Audiolab 9000Q & 9000P Reference Pre/Power Amps – First Look

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Audiolab have just released two more models for its 9000 series, these flagship additions are the 9000Q preamp and 9000P power amp. These components share the familiar 9000 Series aesthetic to the 9000A integrated amplifier, whilst joining the line’s 9000CDT CD transport and 9000N network streamer. Both models are available in a black or silver finish and benefit from Audiolabs DC Block and DC Block 6 mains filtering technologies that are aimed at removing mains born noise. While the 9000Q sports a 4.3-inch LCD color display that presents; volume level, input selection, file format information, VU-style meters and more.

Audiolabs 9000Q Pre-Amplifier

As a digital hub the 9000Q offers Bluetooth 5.0 onboard and provides decoding for high-definition Bluetooth formats aptX HD and LDAC, as well as aptX Low Latency, regular aptX, AAC and SBC codecs. Its DAC circuity is built around the ESS ES9038PRO eight-channel 32-bit chip and features a newly developed Class A post-DAC active filter. The DAC is supported by an ultra-precision master clock and numerous discrete and ultra-low noise regulators that supply separated power from the toroidal 40VA power supply to the left and right channels for each stage of the DAC conversion process reducing crosstalk and noise. Additionally, the DAC stage gets a separate transformer winding, further isolating noise from the circuitry.

Audiolabs 9000Q Pre-Amplifier

Besides Bluetooth access to the DAC there are four SPDIF digital inputs, 2 x optical and 2 x coaxial, that support Hi-Res audio PCM audio up to 32-bit/768kHz, DSD to 22.5MHz (DSD512). A USB type B is also available for connection to a PC. Every significant hi-res and lossless audio format can be accommodated including; FLAC, ALAC, AIFF and WAV, as well as compressed legacy formats. Full MQA decoding is included, and the preamp is certified to work in a Roon audio environment.

Presenting the standard array of wired analog connectivity the 9000Q offers stereo; 1 x RCA MM phono, 3 x RCA aux line and 1 x XLR aux line inputs. Stereo analog outputs include; 1 x RCA aux, 1 x XLR pre and 2 x RCA pre outs. Control is available using the two 12VDC 3.5mm trigger outputs while a 1/4″ front panel headphone socket, that uses a current-feedback design and has a low output impedance, can drive most models of headphones.

Finally, control is available using the front panel rotary knobs that control volume and select various user functions and the supplied infra-red remote. The dimmable 4.3″ 800 x 480 IPS LCD front panel screen displaying and providing access to; menus, signal information, digital upsampling, input selection & sensitivity, balance control, volume level, VU meters and bass and treble tone controls, that offer +/- 6dB adjustments, maybe be bypassed, and like the volume control operate in the analog domain. Various settings are assignable to individual inputs.

The 9000P Power Amplifier builds on the 9000A integrated amplifier’s power amp stage. It is a Class AB design with a dual-mono circuit topology, features separate power supplies for each channel and provides 100 watts output per channel into 8 ohms. Its Complementary Feedback (CFB) output stage design is claimed to keep bias current independent of the temperature of each channels four output transistors thereby maintaining good thermal stability. It may also be used in bridged mode as a monoblock, providing up to 300 watts into 8 ohms.

Audiolabs 9000P Power Amplifier

Its power supply is built around a low-noise 320VA toroidal transformer together with 4 x 15,000uF reservoir capacitors. Its design is said to be capable of delivering up to 15A per channel into difficult loads.

Finally, rear panel connectivity includes; selectable unbalanced RCA and balanced XLR inputs, one pair of speaker binding posts for each channel and a 12VDC 3.5mm input for control.

9000P:

• Class AB power amplifier with CFB (Complementary Feedback Technology)
• Stereo/Bridge mode
• Inputs: 1 x Analogue, 1 x XLR, 1 x 12V Trigger
• Outputs: 1 x Stereo Speaker
• Gain: 29dB (RCA) / 23dB (XLR)
• Rated Power Output:
  • Stereo: 2 x 100W (8 ohms, THD <1%)
  • Stereo: 2 x 160W (4 ohms, THD <1%)
  • Bridged (Mono): 300W (8 ohms, THD <1%)
  • Bridged (Mono): 380W (4 ohms, THD <1%)
• Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz (+/-0.3dB)
• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): <0.002% (1kHz)
• Input Sensitivity: 1Vrms (RCA), 2Vrms (XLR)
• Input Impedance: 10k ohms
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (S/N): > 112dB (A-weighted)Max.
• Output Current: 15A
• Standby Power Consumption: <0.5W
• Net Weight: 9.2kg
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 444 x 90 x 327 mm
• Power Requirements: 220-240V – 50/60Hz, 100-120V – 50/60Hz

MSRP (9000Q/9000P):

• US: $1,999/$1,499
• UK: £1,499/£1,099

For more information visit the Audiolab web site:

• 9000Q
• 9000P

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