Audiolab 9000A

Overview

The Audiolab 9000A is the flagship integrated amplifier in the 9000 Series, bringing together the clean, controlled, no-nonsense character that has defined Audiolab since 1983. Engineered in the UK, it delivers 2x100W into 8 ohms and 2x160W into 4 ohms using Class AB amplification with Audiolab's CFB (Complementary Feedback) topology, a design goal aimed at clarity, low distortion and confident grip on a wide range of loudspeakers.

At its heart sits an ES9038PRO 32-bit ESS Sabre DAC stage paired with certified MQA full decoding across the PC USB, coaxial and optical inputs. A dedicated low-noise MM phono stage welcomes turntables, a current-feedback headphone amplifier serves private listening, and Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX, aptX HD, AAC and LDAC covers wireless sources. A large 4.3 inch IPS display keeps status and settings easy to read from the listening seat.

With Integrated, Pre-Power and Pre-only operating modes, the 9000A is a flexible cornerstone for a system that can grow over time. It suits the listener who wants one refined, well-built British hub for digital, analog and headphone sources, with the transparency and control to reveal what recordings and speakers are truly doing.

Key Features

• Flagship 9000 Series integrated amplifier engineered in the UK
• 2x100W into 8 ohms and 2x160W into 4 ohms, Class AB with Audiolab CFB topology
• ES9038PRO 32-bit ESS Sabre DAC stage
• Certified MQA full decoder via PC USB, coaxial and optical inputs
• Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX, aptX HD, AAC and LDAC
• Dedicated low-noise MM phono stage for turntables
• Current-feedback headphone amplifier for private listening
• Integrated, Pre-Power and Pre-only operating modes
• Large 4.3 inch IPS display, available in Black or Silver

How the 9000A Compares

Audiolab 9000A vs Audiolab 7000A

The 7000A shares Audiolab's clean, balanced house character and MQA decoding, but uses the ES9038Q2M DAC stage. The 9000A steps up within the same brand to the ES9038PRO DAC, a larger 4.3 inch IPS display and more amplifier headroom. Choose the 7000A for a more compact flagship-adjacent build, or the 9000A when you want the top of the line. See the Audiolab 7000A.

Audiolab 9000A vs Parasound HALO HINT6

The Parasound HALO HINT6 leans toward a warm, muscular American voicing with a generous analog feature set. The Audiolab 9000A pursues a leaner, more precise British presentation with an ES9038PRO DAC, MQA decoding and Bluetooth built in. Pick the HINT6 for a rich analog-first hub, or the 9000A for an all-in-one digital and analog centerpiece. See the Parasound HALO HINT6.

Audiolab 9000A vs Advance Paris A10 APEX

The Advance Paris A10 APEX offers a fuller, more romantic tonal signature aimed at relaxed long listening. The Audiolab 9000A is voiced for clarity, control and neutrality, with its integrated ES9038PRO DAC and MQA decoding front and center. Both are capable integrateds, so the choice comes down to whether you prefer a warmer character or a more transparent one. See the Advance Paris A10 APEX.

Recommended Speakers and Source

The 9000A pairs well with revealing speakers that reward its clarity and control, and it can be joined by an Audiolab CDT transport for disc playback since the 9000A supplies the DAC.

• Spendor A2.2 Floorstanding This refined floorstander is an easy match for the 9000A's 2x100W rating and rewards its neutral, controlled character with natural midrange and full-range scale.
• Amphion Argon 1 Bookshelf A precise, imaging-focused standmount that thrives on the transparency of the 9000A, ideal for near-field and smaller room setups.
• Klipsch Rebellion Bookshelf High-sensitivity Heritage design plays loud and lively with the 9000A's Class AB power, delivering dynamic, room-filling sound with ease.
• Spendor Classic 4/5 A classic two-way standmount whose warm, coherent voicing balances beautifully with the 9000A's clean presentation for extended listening sessions.
• Audiolab 9000CDT Transport The 9000CDT is a dedicated transport with no built-in DAC, so it sends digital audio straight into the 9000A's ES9038PRO stage for a matched flagship source.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much power does the Audiolab 9000A deliver?
It is rated at 2x100W into 8 ohms and 2x160W into 4 ohms using Class AB amplification with Audiolab's CFB topology.

What DAC does the 9000A use?
It uses an ES9038PRO 32-bit ESS Sabre DAC stage.

Can I connect a turntable directly?
Yes, the 9000A includes a dedicated low-noise MM phono stage for moving magnet cartridges.

Does it have a headphone output?
Yes, it features a current-feedback headphone amplifier for private listening.

What Bluetooth codecs are supported?
It uses Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX, aptX HD, AAC and LDAC.

What operating modes does the 9000A offer?
It offers Integrated, Pre-Power and Pre-only modes, so you can use it as a complete amp, a preamp, or a power amp within a larger system.

What size is the display?
It has a large 4.3 inch IPS display for clear readouts from the listening position.

What finishes are available?
The 9000A is available in Black or Silver.

What are the dimensions and weight?
It measures 3.5 x 17.5 x 13.5 inches and weighs 20.7 lbs.

Does the 9000A have built-in streaming?
The 9000A includes Bluetooth 5.1 for wireless playback. For network streaming, pair it with an Audiolab N series streamer feeding one of its digital inputs.

Can I add a CD player to the 9000A?
Yes. Because the 9000A has its own DAC, an Audiolab CDT transport such as the 9000CDT connects digitally and uses the 9000A's ES9038PRO stage for conversion.

How does the 9000A differ from the 7000A?
Both share Audiolab's clean, balanced character, but the 9000A steps up within the brand to the ES9038PRO DAC, a larger display and more amplifier headroom.

What speakers pair well with the 9000A?
Revealing standmounts and floorstanders such as the Spendor A2.2, Amphion Argon 1, Spendor Classic 4/5 or high-sensitivity Klipsch Rebellion all suit its power and character.

Is the 9000A a good match for headphone listening?
Yes, its current-feedback headphone amplifier is designed to drive a wide range of headphones with control and clarity.

Can I use the 9000A as a preamp only?
Yes, Pre-only mode lets you send a preamp signal to an external power amplifier.

Does the 9000A decode high-resolution files?
Yes, the ES9038PRO stage supports high-resolution playback and the unit provides certified MQA full decoding over its digital inputs.

What is Audiolab's sound character?
Audiolab is known for a clean, no-nonsense sound with clarity, control and balance, and the 9000A represents the flagship expression of that design goal.

What warranty comes with the 9000A?
It carries a 3 year parts and labor warranty through Audiolab via MoFi Distribution for the original owner.

Why buy from All Elite Audio?
All Elite Audio is an authorized Audiolab dealer in MD, so your 9000A is genuine, fully warrantied and backed by expert support. We help you match it to the right speakers and sources, and it is in stock and ready to ship.