Audiolab 9000A Integrated Amplifier at Vinyl Sound Toronto Canada

The 9000A is the flagship integrated amplifier from Audiolab (Cambridge, United Kingdom), available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada. Designed by lead engineer Jan Ertner over more than 40 years of Audiolab amplifier heritage, the 9000A is the most powerful and fully featured integrated amplifier the brand has ever produced. It delivers 100W per channel into 8 ohms (160W into 4 ohms) via a discrete Class AB power stage, paired with the flagship ESS Sabre ES9038PRO 32-bit DAC featuring certified MQA Full Decoding, Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD and LDAC, a dedicated moving magnet phono stage, a current-feedback headphone amplifier, and a 4.3-inch full-colour IPS LCD display. The 9000A operates as an integrated amplifier, a standalone preamplifier, or a pure power amplifier for maximum system flexibility, and was recognized by Pursuit Perfect System as a Stand Out Product of 2023.

Flagship DAC and Class AB Power Stage

The 9000A centres on the ES9038PRO — an eight-channel flagship DAC chip from ESS Technology — running HyperStream II architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator for a signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 117dB (A-weighted) and THD below 0.001% at 0dBFS. Audiolab's history of working with ESS Sabre technology across multiple product generations informs a proprietary post-DAC active filter circuit developed specifically for this chipset. The four S/PDIF digital inputs handle hi-res PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz via coaxial and optical, expanding to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512 via the PC USB input. The 9000A is a certified MQA Full Decoder, performing the complete three-stage internal unfolding process for full Tidal Masters fidelity. The CFB (Complementary Feedback) power amp topology ensures superior linearity and excellent thermal stability, with a 320VA custom toroidal transformer and 60,000uF total reservoir capacitance maintaining firm control over demanding loudspeakers at all listening levels.

Analogue Pedigree and Versatile Connectivity

Beyond its digital capabilities, the 9000A caters fully to analogue sources. Three RCA line inputs, a balanced XLR input, and a dedicated moving magnet phono stage using a JFET-based circuit with precise RIAA equalisation cover vinyl playback with exceptional noise performance. Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD, LDAC, aptX Low Latency, AAC, and SBC enables high-quality wireless streaming from smartphones, tablets, and laptops. The dedicated current-feedback headphone amplifier handles loads from 20 to 600 ohms with THD below 0.01%. The 9000A supports three operating modes: Integrated (pre and power combined), Pre-Power (power amp stage only, for use with an AV processor or external processor in the signal chain), and Pre (preamp only, for connection to an external power amplifier such as the 9000P). This makes the 9000A a long-term investment capable of adapting to system upgrades over time.

Key Features

• 100W Per Channel into 8 Ohms (160W into 4 Ohms): Discrete Class AB power stage with CFB topology, 320VA toroidal transformer, and 60,000uF reservoir capacitance for commanding control of any loudspeaker.
• ESS Sabre ES9038PRO 32-Bit DAC: Eight-channel flagship chip with HyperStream II and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator, delivering SNR above 117dB and THD below 0.001% from digital inputs.
• Certified MQA Full Decoder: Complete three-stage internal MQA unfolding from USB and S/PDIF inputs, ensuring full Tidal Masters fidelity without an external decoder.
• Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD and LDAC: High-resolution wireless streaming from mobile and portable devices at audio quality approaching or meeting hi-res standards.
• Dedicated MM Phono Stage: JFET-based circuit with precise RIAA equalisation for low-noise, high-fidelity moving magnet turntable playback.
• Current-Feedback Headphone Amplifier: Drives headphones from 20 to 600 ohms with THD below 0.01%, providing the same musical engagement as the main speaker outputs.
• Three Operating Modes: Integrated, Pre-Power, and Pre modes for flexible system integration — connect an AV processor, add external power amplification, or pair with the 9000P power amplifier.
• 4.3-Inch Full-Colour IPS LCD Display: Shows source, playback information, file format, and two VU meter options (analogue and digital style) for real-time visual monitoring.
• Balanced XLR Input: For connection to balanced sources or preamplifiers, with input sensitivity of 2Vrms and SNR above 110dB.
• Comprehensive Digital Inputs: 2x Coaxial S/PDIF, 2x Optical S/PDIF (up to 192kHz/24-bit), 1x PC USB Type-B (up to 768kHz/32-bit and DSD512), 1x Bluetooth 5.1.
• PRE Amplifier Output: For use with an external processor or to drive the 9000P power amplifier in a separate pre/power configuration.
• 12V Trigger In and Out: For automated system power management with compatible source components and power amplifiers.

Technical Specifications

Connections at a Glance

• Digital Inputs: 2x Coaxial S/PDIF, 2x Optical S/PDIF, 1x PC USB Type-B, 1x Bluetooth 5.1, 1x 12V Trigger
• Analogue Inputs: 3x RCA Line, 1x XLR Balanced, 1x Phono MM, 1x Power Amplifier In
• Outputs: 1x PRE Amplifier Out (RCA), 1x Stereo Speaker Binding Posts, 1x Headphone 6.35mm, 1x 12V Trigger

What's in the Box

• Audiolab 9000A Integrated Amplifier
• Power Cord
• Remote Control
• User Manual
• Antennas

Awards and Critical Recognition

• Pursuit Perfect System — Stand Out Product of 2023
• Goldenes Ohr 2024 — Silver Award, Network Amplifier category (up to 2,500 euros)
• StereoNET — Applause Award, 2023

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Audiolab 9000A?

The Audiolab 9000A is the flagship integrated amplifier from Audiolab (Cambridge, UK), delivering 100W per channel into 8 ohms via a discrete Class AB power stage with CFB topology. It incorporates the ESS Sabre ES9038PRO 32-bit DAC with certified MQA Full Decoding, Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD and LDAC, a moving magnet phono stage, a current-feedback headphone amplifier, and a 4.3-inch full-colour IPS LCD display, with three operating modes: Integrated, Pre-Power, and Pre.

How does the Audiolab 9000A compare to the Cambridge Audio Evo 150?

The Audiolab 9000A and Cambridge Audio Evo 150 are both premium integrated amplifiers with high-quality DACs and multiple operating modes. The 9000A delivers 100W per channel and features the flagship ES9038PRO chip, certified MQA Full Decoding, a dedicated MM phono stage, and three operating modes including pure power amp and pure preamp. The Evo 150 integrates network streaming directly and focuses on a simpler, more lifestyle-oriented user experience. The 9000A is designed as a traditional audiophile separates component intended for pairing with a dedicated streamer such as the 9000N.

What is CFB topology and why does it matter?

CFB, or Complementary Feedback, is a power amplifier circuit topology used in the Audiolab 9000A's discrete output stage. It maintains the idle current independently of output transistor temperature, ensuring superior linearity and excellent thermal stability across all operating conditions. The result is consistent, low-distortion performance at all power levels regardless of how long the amplifier has been running or how warm it becomes — a significant advantage over designs where idle current varies with temperature.

Can the Audiolab 9000A be used as a power amplifier only?

Yes. In Pre-Power mode, the 9000A disconnects its preamplifier stage and operates solely as a power amplifier, accepting a signal at its Power Amplifier In socket. This makes it suitable for use with an AV processor in a home cinema system, or with an external signal processor inserted between the preamp out and power amp in sockets. In Pre mode, the power amp stage is disabled entirely and the 9000A functions as a full-featured preamplifier and DAC for connection to an external power amplifier such as the Audiolab 9000P.

Does the Audiolab 9000A support vinyl playback?

Yes. The 9000A includes a dedicated moving magnet phono stage using a JFET-based circuit with precise RIAA equalisation, input impedance of 47K ohms in parallel with 100pF, and gain of +53dB. It is compatible with any moving magnet cartridge and delivers a signal-to-noise ratio above 80dB (A-weighted) for quiet, detailed vinyl playback.

What headphones work with the Audiolab 9000A?

The 9000A's current-feedback headphone amplifier supports loads from 20 to 600 ohms, making it compatible with a very wide range of headphones — from low-impedance in-ear monitors to high-impedance planar and dynamic designs such as the Sennheiser HD 600, Beyerdynamic DT 880, or Audeze LCD series. THD measures below 0.01% at 1kHz and 50mW for transparent, engaging headphone listening.

Where can I buy the Audiolab 9000A in Toronto, Canada?

The Audiolab 9000A is available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada. Vinyl Sound is an authorized Audiolab dealer serving the Greater Toronto Area and customers across Canada. Shop online at vinylsound.ca or visit the showroom for a full demonstration of the complete 9000 series system.