The Audiolab D Series at a glance
Audiolab has built its reputation in British hi-fi since 1983, engineering electronics in the UK with a focus on measured performance and long term musical enjoyment. The D Series brings that heritage to the digital front end of your system. These are not simply outboard converters. Each model is a DAC, a preamplifier, and a headphone amplifier in one chassis, so you can build a compact system around a single source oriented component.
Specifications compared
| Specification | D7 | D9 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | DAC, preamplifier and headphone amplifier | — |
| DAC Chip | ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M 32-bit | ESS Sabre ES9038PRO 32-bit |
| Decoding | MQA full decoder | MQA full decoder |
| Wireless | Bluetooth 5.1 (aptX, aptX HD) | Bluetooth 5.1 (aptX, aptX HD, LDAC) |
| USB | USB playback | — |
| Analog Output | Balanced connectivity | — |
| Headphone Stage | Current-feedback headphone amplifier | — |
| Preamp Function | Yes | — |
| Display | OLED display | 2.8 inch IPS with VU meter |
| Finishes | Black or Silver | Black or Silver |
| Dimensions | 2.2 x 7.1 x 8.2 in | 3.5 x 10.9 x 12.4 in |
| Weight | 3.1 lbs | 9.3 lbs |
| Digital Input | — | AES/EBU |
| Analog Outputs | — | Balanced XLR and RCA |
| Headphone Amp | — | Current-feedback headphone amplifier |
| File Playback | — | USB HDD playback |
Both the Audiolab D7 and the Audiolab D9 share the same design goals: clean ESS Sabre conversion, certified MQA full decoding, a current feedback headphone stage that Audiolab uses across its range, Bluetooth for casual listening, and a preamp function so the DAC can drive a power amplifier or active speakers directly.
Shared Audiolab technology
- ESS Sabre conversion: both models use ESS Sabre DAC silicon for low noise, high resolution playback.
- MQA full decoder: both are certified full decoders, unfolding MQA files to their complete resolution.
- Current feedback headphone amplifier: the same headphone topology Audiolab favors elsewhere in its lineup, designed for control and drive.
- Preamp function: volume control on the analog output lets either unit serve as the hub of a streamlined system.
- Bluetooth 5.1: convenient wireless listening with high quality codecs.
Model by model
Audiolab D7
The Audiolab D7 is the compact, do it all option. It pairs the ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M 32-bit converter with MQA full decoding, USB playback, and Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX and aptX HD. It offers balanced connectivity, a current feedback headphone amplifier, and a preamp function, all readable from a crisp OLED display. At roughly 2.2 by 7.1 by 8.2 inches and about 3.1 pounds, it slots easily into a desktop rig or a tidy compact system. It comes in black or silver.
This is the model to consider when space is at a premium and you want a genuinely complete digital hub. It suits desktop headphone listeners, near field setups, and anyone building around a streamer or computer source who wants converter, preamp, and headphone duties handled in one small footprint.
Audiolab D9
The Audiolab D9 is the flagship of this pairing and steps up to the ESS Sabre ES9038PRO 32-bit converter, the same class of chip Audiolab reserves for its most ambitious designs. It adds an AES/EBU digital input and provides both balanced XLR and single ended RCA analog outputs, giving it more flexibility for integration into larger or fully balanced systems. Bluetooth 5.1 here includes LDAC alongside aptX and aptX HD, and the D9 supports USB HDD playback for local libraries. A 2.8 inch IPS display with a VU meter brings a more informative and engaging front panel. It is a larger, more substantial unit at about 3.5 by 10.9 by 12.4 inches and 9.3 pounds, available in black or silver.
The D9 is the choice when you want the fuller feature set: the higher tier ESS Sabre converter, balanced and RCA outputs together, AES/EBU connectivity, LDAC, onboard file playback, and the larger IPS display. It suits a main listening room system, a fully balanced signal path, and listeners who want their DAC to remain the centerpiece as the rest of the system grows.
How to choose by tier and priority
By size and system role
If you need a small, elegant unit for a desk or a compact main system, the D7 is purpose built for that. If you have rack space and want a more substantial component that anchors a larger room, the D9 is the natural fit.
By connectivity
Choose the D7 when USB and Bluetooth cover your sources and you want balanced connectivity in a small package. Choose the D9 when you also want AES/EBU, both XLR and RCA outputs available at once, LDAC Bluetooth, and USB HDD playback for a local music library.
By converter and display
Both deliver certified MQA full decoding and ESS Sabre conversion. Within the D Series, the D9 moves up to the ES9038PRO and adds the 2.8 inch IPS display with VU meter, while the D7 uses the ES9038Q2M with an OLED display. If the higher tier converter and the richer front panel matter to you, the D9 answers that.
Which should you buy
- Desktop or headphone first listener: the Audiolab D7 gives you converter, preamp, and a current feedback headphone stage in a small, tidy chassis.
- Compact main system built on a streamer or computer: the Audiolab D7 handles source, volume, and headphones without dominating a shelf.
- Full sized listening room and a balanced signal path: the Audiolab D9 offers XLR and RCA outputs, AES/EBU input, and the flagship ES9038PRO converter.
- Local library plus wide wireless codec support: the Audiolab D9 adds USB HDD playback and LDAC Bluetooth.
- Anyone who wants an engaging front panel: the Audiolab D9 and its IPS display with VU meter.
Pairing thoughts
Because both models include a preamp function, either can feed a power amplifier or a pair of active speakers directly. The D7 makes a graceful desktop or compact system centerpiece, while the D9 is well matched to a fuller room system where its outputs and connectivity earn their keep. In every case, match the rest of your system to the DAC you choose so the balance stays sensible.
Come listen at AEA
All Elite Audio is an authorized Audiolab dealer with a showroom in Timonium, Maryland. Demo units rotate and not every model is always set up, so please contact AEA to arrange a listen and confirm what is on hand before you visit. We are glad to help you match the right D Series DAC to your system and priorities.