Audio T Verdict
The Audiolab D9 is a premium standalone DAC for systems that need high-quality digital conversion without the network-streaming section of the larger 9000N.
Its flagship ES9038PRO DAC, balanced XLR outputs and dedicated headphone amplifier make it well suited to revealing amplifiers, active speakers and wired headphones. Fixed or adjustable output also allows it to serve as a conventional DAC or a compact digital preamplifier.
PC USB, USB storage, Bluetooth, AES/EBU and four S/PDIF inputs give the D9 considerable flexibility, while coaxial and optical outputs allow its input switching and playback facilities to be used with another external DAC.
Audiolab D9 DAC, Preamplifier and Headphone Amplifier
The Audiolab D9 is a premium digital-to-analogue converter designed to manage a wide selection of digital sources within a compact, all-aluminium chassis.
Its inputs include PC USB, USB storage, Bluetooth 5.1, AES/EBU, two coaxial connections and two optical connections.
Analogue audio is available through balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs, while a dedicated 6.3mm headphone socket provides private listening. The analogue outputs can operate at a fixed level or under the control of the D9’s internal volume circuit.
Flagship ESS Sabre ES9038PRO DAC
Digital-to-analogue conversion is handled by the flagship ESS Sabre ES9038PRO.
The 32-bit converter uses ESS HyperStream II architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator technology, supported by Audiolab’s own clocking, power-supply and analogue-output circuitry.
Its published performance includes signal-to-noise ratios greater than 118dB through RCA and greater than 123dB through the balanced XLR outputs.
Two Coaxial and Two Optical Inputs
Four conventional S/PDIF inputs are provided for compatible digital sources:
- Two coaxial RCA inputs
- Two optical Toslink inputs
They can accommodate products including:
- CD transports
- Network music streamers
- Digital radio tuners
- Televisions configured for stereo PCM
- Games consoles
- Blu-ray and DVD players
- Compatible set-top boxes
The optical and coaxial inputs accept PCM sampling frequencies from 44.1kHz to 192kHz.
Set Television Audio to PCM Stereo
The D9 does not decode Dolby Digital, Dolby Atmos or DTS multichannel soundtracks.
When connecting a television through optical or coaxial, select PCM Stereo or PCM 2-channel in its audio-output settings.
AES/EBU Digital Input
The D9 adds an AES3/EBU digital input, a connection often found on professional equipment, high-quality CD transports and specialist digital sources.
AES/EBU uses a balanced XLR connection, but it must not be confused with the D9’s separate balanced analogue outputs.
Use a suitable digital AES/EBU cable rather than a conventional microphone or analogue XLR interconnect.
PC USB Audio up to 32-Bit/768kHz
The rear USB Type B input accepts audio directly from a compatible Windows computer or Mac.
PCM playback is supported from 44.1kHz to 768kHz, while native DSD compatibility 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.
Use the Correct USB Connection
The USB Type B socket receives computer audio.
The separate USB Type A socket is used for compatible storage playback and official firmware updates.
Roon Tested
The D9 is Roon Tested for compatible computer USB operation.
This means Audiolab and Roon have checked its operation with supported computers and software.
Roon Tested is different from Roon Ready. The D9 does not contain Ethernet, Wi-Fi or an independent network endpoint, so a computer or separate network player must supply the audio signal.
USB Storage Playback
A rear USB Type A socket allows music to be played from a compatible USB storage device.
The supplied remote provides folder navigation, play and pause, track skipping, search, repeat and random playback.
Folder Play can restrict playback to the selected folder or allow the D9 to continue through files held elsewhere on the drive.
Compatible USB File Systems
The USB storage device must use one of the following formats:
Drives formatted with an unsupported file system may not be recognised.
Some mechanical hard drives and USB enclosures may require more power than the D9’s connection can supply and may therefore need an external power source.
Supported USB Music Formats
Audiolab specifies direct USB storage playback for:
WAV and FLAC files are supported at sampling frequencies up to 96kHz. The published USB storage limit is 96kHz, while higher-rate PCM and native DSD require the PC USB input.
USB Storage and PC USB Have Different Limits
Direct USB storage playback is limited to 96kHz and the formats listed above.
PC USB supports PCM up to 768kHz and DSD512 because the computer and its playback software handle the music library before sending audio to the DAC.
Bluetooth 5.1
Bluetooth 5.1 provides convenient wireless playback from compatible smartphones, tablets and computers.
Audiolab’s current manual specifies support for:
The codec selected during playback depends on the capabilities and settings of the transmitting device.
Bluetooth Is Not Network Streaming
The D9 does not include Wi-Fi, Ethernet, internet radio or an integrated music-streaming platform.
For app-based streaming services, local network libraries, AirPlay or Roon Ready operation, connect a separate network player such as the Audiolab 9000N.
Five Selectable Digital Filters
The ES9038PRO 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, headphones, loudspeakers and listening preferences.
PCM Upsampling
Compatible S/PDIF and PC USB signals can be upsampled automatically to either 352.8kHz or 384kHz.
Upsampling can also be switched off through the setup menu.
The preferred setting may vary between recordings and systems, so it is worth comparing the options rather than assuming that upsampling will always provide the best result.
Adjustable DPLL
The Digital Phase Lock Loop setting changes the DAC’s tolerance of jitter from an incoming coaxial or optical source.
Normal is the recommended setting for correctly functioning equipment.
Wide can be selected if the D9 has difficulty locking to a particular source with unusually high jitter.
Balanced XLR Analogue Outputs
One stereo pair of balanced XLR outputs is provided.
Balanced connection can improve rejection of electrical interference, particularly with longer cable runs or systems containing several mains-powered products.
The maximum published XLR output level is 4.1V, with a signal-to-noise ratio greater than 123dB.
Unbalanced RCA Analogue Outputs
One conventional stereo RCA output allows the D9 to connect to almost any integrated amplifier, preamplifier, power amplifier or suitable active speaker system.
The maximum published RCA output level is 2.05V, with a signal-to-noise ratio greater than 118dB.
Connect it to AUX, CD, Line or another conventional line-level input. Do not connect the D9 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 D9 to an integrated amplifier or preamplifier whose own volume control will be used.
Turn the receiving amplifier down before changing from Adjustable to Fixed mode.
Adjustable Analogue Output
Adjustable mode activates the D9’s internal volume control and is selected as the factory default.
This allows the RCA or balanced XLR outputs to connect directly to a suitable power amplifier or compatible active speakers.
The available volume range is -78dB to 0dB.
Take Care with Direct Power-Amplifier Connections
Confirm that Adjustable mode 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
A configurable power-on limit helps prevent unexpectedly loud playback when the D9 leaves standby.
The DAC returns to the level used during the previous session or the selected limit, whichever is lower.
The menu provides power-on limit settings between -40dB and -20dB.
Balance Adjustment
The relative level of the left and right analogue outputs can be adjusted through the menu.
This can help 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 adjustments.
Coaxial and Optical Digital Outputs
The D9 provides one coaxial and one optical digital output.
These allow its source switching, Bluetooth reception and compatible USB playback facilities to be used with another external DAC or digital amplifier.
Use a properly screened 75-ohm cable for the coaxial output and a suitable Toslink cable for the optical connection.
Dedicated Headphone Amplifier
A 6.3mm headphone socket is positioned on the front panel.
The dedicated current-feedback headphone amplifier is designed for loads between 20 and 600 ohms.
Its published output impedance is 2.35 ohms, helping it partner a broad selection of conventional wired headphones.
Headphones fitted with a 3.5mm plug require a suitable 6.3mm adaptor.
Automatic Output Muting
Connecting headphones mutes the RCA and balanced XLR analogue outputs.
This prevents the main amplifier, power amplifier or active speakers from continuing to play during private listening.
Remove the headphone plug to restore the main analogue outputs.
2.8-Inch Colour Display
The front panel uses a 2.8-inch full-colour IPS display with a published resolution of 480 × 640 pixels.
It can show:
- Selected input
- Volume level
- Incoming sampling frequency
- USB folder and track information
- Bluetooth playback information where available
- Filter and menu settings
- Digital VU meters
- Analogue-style VU meters
- Firmware information
Display Options
The display can be configured to show:
- Home
- Digital VU meter
- Analogue-style VU meter
- Audiolab logo
- Display Off
Brightness can be adjusted through ten levels, while the timeout can be set to five, ten, fifteen or thirty seconds.
On-screen animation can also be enabled or disabled.
Front-Panel Controls
Two rotary controls provide access to the principal functions.
The source selector changes input and navigates the setup menu, while the second control adjusts volume and provides muting when pressed.
A separate standby button and front-panel headphone socket complete the main control layout.
System Remote Control
An Audiolab system remote handset is included.
It provides control over:
- Standby
- Source selection
- Volume and muting
- Menu navigation
- Display selection
- USB folder browsing
- Play and pause
- Stop
- Previous and next track
- Fast reverse and fast forward
- Repeat and random playback
Two AAA batteries are supplied where permitted by local import and transport regulations.
Two 12V Trigger Outputs
Two trigger outputs allow compatible amplifiers and other system components to switch between standby and operation with the D9.
This can be particularly useful when the DAC is connected directly to one or two power amplifiers.
Suitable 3.5mm trigger cables are required and are not included.
Internal Mains Power Supply
The D9 uses a conventional earthed IEC mains connection rather than an external plug-top adaptor.
This allows the mains and regulated power-supply circuitry to be contained within its substantial aluminium chassis.
Check that the voltage shown on the rear panel matches the local mains supply before connecting the product.
Installation and Ventilation
Place the D9 on a solid, level and stable equipment shelf.
Keep its ventilation openings clear and avoid positioning it directly above a warm-running amplifier.
Allow sufficient rear clearance for the Bluetooth antenna, AES/EBU and XLR cables, RCA interconnects, digital connections, USB devices, trigger leads and mains cable.
System Power Sequence
Switch the D9 on before the amplification stage.
When shutting down, switch the amplifier or active speakers off before placing the D9 into standby.
This sequence reduces the possibility of unwanted start-up or shutdown noises reaching the loudspeakers.
D9 or D7?
The Audiolab D7 is the smaller and more affordable model, using the two-channel ES9038Q2M DAC within a 180mm-wide chassis.
The D9 moves to the flagship ES9038PRO DAC, adds AES/EBU, uses an internal mains supply and provides substantially higher published signal-to-noise performance through its balanced output.
Both models provide PC USB, USB storage, Bluetooth, fixed or adjustable analogue outputs, digital outputs and dedicated headphone amplification.
D9 or 9000N?
The D9 concentrates on digital conversion, source switching, Bluetooth, USB and headphone listening.
The Audiolab 9000N adds Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Roon Ready, AirPlay 2, Connect services and local network playback, but does not contain Bluetooth, conventional digital inputs or a headphone socket.
The D9 is therefore the stronger choice where external digital sources and headphones are central, while the 9000N is designed primarily around network streaming.
Finish Options
The Audiolab D9 is available in:
Its all-aluminium construction and colour display complement Audiolab’s flagship 9000 Series components.
Key Features
- Premium DAC, preamplifier and headphone amplifier
- Flagship ESS Sabre ES9038PRO 32-bit DAC
- Two coaxial digital inputs
- Two optical digital inputs
- One AES3/EBU digital input
- S/PDIF PCM support up to 24-bit/192kHz
- USB Type B computer-audio input
- PCM support up to 32-bit/768kHz through PC USB
- Native DSD support up to DSD512
- Roon Tested
- USB Type A storage playback
- WMA, MP3, WAV, AAC, FLAC and APE support
- USB storage playback up to 96kHz
- FAT16, FAT32 and exFAT storage compatibility
- Bluetooth 5.1
- aptX, aptX HD and LDAC support
- Five selectable DAC reconstruction filters
- Optional PCM upsampling
- Adjustable DPLL
- Balanced XLR analogue outputs
- Unbalanced RCA analogue outputs
- Fixed or Adjustable analogue output operation
- Coaxial and optical digital outputs
- Dedicated current-feedback headphone amplifier
- 20–600-ohm headphone compatibility
- 6.3mm headphone socket
- Two 12V trigger outputs
- 2.8-inch full-colour IPS display
- 480 × 640-pixel display resolution
- Digital and analogue-style VU meters
- Configurable power-on volume limit
- Configurable automatic standby
- Internal mains power supply
- All-aluminium chassis
- Audiolab system remote included
- Black or Silver finish
- Three-year extended warranty when registered within 90 days
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Audiolab D9 do?
It converts digital audio into analogue sound and can also operate as a volume-controlled preamplifier and dedicated headphone amplifier.
Which DAC does it use?
It uses the flagship ESS Sabre ES9038PRO 32-bit DAC.
Can it connect to an integrated amplifier?
Yes. Connect the RCA or XLR outputs to a suitable line input and select Fixed output so the integrated amplifier controls volume.
Can it connect directly to a power amplifier?
Yes. Select Adjustable output, begin at a low volume and confirm that the complete system is configured safely before starting playback.
Can it connect directly to active speakers?
Yes, provided the speakers accept a compatible line-level input and the D9 is operating in Adjustable mode.
Does it have balanced outputs?
Yes. One stereo pair of balanced XLR outputs is provided.
What is the maximum balanced output level?
The maximum published XLR output is 4.1V at 0dBFS.
Does it have RCA outputs?
Yes. One conventional stereo RCA output is included, with a maximum published level of 2.05V.
Does it include AES/EBU?
Yes. One AES3/EBU digital input is provided for compatible source equipment.
How many optical and coaxial inputs are provided?
There are two optical and two coaxial digital inputs.
What resolution do the optical and coaxial inputs support?
They accept PCM sampling frequencies from 44.1kHz to 192kHz.
Can a television connect to the D9?
Yes, through a compatible optical or coaxial output. Set the television to PCM Stereo because the D9 does not decode multichannel soundtracks.
Does it include HDMI ARC?
No. Television audio must use optical, coaxial or another compatible external connection.
Does it support computer USB audio?
Yes. Connect a compatible Windows computer or Mac to the USB Type B input.
What is the maximum PC USB resolution?
PC USB supports PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz and native DSD up to DSD512.
Is it Roon Ready?
No. It is Roon Tested for compatible computer USB use but does not contain a networked Roon Ready endpoint.
Can it play music from USB storage?
Yes. The USB Type A connection supports compatible FAT16, FAT32 and exFAT storage.
Which direct USB storage formats are supported?
Audiolab lists WMA, MP3, WAV, AAC, FLAC and APE.
What is the maximum USB storage sampling rate?
The published maximum is 96kHz. Higher PCM rates and DSD require PC USB.
Does the USB storage socket install firmware?
Yes. The same USB Type A connection is used for compatible music storage and official firmware updates.
Does it include Bluetooth?
Yes. Bluetooth 5.1 supports aptX, aptX HD and LDAC.
Does it include Wi-Fi or network streaming?
No. Connect a separate network music player for streaming services, internet radio and network libraries.
Does it have digital outputs?
Yes. One coaxial and one optical output allow connection to another compatible DAC or digital amplifier.
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 loads between 20 and 600 ohms.
What happens when headphones are connected?
The RCA and balanced XLR analogue outputs are muted automatically.
Does it have selectable digital filters?
Yes. Five filters are provided, with Linear Phase Slow Roll-Off selected by default.
Can it upsample digital audio?
Yes. Compatible S/PDIF and PC USB signals can be upsampled to 352.8kHz or 384kHz.
What is DPLL?
It adjusts the DAC’s tolerance of jitter from optical and coaxial sources. Normal is recommended unless the D9 struggles to lock to a particular source.
Does it provide balance control?
Yes. Left and right analogue output balance can be adjusted through the setup menu.
Does it have 12V triggers?
Yes. Two trigger outputs can control compatible power amplifiers and other system components.
Can the display be switched off?
Yes. It also provides adjustable brightness, animations, timeout settings and digital or analogue-style VU meters.
Does it use an external power adaptor?
No. The D9 uses an internal power supply and conventional earthed IEC mains connection.
Is a remote control included?
Yes. An Audiolab system remote handset is supplied.
Are remote batteries included?
Two AAA batteries are supplied where permitted by local import and transport regulations.
What are its dimensions?
It measures 277mm wide, 88.3mm high and 315mm deep.
How much does it weigh?
The net weight is 4.2kg.
Which finishes are available?
The Audiolab D9 is available in Black and Silver.
Does it currently support MQA?
MQA is not listed in Audiolab’s current D9 product specification or latest manual, so it should not be presented as a guaranteed current feature.
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 D7 and D9 demonstrations
- Integrated-amplifier, power-amplifier and active-speaker setup
- Balanced XLR, AES/EBU and RCA connection advice
- Optical and coaxial digital-cable guidance
- PC USB audio and driver support
- USB storage formatting and file-compatibility help
- Bluetooth pairing assistance
- Headphone matching advice
- 12V trigger setup
- Help comparing internal and external DACs
- Warranty-registration assistance
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a demonstration or discuss adding the Audiolab D9 to your system.