Audiolab 9000N

Overview

The Audiolab 9000N is the flagship network streamer in the British brand's 9000 Series, engineered in the UK to serve as a pure, high-resolution digital source at the heart of a serious HiFi system. It is a source and streamer with no built-in amplifier, which lets it focus entirely on retrieving and converting your music with clarity, control and balance. At its core sits an ESS Sabre ES9038PRO 32-bit DAC, the same reference-grade converter family used across Audiolab's most ambitious designs, paired with certified MQA full decoding for unfolding high-resolution MQA files to their full potential.

Connectivity is built around the platforms most listeners actually use. The 9000N is Roon Ready and supports TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect, Qobuz, MQA and TuneIn, along with gapless playback and playback from USB storage. A large 4.3 inch IPS display gives clear feedback on artwork, track information and file status from across the room. Available in black or silver, its clean and no-nonsense presentation reflects Audiolab's long-standing design philosophy dating back to 1983.

The 9000N is for the listener who wants a definitive digital front end that can grow with an evolving system. Because it concentrates on streaming and digital-to-analog conversion rather than amplification, it pairs naturally with an Audiolab integrated amplifier or a separate preamplifier and power amplifier, giving you a modular path to a full high-end setup.

Key Features

• Flagship network streamer designed as a dedicated high-resolution digital source
• ESS Sabre ES9038PRO 32-bit DAC for a clean, detailed and controlled presentation
• Certified MQA full decoder for complete unfolding of MQA files
• Roon Ready, plus TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect, Qobuz and TuneIn
• Gapless playback and playback from USB storage
• Large 4.3 inch IPS display for clear artwork and track information
• Available in black or silver to match your system
• Engineered in the UK by Audiolab, a British HiFi maker founded in 1983
• No built-in amplifier, keeping the focus on pure source performance

How the 9000N Compares

Audiolab 9000N vs Audiolab 7000N Play

The 7000N Play sits one step below in the Audiolab line and uses DTS Play-Fi and AirPlay 2 for its streaming, making it an easy, app-driven choice for wireless multiroom listeners. The 9000N moves up to the reference ES9038PRO DAC and adds Roon Ready operation for those building a more advanced, high-resolution digital front end. Choose the 9000N when you want the flagship converter and Roon integration at the heart of the system. See the Audiolab 7000N Play.

Audiolab 9000N vs Matrix Audio NT-1

The Matrix Audio NT-1 is a dedicated digital audio transport, meaning it outputs a digital signal to feed an external DAC and is built for those who already own or plan to add a separate converter. The Audiolab 9000N is a complete streamer with its own ES9038PRO DAC, so it can connect straight to an amplifier via analog outputs. Pick the 9000N if you want streaming and conversion in one clean, self-contained source. See the Matrix Audio NT-1.

Audiolab 9000N vs EverSolo DMP-A10

The EverSolo DMP-A10 is a streamer, DAC and preamplifier in one, appealing to listeners who want volume control and system flexibility from the source itself. The Audiolab 9000N takes a purist route as a source and streamer, leaving preamplification to a dedicated Audiolab preamplifier or integrated for a modular, upgrade-friendly system. Choose based on whether you prefer an all-in-one hub or a focused digital front end. See the EverSolo DMP-A10.

Recommended Amplification and Speakers

The 9000N is a source, so pair it with Audiolab amplification and a set of speakers to complete a system. Here are matched options across the range.

• Audiolab 9000A Integrated Amplifier The natural flagship partner, matching the 9000N in series, finish and design goal for a cohesive, high-resolution system in one stack.
• Audiolab 7000A Integrated Amplifier A clean, controlled integrated that gives the 9000N a capable amplification stage while keeping the system streamlined and value focused.
• Audiolab 9000Q Preamplifier For a full separates approach, use the 9000Q preamplifier to feed a power amplifier, giving the 9000N a dedicated control stage.
• Audiolab 9000P Amplifier Pair with the 9000Q to build a reference separates system, delivering ample, controlled power to demanding speakers.
• Spendor A2.2 Floorstanders A refined British floorstander whose natural, balanced voicing complements the 9000N's clean, detailed presentation in medium rooms.
• Spendor Classic 4/5 Standmount A compact standmount that reveals the resolution of the ES9038PRO DAC; pair with the matching Spendor Classic stands for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Audiolab 9000N an amplifier?
No. The 9000N is a network streamer, a source and streamer with no built-in amplifier. You pair it with a separate amplifier or preamplifier and power amplifier.

Does the 9000N have a built-in DAC?
Yes. It features an ESS Sabre ES9038PRO 32-bit DAC, so it converts digital to analog internally and can connect straight to an amplifier.

Is the 9000N Roon Ready?
Yes. The 9000N is Roon Ready, making it a natural fit for Roon-based digital music libraries and multiroom setups.

Which streaming services does the 9000N support?
It supports TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect, Qobuz, MQA and TuneIn, along with Roon Ready operation.

Can I play music from USB storage?
Yes. The 9000N supports playback from USB storage as well as gapless playback.

What finishes are available?
The 9000N is offered in black or silver.

What size is the display?
It has a large 4.3 inch IPS display for clear artwork, track information and file status.

What are the dimensions and weight?
The 9000N measures 3.5 x 17.5 x 13.1 inches and weighs 13.7 pounds.

How does the 9000N differ from the 7000N Play?
The 7000N Play uses DTS Play-Fi and AirPlay 2 for streaming, while the 9000N steps up to the ES9038PRO DAC and adds Roon Ready operation.

What amplifier should I use with the 9000N?
Audiolab integrateds such as the 9000A, 7000A or 6000A MKII pair naturally, or you can go separates with the 9000Q preamplifier and 9000P power amplifier.

Can the 9000N control volume on its own?
The 9000N is a dedicated source and streamer. For volume control, pair it with a preamplifier or an integrated amplifier.

Is the 9000N a good choice for a Roon system?
Yes. Its Roon Ready certification makes it well suited to serve as an endpoint in a Roon-based library or multiroom system.

Does the 9000N support gapless playback?
Yes. It offers gapless playback for continuous albums and live recordings without interruptions between tracks.

Where is Audiolab equipment made?
Audiolab is a British HiFi electronics maker founded in 1983, with products designed and engineered in the UK.

Is the 9000N a transport or a full streamer?
It is a full streamer with its own ES9038PRO DAC, unlike transport-only products such as the Matrix Audio NT-1 that require an external DAC.

Can I connect a NAS or network library?
The 9000N is a network streamer designed to draw from streaming services, Roon and USB storage, giving flexible access to your music.

What speakers pair well with a 9000N system?
The Spendor A2.2, Spendor Classic 4/5 and other catalog options work well; the right choice depends on room size and the amplifier you pair with it.

What is the warranty on the 9000N?
The 9000N 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, so your 9000N arrives with full factory warranty support and expert guidance. We can help you build a complete system around it, and we are an authorized Audiolab dealer in MD, in stock.