Audio T Verdict
The Audiolab 9000Q is a remarkably complete control centre for a high-quality separates system, bringing analogue source management, digital conversion, vinyl playback and headphone listening into one dedicated preamplifier.
Its fully balanced XLR Direct path, four-channel analogue volume control and three isolated variable outputs make it a natural partner for the Audiolab 9000P, including systems using two bridged 9000P amplifiers as monoblocks.
The ES9038PRO DAC, high-resolution USB input, improved Class A MM phono stage and flexible tone controls give the 9000Q considerably broader functionality than a conventional analogue-only preamplifier.
Audiolab 9000Q Preamplifier, DAC and Headphone Amplifier
The Audiolab 9000Q is a dedicated preamplifier designed to manage the sources, listening level and system configuration within an ambitious Hi-Fi setup.
It provides three RCA line inputs, one balanced XLR input, a Moving Magnet phono stage, four S/PDIF digital inputs, PC USB audio and Bluetooth 5.1.
Two RCA preamplifier outputs and one balanced XLR output can feed power amplifiers, active loudspeakers, powered subwoofers or compatible signal processors. A separate fixed-level RCA output is also provided for recording equipment or another system.
A Power Amplifier or Active Speakers Are Required
The 9000Q is a preamplifier and cannot drive passive loudspeakers directly.
It must be connected to a suitable power amplifier, such as the Audiolab 9000P, or to compatible active loudspeakers containing their own amplification.
Dedicated Preamplifier Design
The 9000Q is not simply a 9000A integrated amplifier with its loudspeaker stage removed.
Audiolab has redesigned the power supply, analogue signal path, phono section and output architecture around its role as a dedicated preamplifier.
Separating the sensitive source-selection and volume-control circuitry from the high-current power-amplifier stage also allows the two components to use their own dedicated power supplies and internal layouts.
Three Variable Preamplifier Outputs
The 9000Q provides three independently isolated variable outputs:
- Two stereo RCA preamplifier outputs
- One stereo balanced XLR preamplifier output
Audiolab states that all three can be used simultaneously without reducing performance.
This provides considerable flexibility for systems containing a power amplifier, one or more powered subwoofers, an external signal processor or a second-zone amplifier.
Balanced XLR Output
The balanced XLR output is the natural connection for a matching Audiolab 9000P or another power amplifier fitted with compatible balanced inputs.
Balanced transmission can help reject interference, particularly with longer cable runs or systems containing several mains-powered components.
One XLR interconnect is required for each channel. Check that the left and right outputs are connected to the corresponding power-amplifier inputs.
Two RCA Preamplifier Outputs
Two stereo RCA preamplifier outputs are available for power amplifiers and other products with conventional unbalanced line inputs.
They can be used simultaneously, allowing one output to feed the main power amplifier while the second connects to a compatible powered subwoofer or another amplifier.
The published output impedance is 120 ohms for the RCA outputs and 100 ohms for the balanced XLR output.
Fixed AUX Output
A separate stereo RCA AUX output passes the selected analogue signal at a fixed level without applying the 9000Q’s volume control.
Potential applications include:
- Audio recorders
- External processors
- Another integrated amplifier
- An AV controller
- A secondary listening system
The AUX Output Is Not Volume Controlled
Do not connect the fixed AUX output directly to a conventional power amplifier or active speakers unless the receiving product provides its own suitable volume control.
Use one of the variable RCA or XLR preamplifier outputs for normal system volume control.
Matching the Audiolab 9000P
The Audiolab 9000P is the purpose-designed power-amplifier partner for the 9000Q.
One 9000P can operate as a conventional stereo amplifier, delivering 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 160 watts per channel into 4 ohms.
Two 9000P amplifiers can be configured as bridged monoblocks, providing one dedicated high-power amplifier for each loudspeaker.
The 9000Q can feed the system through balanced XLR or unbalanced RCA connections.
Stereo, Dual-Mono and Bi-Amplified Systems
The three variable outputs allow the 9000Q to support several power-amplifier arrangements.
These include:
- One stereo power amplifier
- Two bridged monoblock amplifiers
- Two stereo power amplifiers used for passive bi-amplification
- A main power amplifier with one or more powered subwoofers
Passive bi-amplification should only be used where the loudspeaker provides separate input terminals and its manufacturer supports the arrangement.
Fully Balanced XLR Direct Path
The balanced input can operate in Normal or Direct mode.
Normal mode allows the input to use the 9000Q’s tone controls and wider analogue processing facilities.
XLR Direct creates a fully balanced path from the XLR input to the balanced output, passing through the four-channel analogue volume control while bypassing the tone-control section.
This provides the shortest and most focused path for a source with a suitable balanced output.
Four-Channel Analogue Volume Control
The balanced signal path uses a four-channel analogue volume-control arrangement to manage the positive and negative phases of the left and right channels.
This maintains the balanced architecture between a suitable source and power amplifier while still providing normal front-panel and remote volume control.
The volume range extends from -78dB to 0dB.
Three RCA Line Inputs
AUX 1, AUX 2 and AUX 3 provide conventional stereo RCA connections for suitable line-level sources.
These can accommodate 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 an AUX input unless the turntable or an external phono stage provides a suitable line-level output.
AV Bypass Through AUX 3
AUX 3 can be configured as a normal line input or as an AV Bypass input.
AV Bypass fixes the 9000Q’s gain at 0dB, allowing a home cinema processor or AV amplifier to control the front-channel volume.
This makes it possible for the same power amplifier and front loudspeakers to serve both a two-channel Hi-Fi system and a multichannel home cinema system.
AV Bypass Must Be Configured Carefully
The 9000Q’s volume control is bypassed when AUX 3 is operating in AV Bypass mode.
Only connect a properly configured, volume-controlled preamplifier output from an AV processor. Connecting a fixed-level source could produce an unexpectedly high playback level.
Adjustable Analogue Input Sensitivity
The sensitivity of AUX 1, AUX 2, AUX 3, XLR and Phono can be adjusted individually by up to 6dB in either direction.
Adjustment is available in 1dB steps, helping reduce disruptive changes in volume when switching between sources with different output levels.
Begin at the neutral 0dB setting and apply only the correction needed to achieve a reasonably consistent listening level.
Bass and Treble Controls
The 9000Q includes adjustable bass and treble controls that can be configured separately for each input.
Both controls provide a range from -6dB to +6dB in 2dB steps.
They can help compensate for room acoustics, bright or dark recordings, loudspeaker balance or personal preference.
EQ Bypass removes the tone-control circuit from the signal path when no adjustment is required.
Use Tone Controls Sparingly
Start from the neutral 0dB position and make small adjustments.
Large bass boosts can increase the demands placed on the power amplifier and loudspeakers, particularly at high playback levels.
Enhanced Moving Magnet Phono Stage
The dedicated phono input is designed for turntables fitted with a Moving Magnet cartridge or another cartridge with a compatible output.
Audiolab uses a newly developed single-stage Class A circuit intended to improve noise performance, clarity and signal integrity compared with the phono section inside the 9000A.
The published input sensitivity is 4.5mV with the volume control at 0dB.
A ground terminal is provided for turntables with a separate earth lead.
Moving Magnet Only
The built-in phono stage is not intended for a conventional low-output Moving Coil cartridge.
Use a compatible external Moving Coil phono stage or step-up solution connected to an AUX or XLR input, as appropriate.
ESS Sabre ES9038PRO DAC
Digital-to-analogue conversion is handled by the flagship eight-channel ESS Sabre ES9038PRO.
Its HyperStream II architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator technology are supported by Audiolab’s proprietary clocking, power supplies and analogue circuitry.
The DAC accommodates high-resolution digital sources without requiring a separate converter for most systems.
PC USB Audio
A rear USB Type B input allows a compatible Windows computer or Mac to connect directly to the internal DAC.
PCM playback is supported from 44.1kHz to 768kHz, while native DSD support extends through:
- DSD64
- DSD128
- DSD256
- DSD512
Compatible Windows computers may require Audiolab’s current USB audio driver. Supported Mac systems can normally use their built-in USB audio facilities.
Two Different USB Connections
The square USB Type B socket is the PC USB audio input.
The separate USB Type A socket marked Update is for installing official firmware and does not provide normal music-file playback.
Roon Tested
The 9000Q is Roon Tested for compatible PC USB operation.
This means Audiolab and Roon have tested the preamplifier with supported computers and operating systems.
Roon Tested is different from Roon Ready. The 9000Q has no Ethernet, Wi-Fi or network-streaming platform, so it requires a computer or separate network player to provide the music signal.
Four S/PDIF Digital Inputs
Two coaxial and two optical digital inputs are provided.
They can accommodate suitable sources including:
- CD transports
- Network music streamers
- Televisions configured for stereo PCM
- Games consoles
- Digital radio tuners
- Blu-ray and DVD players
- Compatible set-top boxes
The optical and coaxial inputs accept PCM sampling rates from 44.1kHz to 192kHz.
Digital Upsampling
Incoming S/PDIF and PC USB signals can be upsampled automatically to either 352.8kHz or 384kHz, depending on the original sampling frequency.
Upsampling can also be switched off.
When upsampling is enabled, the selectable DAC reconstruction filters are disabled.
Five Selectable Digital Filters
The ES9038PRO DAC provides five reconstruction filters:
- 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 audible differences can be subtle and may depend on the recording, power amplifier, loudspeakers and room.
Adjustable DPLL
The Digital Phase Lock Loop setting adjusts the DAC’s tolerance of jitter from the coaxial and optical inputs.
Normal is the recommended setting for correctly functioning digital sources.
Wide can be selected if the 9000Q has difficulty locking to a source with unusually high jitter.
Bluetooth 5.1
Bluetooth 5.1 provides convenient wireless playback from compatible smartphones, tablets and computers.
Published higher-quality codec support includes:
The codec selected during playback depends on the transmitting device and its current settings.
Bluetooth Is Not Network Streaming
The 9000Q contains a Bluetooth receiver but does not include Wi-Fi, Ethernet, internet radio or an integrated streaming platform.
Connect a separate network music player such as the Audiolab 9000N for app-based streaming services, local network libraries and Roon Ready playback.
Dedicated Headphone Amplifier
A 6.3mm headphone socket is positioned on the front panel.
The dedicated current-feedback headphone amplifier is designed for headphones with impedances between 20 and 600 ohms.
Its published output impedance is 2.35 ohms, with total harmonic distortion below 0.01 per cent at 1kHz and 50mW.
Headphones with a 3.5mm plug require a suitable 6.3mm adaptor.
Headphone Output Muting
Connecting headphones deactivates the balanced and unbalanced variable preamplifier outputs.
This prevents the main power amplifier and loudspeakers from continuing to play during private listening.
The manual does not state that the separate fixed AUX output is muted, so attached recording or secondary-system equipment should be checked independently.
4.3-Inch Colour Display
The 9000Q uses a 4.3-inch full-colour IPS display with a published resolution of 800 × 480 pixels.
It can show:
- Selected input
- Volume level
- Digital sampling frequency
- Source configuration
- Tone-control settings
- Menu and firmware information
- Digital VU meters
- Analogue-style VU meters
Display Adjustment
The display can be set to Home, Digital VU, Analogue VU, Audiolab or Display Off.
Brightness and on-screen animation can be adjusted, while the display timeout can be set to five, ten, fifteen or thirty seconds.
Operating a control temporarily returns the relevant information to the screen.
Power-On Volume Limit
A configurable power-on volume limit helps prevent unexpectedly loud playback when the preamplifier leaves standby.
The 9000Q returns to the previous volume or the chosen limit, whichever is lower.
The factory volume setting is -20dB, although the power-on limit can be changed through the menu.
Balance Control
The relative level of the left and right channels can be adjusted through the menu.
This may be useful where the listening position is not central or the room causes one channel to appear stronger.
Begin from the centred setting and make only small corrections.
Two 12V Trigger Outputs
Two 12V trigger outputs allow the 9000Q to control compatible power amplifiers and source components.
Potential partners include:
- One or two Audiolab 9000P power amplifiers
- Audiolab 9000CDT transport
- Audiolab 9000N network player
- Other compatible third-party equipment
Suitable 3.5mm trigger cables are required and are not included.
Automatic Standby
Automatic standby can be configured for:
- 20 minutes
- 60 minutes
- Never
Standby power consumption is below 0.5 watts.
Remote Control
An Audiolab system remote handset is included.
It controls:
- Standby
- Source selection
- Volume and muting
- Menu navigation
- Display selection
- Bluetooth and PC USB track control
- Other compatible Audiolab 9000 Series products
The handset requires two AAA batteries. These are not listed among the official package contents.
Installation and Ventilation
Place the 9000Q on a strong, level and stable equipment shelf.
Do not obstruct the ventilation openings or install it directly above a warm-running power amplifier.
Allow sufficient rear clearance for the Bluetooth antenna, XLR and RCA interconnects, digital cables, USB connections, trigger leads and mains cable.
System Power Sequence
Audiolab recommends switching the 9000Q on before the power-amplifier stage.
When shutting down, switch the power amplifier off before the 9000Q.
The preamplifier should therefore be first on and last off, reducing the chance of start-up or shutdown noises reaching the loudspeakers.
9000Q and 9000P or 9000A?
The Audiolab 9000A combines the preamplifier, DAC and stereo power amplifier within one cabinet.
The 9000Q and 9000P separate the sensitive control circuitry from the high-current power stage and add features including the enhanced Class A phono circuit, tone controls, XLR Direct, AV Bypass and several simultaneous preamplifier outputs.
The integrated 9000A requires less shelf space and fewer cables, while the 9000Q and 9000P provide greater system flexibility and a route to bridged monoblock operation.
Finish Options
The Audiolab 9000Q is available in:
Its styling and dimensions coordinate with the 9000P, 9000CDT and 9000N.
Key Features
- Dedicated flagship preamplifier
- Requires a power amplifier or compatible active loudspeakers
- Three unbalanced RCA line inputs
- One balanced XLR line input
- Fully balanced XLR Direct signal path
- Four-channel analogue volume control
- AUX 3 AV Bypass mode
- Enhanced single-stage Class A MM phono circuit
- Input sensitivity adjustment from -6dB to +6dB
- Per-input bass and treble controls
- Tone adjustment from -6dB to +6dB
- EQ Bypass function
- ESS Sabre ES9038PRO 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
- Native DSD support up to DSD512
- Roon Tested
- Digital upsampling to 352.8kHz or 384kHz
- Five selectable DAC filters
- Adjustable DPLL
- Bluetooth 5.1
- aptX, aptX HD and LDAC support
- Two variable RCA preamplifier outputs
- One variable balanced XLR output
- One fixed RCA AUX output
- Three isolated variable outputs usable simultaneously
- Dedicated current-feedback headphone amplifier
- 6.3mm headphone socket
- 20–600-ohm headphone compatibility
- Two 12V trigger outputs
- 4.3-inch full-colour IPS display
- 800 × 480-pixel display resolution
- Digital and analogue-style VU meters
- Configurable power-on volume limit
- Configurable automatic standby
- Audiolab system remote included
- Black or Silver finish
- Three-year extended warranty when registered within 90 days
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Audiolab 9000Q an integrated amplifier?
No. It is a preamplifier and requires a separate power amplifier or compatible active loudspeakers.
Can it drive passive speakers directly?
No. Passive speakers must be connected to a suitable power amplifier.
Which power amplifier matches the 9000Q?
The Audiolab 9000P is its purpose-designed partner and can operate in stereo or bridged mono mode.
Can two 9000P amplifiers be used?
Yes. Two units can be configured as bridged monoblocks or used for suitable passive bi-amplification.
Does it have balanced inputs and outputs?
Yes. It provides one balanced stereo XLR input and one balanced stereo XLR preamplifier output.
What is XLR Direct?
XLR Direct creates a fully balanced path through the four-channel analogue volume control while bypassing the tone-control section.
How many RCA line inputs are provided?
There are three stereo RCA line inputs labelled AUX 1, AUX 2 and AUX 3.
What is AV Bypass?
AV Bypass fixes the AUX 3 gain at 0dB so a compatible AV processor can control the front-channel volume.
Does AV Bypass use the 9000Q volume control?
No. The external AV processor controls volume, so the connection must be configured carefully.
Does it include tone controls?
Yes. Bass and treble can each be adjusted from -6dB to +6dB in 2dB steps and configured for individual inputs.
Can the tone controls be bypassed?
Yes. EQ Bypass removes the tone-control circuit from the selected signal path.
Can the analogue input levels be matched?
Yes. AUX 1, AUX 2, AUX 3, XLR and Phono can each be adjusted from -6dB to +6dB.
Does it have a phono stage?
Yes. It includes an enhanced Moving Magnet phono stage using a single-stage Class A circuit.
Can a low-output Moving Coil cartridge connect directly?
No. Use a compatible external Moving Coil phono stage or step-up solution.
Which DAC does it use?
Digital conversion is handled by an ESS Sabre ES9038PRO DAC.
Does it support USB computer audio?
Yes. The USB Type B input accepts compatible Windows and Mac computer audio.
What is the maximum USB resolution?
PC USB supports PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz and native DSD up to DSD512.
Can the USB Type A socket play music?
No. The USB Type A connection is for installing official firmware updates.
Is it Roon Ready?
No. It is Roon Tested for PC USB operation but does not contain a Roon Ready network-streaming endpoint.
Does it currently support MQA?
MQA is not listed on Audiolab’s current 9000Q product page or latest manual, so it should not be treated as a guaranteed current feature.
How many S/PDIF inputs are provided?
There are two coaxial and two optical digital inputs.
What resolution do the optical and coaxial inputs support?
They accept PCM sampling frequencies from 44.1kHz to 192kHz.
Does it provide digital upsampling?
Yes. Compatible S/PDIF and PC USB signals can be upsampled to 352.8kHz or 384kHz.
Does it include Bluetooth?
Yes. Bluetooth 5.1 supports aptX, aptX HD and LDAC.
Does it contain Wi-Fi or network streaming?
No. Connect a separate network player such as the Audiolab 9000N.
How many variable outputs are provided?
There are two stereo RCA preamplifier outputs and one balanced XLR output.
Can all the variable outputs be used together?
Yes. Audiolab states that the three isolated variable outputs can operate simultaneously.
Does it have a fixed output?
Yes. A separate fixed-level RCA AUX output is provided.
Can a powered subwoofer be connected?
Yes. Connect a suitable line-level subwoofer input to one of the variable RCA or XLR outputs. Crossover and phase adjustment remain on the subwoofer.
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.
What happens when headphones are connected?
The balanced and unbalanced variable preamplifier outputs are deactivated.
Does it have 12V triggers?
Yes. Two trigger outputs can control compatible power amplifiers and source components.
How large is the display?
It uses a 4.3-inch colour IPS display with an 800 × 480-pixel resolution.
Can the display be switched off?
Yes. Brightness, animation, timeout and VU-meter options can also be adjusted.
What are its dimensions?
It measures 444mm wide, 90mm high and 328mm deep.
How much does it weigh?
The net weight is 6.2kg.
Which finishes are available?
The Audiolab 9000Q 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
- Pre-power and monoblock system planning
- Balanced XLR and RCA connection guidance
- Power-amplifier and loudspeaker matching advice
- Turntable and Moving Magnet cartridge setup
- Computer USB audio and driver support
- Headphone matching advice
- AV Bypass and home cinema integration support
- Powered subwoofer and bi-amplification guidance
- 12V trigger setup
- 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 9000Q.