Audiolab 9000Q

Overview

The Audiolab 9000Q is the flagship preamplifier from Audiolab, a British hi-fi electronics maker founded in 1983 and engineered in the UK. It is far more than a volume control, combining a reference-grade line stage with a built-in ES9038PRO 32-bit DAC, a dedicated low-noise moving magnet phono stage and a current-feedback headphone amplifier in one clean, purposeful chassis. The result is a single control center that honors the Audiolab house sound of clarity, control and balance.

Engineering is focused on keeping the signal path quiet and low in distortion. The ES9038PRO DAC stage supports high-resolution PCM and DSD and includes certified MQA full decoding, while Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX, aptX HD and LDAC brings high-quality wireless playback. A large 4.3 inch IPS display gives clear feedback on source, format and settings, and balanced connectivity lets you build a fully balanced system with a matching power amplifier.

The 9000Q is for the listener building a serious separates system who wants one refined preamplifier to gather analog and digital sources, a turntable and headphones under one roof. Paired with a suitable power amplifier and speakers it forms the heart of a transparent, flexible high-end setup.

Key Features

• Flagship Audiolab preamplifier with reference line stage and built-in DAC
• ES9038PRO 32-bit DAC supporting high-resolution PCM and DSD
• Certified MQA full decoder for complete unfolding of MQA files
• Dedicated low-noise moving magnet phono stage for turntables
• Current-feedback headphone amplifier for demanding headphones
• Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX, aptX HD and LDAC for high-quality wireless
• Balanced connectivity for a fully balanced signal path to the power amp
• Large 4.3 inch IPS display with clear source and format readout
• Choice of Black or Silver finishes

How the 9000Q Compares

Audiolab 9000Q vs EverSolo DMP-A8 Gen 2

The EverSolo DMP-A8 Gen 2 is a network streamer, DAC and preamplifier built around a large touchscreen and app-driven streaming experience. The Audiolab 9000Q takes a different route, focusing on a refined analog preamplifier core with a dedicated MM phono stage, current-feedback headphone amp and balanced connectivity while leaving network streaming to a partnering source. Choose the EverSolo if you want streaming built into one box, or the 9000Q if you want a flagship preamplifier heart with a separate streamer of your choice. See the EverSolo DMP-A8 Gen 2.

Audiolab 9000Q vs TEAC UD-507

The TEAC UD-507 is a USB DAC, headphone amplifier and preamplifier aimed squarely at desktop and headphone-forward systems with strong balanced headphone drive. The 9000Q shares the DAC, headphone and preamp roles but leans toward main-system duty with its MM phono stage, 4.3 inch IPS display and fully balanced line output for a matching power amp. Pick the TEAC for a headphone-centric desk, or the 9000Q as the command center of a full separates rig. See the TEAC UD-507.

Audiolab 9000Q vs Parasound HALO P6

The Parasound HALO P6 is an analog-focused preamplifier with a built-in phono stage and subwoofer management for home theater bypass and 2.1 setups. The Audiolab 9000Q emphasizes its ES9038PRO DAC stage, MQA full decoding and Bluetooth alongside its MM phono and headphone stages, making it a strong digital-and-analog hub. Choose the P6 for flexible analog and sub integration, or the 9000Q for an all-in-one digital source and preamp with the Audiolab character of clarity and control. See the Parasound HALO P6.

Recommended Power Amplifier, Source and Speakers

Build a full Audiolab flagship stack around the 9000Q with the matching power amplifier, a native source and speakers that reveal its clarity.

• Audiolab 9000P Amplifier The natural balanced partner for the 9000Q, completing a matched flagship pre-power pairing with a fully balanced signal path from preamp to power amp.
• Audiolab 9000N Network Streamer A Roon Ready Audiolab streamer that feeds the 9000Q with high-resolution network audio, keeping the whole front end in one house sound.
• Audiolab 9000CDT CD Transport A dedicated transport with no internal DAC, sending pure digital to the 9000Q's ES9038PRO stage so the preamplifier handles conversion.
• MoFi SourcePoint 10 Master Edition A high-resolution concentric design that rewards the clean, controlled output of the 9000Q and matching power amp with detailed, coherent imaging.
• Mission 700 Loudspeakers A classic standmount voicing that pairs nicely with the balanced clarity of the 9000Q for an engaging, room-friendly stereo system.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Audiolab 9000Q?
It is Audiolab's flagship preamplifier, combining a reference line stage with a built-in ES9038PRO DAC, a dedicated MM phono stage and a current-feedback headphone amplifier.

Does the 9000Q have a built-in DAC?
Yes. It uses an ES9038PRO 32-bit DAC and supports high-resolution PCM and DSD, so digital sources can connect directly.

Does the 9000Q support MQA?
Yes. It includes a certified MQA full decoder for complete unfolding of MQA files.

Can I connect a turntable?
Yes. The 9000Q has a dedicated low-noise moving magnet phono stage, so a turntable with an MM cartridge can connect directly.

Does it have a headphone output?
Yes. It features a current-feedback headphone amplifier for driving demanding headphones.

Does the 9000Q have Bluetooth?
Yes. It offers Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX, aptX HD and LDAC for high-quality wireless playback.

Does the 9000Q stream from a network?
The 9000Q is a preamplifier and does not include network streaming itself. Pair it with an Audiolab streamer such as the 9000N for network audio.

Which power amplifier pairs with the 9000Q?
The matching Audiolab 9000P amplifier is the natural partner, allowing a fully balanced connection from preamp to power amp.

Does the 9000Q have balanced outputs?
Yes. It offers balanced connectivity so you can build a fully balanced system with a compatible power amplifier.

What display does it use?
It has a large 4.3 inch IPS display that clearly shows source, format and settings.

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

What are the dimensions and weight?
It measures 3.5 x 17.5 x 12.9 inches and weighs 13.7 pounds.

Can I use the 9000Q with a CD transport?
Yes. Audiolab CDT transports have no built-in DAC, so they pass digital audio to the 9000Q's ES9038PRO DAC. The 9000CDT is a strong match.

Is the 9000Q made in the UK?
Audiolab is a British hi-fi electronics maker founded in 1983, and its products are designed and engineered in the UK.

What does the 9000Q sound like?
It reflects the Audiolab house sound of clarity, control and balance, presenting sources cleanly without added coloration.

Who is the 9000Q for?
It suits listeners building a serious separates system who want one refined preamplifier to manage digital sources, a turntable and headphones.

Does the 9000Q support high-resolution DSD?
Yes. Its ES9038PRO DAC stage handles high-resolution PCM and DSD.

What speakers work well with a 9000Q system?
Paired with a suitable power amplifier, resolving speakers like the MoFi SourcePoint 10 Master Edition or Mission 700 reveal the 9000Q's clarity.

What warranty does the 9000Q include?
It is covered by 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 Maryland, so your 9000Q arrives with full factory warranty support and expert guidance on building a matched system.