The new 9000 series builds upon its success and precedents of the 8000, 8200, and 8300 series, expanding and incorporating the same award-winning concept into more models. This expansion aims to appeal to a wider audience and deliver its benefits to more extensive audio systems and solutions with the new 9000Q preamplifier and 9000P power amplifier.
Meet the 9000Q Preamplifier
Brought to you by Audiolab
The Audiolab 9000Q is a preamplifier that embodies the audio excellence of the flagship 9000 series.
Inspired by the award-winning 9000A integrated amplifier, the 9000Q transcends the ordinary to deliver an extraordinary auditory experience. This refined preamplifier embodies a symphony of innovation and craftsmanship, featuring functional enhancements that elevate your listening journey.
With its tone controls and fully balanced signal paths, the 9000Q empowers you to explore your music with unparalleled versatility and precision. Embrace the power of sound and let the 9000Q ignite your passion for music, transforming every note into a powerful emotional experience
The 9000Q follows the smart aesthetic of the series - solidly built and impeccably finished. To the untrained eye, it bears a striking resemblance to the 9000N with dual rotary controllers and the same acclaimed 4.3” colour TFT screen.
Design and Build
As a new dedicated Preamplifier solution, the 9000Q is far more than a trimmed down version of the 9000A integrated amplifier. It’s a beast of a Pre! Designed by Jan Ertner, the lead designer in the 9000 series components (as well as many other Audiolab components over the years), the 9000Q is a design enhanced dedicated preamplifier that can be described as greatness improved.
Starting with the much complemented DAC section, the Audiolab 9000Q has an improved implementation of the ES9038PRO DAC chip. Building on the years of experience, and class-leading adoption of ESS DAC chipets, the 9000Q employs the eight-channel 9038PRO DAC chip, the highest standard in the current Sabre range. This is accompanied by proprietary circuitry to make the most of the chip’s HyperStream II architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator technology for unprecedented dynamic range and ultra-low distortion, making it the perfect preamplifier interface for high-resolution digital audio files (and audiophiles!).
In detaching the ‘pre’ concept from the integrated amplifier solution, the 9000Q is allowed to further improve as adedicated preamplifier and this extends to an enhanced enhanced MM Phono input featuring a new single stage Class-A circuit, which would make the 9000Q an exceptional phono stage alone.
Tone Controls and Inputs
The 9000Q also uses a new, custom-specified transformer. Engineered as an improvement over the 9000A due to a preamplifier requiring delivering current when demanded, and with all the Audiolab know-how, it enables a controlled performance with all the crisp detail and Audiolab sound signature.
A step forward over the already impressive 9000A ‘Pre’ performance, the Audiolab 9000Q incorporates new tone controls for treble and bass adjustment, accessible via the menu, and with a range of +/-6dB in 2dB steps. This allows delicate fine-tuning to suit room performance, speaker or power amplifier capabilities or even just personal preference.
Across these inputs, the preamplifier comes to shine.
The 9000Q provides a fixed level AUX output, and three variable Pre outputs ( 2 x RCA, 1 x XLR). The three variable outputs are isolated and can be used simultaneously without any impact on performance.
With additional features such as a source configuration option that allows for the fully balanced stereo XLR signal path. A direct path from input to output only passing through the 4-channel analogue Volume Control.
AUX 3 can also be set to “AV Direct”. This allows connection from an external pre-output or AV processor with its own volume control.
And let’s not forget the dedicated headphone amplifier section which employs current-feedback circuitry with wide bandwidth and high slew rate; the 9000Q ensures a dynamic, detailed and engaging performance with all manner of headphone types, with that extra added audiolab sparkle from the consistent signal integrity from all inputs.
Two 12V Trigger Outputs allow for control of external devices, such as the 9000CDT and 9000N. The new 9000P stereo power amplifier is the perfect companion in stereo or dual bridged mono configurations.
Technical specifications
Model
9000Q
General Description
Preamplifier
Design Philosophy and Core Technology
ES9038Pro 32-bit DAC
4.3” 800 × 480 IPS LCD Display
Bluetooth 5.1 Streaming (aptX / aptX HD / LDAC)
Dedicated Current-Feedback Headphone Amplifier
Dedicated High-Performance Low-Noise MM Phono Stage
Inputs
3 × Analogue
1 × XLR
1 × Phono (MM)
2 × SPDIF Coaxial
2 × SPDIF Optical
1 × PC USB (USB-B)
1 × Bluetooth (aptX / aptX HD / LDAC)
Outputs
2 × RCA
1 × XLR
1 × Headphone Output
2 × 12V Trigger
Sampling Frequency
Optical/Coaxial: 44.1–192kHz
PC USB: 44.1kHz–768kHz (PCM) / DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DSD512
Preamp / DAC Section
D to A Converter
ES9038Pro
Input Sensitivity
1Vrms (Line, Volume = 0dB)
2Vrms (XLR, Volume = 0dB)
4.5mV (Phono MM, Volume = 0dB)
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)
<0.001% (1kHz @ 0dBFS)
Frequency Response
20Hz – 20kHz (±0.1dB)
Output Impedance
120Ω
Maximum Sampling Frequency
Optical/Coaxial: 192kHz
PC USB: PCM 768kHz, DSD512
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (S/N)
113dB (A-weighted, RCA)
117dB (A-weighted, XLR Direct)
Headphone Amplifier Section
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)
<0.01% (1kHz, 50mW)
Output Impedance
2.35Ω
Load Impedance
20–600Ω
General
Standby Power Consumption
<0.5W
Net Weight
6.2kg
Gross Weight
8kg
Dimensions (W × H × D)
444 × 90 × 328 mm
Carton Size (W × H × D)
514 × 165 × 470 mm
Finish
Silver
Black
Power Requirements (Depending on Region)
220–240V, 50/60Hz
100–120V, 50/60Hz
Standard Accessories
Power Cord
Remote Control
User Manual
Antennas
*This information has been obtained from Manufacturers website. We advise that Price, Features & Specifications are subject change without notice.
E&OE
1 year on all products, plus an additional 2 years if the product is registered within ninety (90) calendar days from the date of purchase.
