The Audiolab 9000A sits at the top of Audiolab’s amplifier range, above the 8300A and 6000A series. Built around a Class A/B topology arranged in a dual-mono configuration, it delivers 2 × 100W into 8 ohms (2 × 160W into 4 ohms) from a hefty 320VA toroidal transformer backed by 60,000µF of smoothing capacitance. The result is an integrated amplifier with the current delivery and control to drive demanding loudspeakers with authority.
Digital Section
At the heart of the digital stage is an ESS Sabre ES9038PRO DAC chip, supporting PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz and native DSD up to DSD512 via the rear USB-B input. Optical and coaxial S/PDIF inputs handle PCM up to 192kHz. Full MQA decoding is built in across all digital inputs, making the 9000A a capable partner for high-resolution streaming services. Bluetooth 5.1 is included with support for aptX, aptX HD, AAC and LDAC codecs.
Analogue Inputs and Phono Stage
The 9000A provides three RCA line-level inputs alongside a balanced XLR input for source components that benefit from balanced operation. A dedicated MM phono stage uses JFET-based circuitry with precise RIAA equalisation, offering 53dB of gain at a 47kΩ input impedance with 100pF capacitance — suitable for a wide range of moving-magnet cartridges.
Headphone Amplifier and Operating Modes
The built-in headphone amplifier uses current-feedback circuitry optimised for loads between 20 and 600 ohms, with an output impedance of just 2.35 ohms and distortion below 0.01%. The 9000A also offers selectable operating modes — integrated, pre-power and pre-amplifier only — allowing it to grow with a system by adding an external power amplifier.
Build and Display
A 4.3-inch IPS LCD screen (800 × 480 resolution) provides clear source and volume information alongside access to the setup menu, where input sensitivity, digital filter selection, speaker balance and standby idle time can all be configured. A 12V trigger input and output are fitted for integration with automated systems.
What the Press Says
- “Practicality, solid build and a strong performance all in a neat single package.” — What Hi-Fi? ★★★★☆
| Power Output | 2 × 100W (8Ω) / 2 × 160W (4Ω), Class A/B |
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| THD | <1% at rated power |
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| Max Output Current | 15A |
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| DAC | ESS Sabre ES9038PRO (32-bit) |
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| Digital Formats (USB) | PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz, DSD64/128/256/512, MQA |
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| Digital Formats (S/PDIF) | PCM up to 192kHz, MQA |
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| Bluetooth | 5.1 (aptX, aptX HD, AAC, LDAC) |
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| Analogue Inputs | 3 × RCA, 1 × XLR balanced, 1 × phono (MM) |
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| Digital Inputs | 2 × coaxial S/PDIF, 2 × optical S/PDIF, 1 × USB-B |
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| Outputs | Preamp out, speaker binding posts, 6.35mm headphone |
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| Phono Stage Gain | 53dB (MM), 47kΩ / 100pF |
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| Headphone Output Impedance | 2.35Ω (20–600Ω load range) |
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| Display | 4.3″ IPS LCD (800 × 480) |
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| Operating Modes | Integrated, pre-power, pre-amplifier |
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| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 444 × 342 × 89mm |
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| Weight | 9.4kg |
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| Finish | Black |
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| Also Available As | Silver |
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