Audiolab D9 DAC Silver

The Audiolab D9 sits at the top of Audiolab’s standalone DAC range, slotting in above the D7 and sharing its core digital conversion architecture with the flagship 9000N network music player. Where the D7 uses the two-channel ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M — the same chip found in the 6000A MKII and 7000A integrated amplifiers — the D9 steps up to the eight-channel ES9038PRO reference DAC, implemented in a differential balanced configuration with four channels assigned per side. It is, in essence, the 9000N stripped of its Lumin-derived network streaming platform, fitted with Bluetooth 5.1 and AES/EBU input, and offered at less than half the price.

DAC Architecture: ES9038PRO in Balanced Configuration

The ES9038PRO is ESS Technology’s flagship consumer DAC chip — an eight-channel, 32-bit device incorporating HyperStream II architecture and a Time Domain Jitter Eliminator for precise clocking with minimal phase noise. In the D9, all eight channels are active in a differential balanced stereo configuration: four for the left channel, four for the right. This approach reduces noise and distortion through channel averaging while improving channel separation and dynamic range. The measured specifications reflect the architecture — the D9 achieves a signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 123dB on its balanced XLR outputs and over 118dB on RCA, with total harmonic distortion below 0.001% at 1kHz/0dBFS. Audiolab’s proprietary circuitry accompanies the chip, including an ultra-precision master clock, bespoke power supply regulation, and a Class A post-DAC active filter — the same analogue output topology found in the 9000N.

Format support matches Audiolab’s best: PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz and native DSD up to DSD512 via USB-B, with 24-bit/192kHz over S/PDIF and AES/EBU inputs. Full MQA decoding performs the complete three-stage unfolding process internally. Five user-selectable digital reconstruction filters allow fine-tuning of the digital presentation, and optional upsampling to 352.8kHz or 384kHz can be applied to incoming signals.

Power Supply: Internal Linear Design

One of the most significant engineering differences between the D9 and D7 lies in the power supply. Where the D7 uses an external PSU, the D9 incorporates a full internal linear power supply built around a low-noise 40VA toroidal transformer — the same approach used in Audiolab’s 9000 series components. Multiple discrete ultra-low-noise regulators provide clean, isolated power to the left and right channels separately at each stage of the digital-to-analogue conversion process. This multi-rail topology is designed to maximise channel isolation and overall fidelity. The removable IEC power cable allows aftermarket cable upgrades.

Connectivity

The D9 expands on the D7’s connectivity with the addition of an AES3/EBU balanced digital input — a professional-standard interface commonly found on studio equipment, higher-end CD transports, and reference streamers. Alongside this sit two coaxial S/PDIF, two optical TOSLINK, USB-B for computer audio at full resolution, and USB-A for storage playback supporting MP3, WMA, APE, AAC, WAV, and FLAC up to 96kHz. Bluetooth 5.1 is equipped with LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, aptX Low Latency, AAC, and SBC codec support. LDAC supports transmission rates up to 990kbps, approaching CD quality over a wireless connection.

Analogue outputs comprise balanced XLR at 4.1Vrms and single-ended RCA at 2.05Vrms, both operable in fixed or variable mode. In variable mode, the D9 functions as a digital preamplifier with precision volume control, capable of driving a power amplifier or active speakers directly. Digital outputs include one coaxial and one optical S/PDIF for passing the signal to an external device. Two 12V trigger outputs allow synchronised power control of connected equipment.

Headphone Amplifier

The D9’s 6.35mm headphone output is driven by a dedicated current-feedback amplifier designed to handle all headphone types. It delivers up to 600mW across a 20–600 Ohm impedance range with a low 2.35 Ohm output impedance, comfortably driving everything from sensitive in-ear monitors to demanding planar magnetic headphones. THD remains below 0.01% at 1kHz/50mW.

Display and Interface

The D9 features a 2.8-inch full-colour IPS LCD display using the same custom GUI as the 9000 series components. The display shows input selection, playback details, real-time audio meters, and full access to filter settings and configuration options. Multilingual menu support is included, and the display can be dimmed or switched off entirely. The front panel layout mirrors the 9000 series aesthetic with two rotary controls flanking the screen, maintaining visual coherence alongside 9000 series amplification. The all-aluminium chassis provides both durability and shielding from external interference.