while the timeout can be set to five, ten, fifteen or thirty seconds.
Front-Panel Controls
Two rotary controls provide access to the player’s main functions.
The Select control changes source, navigates menus and confirms selections.
The Volume control adjusts the analogue output level and can also mute or restore playback when pressed.
A separate standby button and status indicator are positioned beside the display.
Remote Control
An Audiolab system remote handset is included.
It controls:
- Standby
- Source selection
- Volume and muting
- Play and pause
- Stop
- Previous and next track
- Repeat and random playback
- Menu navigation
- Display selection
- Other compatible Audiolab 9000 Series products
The remote requires two AAA batteries, which are not included.
12V Trigger Input and Link Output
A trigger input allows a compatible amplifier or control system to switch the 9000N between standby and operation.
The link output passes that trigger signal to another compatible component.
This can allow the 9000N, 9000A, 9000CDT and other suitable equipment to switch together.
A compatible 3.5mm trigger cable is required separately.
Matching the Audiolab 9000A
The Audiolab 9000A is the natural integrated-amplifier partner for the 9000N.
The balanced XLR outputs provide the preferred analogue connection where the streamer’s internal DAC is being used.
Alternatively, coaxial or optical can feed the 9000A’s internal ES9038PRO DAC, allowing both conversion options to be compared.
Matching the Audiolab 9000Q and 9000P
The 9000N’s variable balanced outputs can connect directly to a suitable power amplifier, but the dedicated 9000Q preamplifier provides additional analogue and digital inputs, headphone playback, source management and system control.
The 9000Q and 9000P combination is therefore the more flexible choice for a larger system containing several sources.
The 9000N can connect to the 9000Q through balanced XLR, unbalanced RCA or a compatible digital input.
No Bluetooth
The 9000N does not include a Bluetooth receiver.
Wireless playback is provided through the home network using methods such as AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect and Roon Ready.
A separate Bluetooth receiver would be needed for a source that cannot use a supported network method.
No HDMI Input
The 9000N does not include HDMI ARC or HDMI eARC.
It also has no optical or coaxial digital inputs for connecting a television directly.
Television sound should be connected to a suitable amplifier, DAC or home cinema product.
No Headphone Output
The 9000N does not include a headphone amplifier or headphone socket.
Headphones must connect to the partnering amplifier, preamplifier, DAC or a separate headphone amplifier.
Installation
Place the 9000N on a solid, level and stable equipment shelf.
Keep its ventilation openings clear and avoid positioning it directly above a warm-running amplifier.
Allow enough rear clearance for the Wi-Fi antenna, Ethernet cable, USB connections, analogue or digital interconnects, trigger leads and mains cable.
Automatic Standby
The automatic standby timer can be set to:
- 20 minutes
- 60 minutes
- Never
Standby power consumption is below 0.5 watts.
Finish Options
The Audiolab 9000N is available in:
Its styling and dimensions coordinate with the Audiolab 9000A and 9000CDT.
Key Features
- Flagship network music player, DAC and digital preamplifier
- Dedicated Audiolab streaming platform
- Quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor
- 1.8GHz processing speed per core
- ESS Sabre ES9038PRO 32-bit DAC
- PCM playback up to 32-bit/768kHz
- Native DSD playback up to DSD512
- Roon Ready
- Spotify Connect and Spotify Lossless
- TIDAL Connect
- Qobuz Connect
- Apple AirPlay 2
- TuneIn internet radio
- UPnP AV and OpenHome support
- Gapless playback
- Dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi
- 10, 100 and 1000 Base-T Ethernet
- USB storage and hard-drive playback
- FAT32, exFAT and NTFS storage support
- PC USB Type B audio input
- Separate USB firmware-update socket
- Five selectable DAC filters
- Optional PCM upsampling
- Balanced XLR analogue outputs
- Unbalanced RCA analogue outputs
- Fixed or Adjustable analogue output
- Coaxial and optical digital outputs
- Digital output up to 24-bit/192kHz
- 4.3-inch full-colour IPS display
- 800 by 480-pixel display resolution
- High-resolution album artwork
- Digital and analogue-style VU meters
- 12V trigger input and link output
- System remote control included
- Black or Silver finish
- Three-year extended warranty when registered within 90 days
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Audiolab 9000N contain a DAC?
Yes. It uses Audiolab’s implementation of the flagship ESS Sabre ES9038PRO DAC.
Can it connect to a conventional integrated amplifier?
Yes. Use the RCA or balanced XLR analogue outputs and select Fixed output so the amplifier controls volume.
Can it connect directly to a power amplifier?
Yes. Select Adjustable output and begin at a low volume before starting playback.
Does it have balanced outputs?
Yes. One stereo pair of balanced XLR outputs is provided.
Does it have RCA outputs?
Yes. One stereo pair of unbalanced RCA outputs is included.
What is the maximum analogue output?
The variable output operates from 0V to a maximum of approximately 2.05V.
Does it have digital outputs?
Yes. One coaxial RCA and one optical Toslink output are provided.
What resolution do the digital outputs support?
They support PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz.
Why have the digital outputs stopped working?
The S/PDIF outputs are disabled when PCM upsampling is enabled. They are also unavailable for source signals above 192kHz.
What is the maximum internal DAC resolution?
The internal DAC supports PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz and native DSD up to DSD512 through compatible sources.
Is the 9000N Roon Ready?
Yes. It can operate as a networked Roon endpoint through Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
Does it support Spotify Connect?
Yes. Audiolab’s current product information also confirms Spotify Lossless support with compatible accounts and content.
Does it support TIDAL Connect?
Yes. It also provides native TIDAL access through the Audiolab app.
Does it support Qobuz Connect?
Yes. Native Qobuz browsing is also available through the Audiolab app.
Does it support AirPlay 2?
Yes. Compatible Apple products can stream to the 9000N over the home network.
Does it support internet radio?
Yes. TuneIn internet radio is available through the Audiolab app.
Can it play music from a NAS drive?
Yes. It supports UPnP AV and OpenHome libraries shared by compatible NAS drives and music servers.
Does it support gapless playback?
Yes, with compatible files and playback methods.
Does it have Wi-Fi?
Yes. It supports 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi using IEEE 802.11 a, b, g, n and ac standards.
Does it have Ethernet?
Yes. The rear network connection supports 10, 100 and 1000 Base-T Ethernet.
Can it play music from USB storage?
Yes. It includes a dedicated USB storage connection and internal USB music-server function.
Which USB formats are supported?
Published support includes FLAC, ALAC, WAV, AIFF, MP3, DSF, DSDIFF and DoP-compatible DSD. The detailed manual also lists AAC.
Which USB file systems are supported?
The storage device must use a single FAT32, exFAT or NTFS partition.
What is the recommended maximum USB-drive size?
Audiolab recommends up to 4TB. Some 8TB drives may operate, but compatibility is not guaranteed.
Can it receive USB audio from a computer?
Yes. Connect a compatible Windows computer or Mac to the USB Type B input.
Is a computer USB cable included?
Yes. Audiolab specifies one USB A-to-B cable among the supplied accessories.
Does it support Bluetooth?
No. Wireless playback is provided through Wi-Fi and supported network-streaming methods.
Does it have HDMI ARC?
No. It does not provide HDMI, coaxial or optical digital inputs.
Can a television connect directly?
No suitable television-audio input is provided. Connect the television to the partnering amplifier, DAC or home cinema equipment.
Does it have a headphone output?
No. Headphones must connect to another suitable component.
Can the display be switched off?
Yes. Brightness, artwork layouts, VU meters, animation and timeout behaviour can also be adjusted.
Does it include 12V trigger connections?
Yes. One trigger input and one link output are provided.
Is a remote control included?
Yes. An Audiolab system remote handset is supplied.
Are the remote batteries included?
No. The handset requires two AAA batteries, which are not supplied.
What are its dimensions?
It measures 444mm wide, 89mm high and 333mm deep.
How much does it weigh?
The net weight is 6.2kg.
Which finishes are available?
The Audiolab 9000N 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
- Help setting up the Audiolab 9000N app
- Roon Ready, AirPlay 2 and Connect-service guidance
- Wi-Fi, Ethernet and network troubleshooting
- NAS and USB music-library setup
- PC USB audio and driver support
- Balanced XLR and RCA connection advice
- Help comparing internal and external DACs
- Direct power-amplifier connection guidance
- 12V trigger and system-control assistance
- Warranty-registration support
- Ongoing after-sales assistance
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a demonstration or discuss adding the Audiolab 9000N to your Hi-Fi system.