Audiolab D9 DAC, Headphone Amplifier and Preamplifier at Vinyl Sound Toronto Canada

The D9 is the flagship standalone digital-to-analogue converter, headphone amplifier, and preamplifier from Audiolab (Huntingdon, United Kingdom), available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada. A direct descendant of the groundbreaking M-DAC that defined Audiolab's DAC legacy in 2011, the D9 represents the most comprehensive and technically advanced standalone DAC the brand has ever produced. At its core is the ESS Sabre32 ES9038PRO 32-bit DAC — the same eight-channel flagship chip used in the Audiolab 9000N and 9000A — paired with an ultra-precision master clock, Class A post-DAC active filter, and a fully balanced analogue output stage delivering 4.1Vrms via XLR and 2.05Vrms via RCA. The D9 supports PCM up to 768kHz/32-bit and native DSD512 via PC USB, full MQA decoding, AES3/EBU input, Bluetooth 5.1 with LDAC and aptX HD, USB-A HDD playback, and a high-power current-feedback headphone amplifier capable of up to 600mW output — all housed in a precision aluminium chassis with a 2.8-inch full-colour IPS display.

Reference-Level DAC Architecture

The D9 shares its digital engine with the Audiolab 9000N network streamer: the same ESS Sabre32 ES9038PRO chip, deploying all eight channels in a differential-balanced configuration for exceptional channel separation and linearity. Audiolab pairs the chipset with a proprietary ultra-precision master clock and Class A post-DAC active filter — a circuit combination that yields a signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 123dB (A-weighted) via the balanced XLR outputs and THD below 0.001% at 0dBFS. Five selectable DAC reconstruction filters allow the listener to tailor the high-frequency roll-off characteristic to their preference and the bandwidth of their system. For those who prefer upsampled conversion, the D9 offers optional upsampling of digital sources to 352.8kHz or 384kHz before the conversion stage. Full MQA decoding — the complete three-stage internal unfold — is supported from PC USB, coaxial, and optical inputs, ensuring Tidal HiFi Plus subscribers receive maximum resolution from Tidal Masters content. Power delivery is handled by a linear supply with a low-noise toroidal transformer and multiple discrete regulators, maintaining optimal voltage delivery to all audio circuitry under real-world listening conditions.

Digital Hub Connectivity and Headphone Amplification

The D9 is designed as a comprehensive digital hub accommodating every significant source in a modern high-performance system. Its input roster spans two coaxial S/PDIF and two optical TosLink (up to 192kHz/24-bit), an AES3/EBU professional digital input, a PC USB Type-B port (up to 768kHz/32-bit PCM and DSD512), a USB Type-A port for HDD and flash drive playback of MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC, and APE files at up to 96kHz, and Bluetooth 5.1 with LDAC and aptX HD for high-resolution wireless streaming. On the output side, balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analogue outputs are complemented by coaxial and optical digital pass-through outputs and dual 12V trigger connections. The headphone amplifier uses current-feedback circuitry with wide bandwidth and high slew rate, supporting loads from 20 to 600 ohms and delivering up to 600mW for demanding planar magnetic and high-impedance dynamic headphones. Sound Advice, reviewing the D9 on its UK launch, noted that removing the 9000N's network streaming functionality and adding Bluetooth and S/PDIF outputs results in a device that captures the same ES9038PRO sonic character for significantly less investment.

Key Features

• ESS Sabre32 ES9038PRO 32-Bit DAC: Eight-channel flagship chip in a differential-balanced configuration, delivering SNR above 123dB (XLR, A-weighted) and THD below 0.001% at 0dBFS — the same chipset as the Audiolab 9000N and 9000A.
• Fully Balanced XLR Output at 4.1Vrms: Balanced analogue output at twice the voltage of the RCA output for maximum noise rejection and compatibility with balanced preamplifiers and power amplifiers.
• Full MQA Decoder: Complete three-stage internal unfolding of MQA content from PC USB, coaxial, and optical inputs, delivering full Tidal Masters resolution without an external decoder.
• AES3/EBU Professional Digital Input: XLR-type balanced digital input for connection to professional and broadcast digital sources — absent from the D7 and most competitors at this price point.
• Bluetooth 5.1 with LDAC and aptX HD: High-resolution wireless streaming at up to 24-bit/96kHz (LDAC) or 24-bit/48kHz (aptX HD), supporting smartphones, tablets, and laptops at near-hi-res quality.
• USB-A HDD Playback: Plays MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC, and APE files from USB storage devices at up to 96kHz without requiring a connected computer.
• High-Power Current-Feedback Headphone Amplifier: Drives headphones from 20 to 600 ohms with up to 600mW output, wide bandwidth, and high slew rate for demanding planar magnetic and high-impedance dynamic designs.
• Five Selectable DAC Reconstruction Filters: Tailor the high-frequency roll-off and digital response curve to the recording and partnering equipment for optimized listening.
• Optional Upsampling to 352.8kHz or 384kHz: Converts incoming digital sources to a higher sample rate before conversion, extracting additional musical detail from standard-resolution content.
• Class A Post-DAC Active Filter: Proprietary circuit topology optimised for the ES9038PRO for reduced noise floor and more natural analogue output stage behavior.
• 2.8-Inch Full-Colour IPS LCD Display: Shows VU meters in analogue or digital style, input source, sampling rate, DAC filter selection, and full menu navigation for complete front-panel control.
• Digital Pass-Through Outputs: Coaxial and optical S/PDIF outputs allow the D9 to feed a second DAC or digital recording device while simultaneously providing analogue output.
• Dual 12V Trigger Outputs: Enables automated power sequencing of compatible amplifiers and system components.
• Linear Power Supply with Toroidal Transformer: Low-noise regulated power delivery to all audio circuitry for stable performance independent of mains variation.

Technical Specifications

Connections at a Glance

• Digital Inputs: 2x Coaxial S/PDIF, 2x Optical TosLink, 1x PC USB Type-B, 1x USB Type-A (HDD playback), 1x AES3/EBU (XLR), 1x Bluetooth 5.1 (LDAC / aptX HD)
• Analogue Outputs: 1x Balanced XLR stereo, 1x Unbalanced RCA stereo
• Digital Outputs: 1x Coaxial S/PDIF, 1x Optical TosLink
• Headphone Output: 6.35mm jack (front panel)
• Trigger: 2x 12V Trigger Out

What's in the Box

• Audiolab D9 DAC, Headphone Amplifier and Preamplifier
• Power Cord
• Remote Control
• User Manual

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Audiolab D9?

The Audiolab D9 is a flagship standalone digital-to-analogue converter, headphone amplifier, and preamplifier from Audiolab (Huntingdon, UK), built around the ESS Sabre32 ES9038PRO 32-bit DAC in a fully balanced eight-channel configuration. It supports PCM up to 768kHz/32-bit and native DSD512 via PC USB, full MQA decoding, Bluetooth 5.1 with LDAC and aptX HD, AES3/EBU input, USB-A HDD playback, and a high-power headphone amplifier delivering up to 600mW, with balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analogue outputs.

How does the Audiolab D9 compare to the Audiolab D7?

The D7 uses the dual-channel ES9038Q2M chip, measures 180 x 56 x 208mm, and is designed for compact desktop use. The D9 steps up to the eight-channel ES9038PRO in a fully balanced differential configuration, adds an AES3/EBU professional digital input absent from the D7, upgrades Bluetooth to include LDAC, increases the XLR analogue output to 4.1Vrms (vs. the D7's standard balanced output), raises the headphone amplifier output to 600mW, and delivers significantly higher SNR — above 123dB via XLR vs. the D7's 120dB. The D9 is the right choice for listeners building a reference separates system or those who need maximum headphone drive for demanding planar magnetic designs.

Does the Audiolab D9 support DSD and full MQA decoding?

Yes. Via PC USB Type-B, the D9 supports native DSD up to DSD512 (22.5792MHz) and PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz. Via coaxial, optical, and AES3/EBU, it supports PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz. Full MQA decoding — the complete three-stage internal unfold — is performed from PC USB, coaxial, and optical sources, delivering the maximum resolution from Tidal Masters content without an external decoder.

What headphones work with the Audiolab D9?

The D9's current-feedback headphone amplifier supports loads from 20 to 600 ohms and delivers up to 600mW of output power. This makes it capable of driving demanding high-impedance designs such as the Sennheiser HD 800 S (300 ohms), Beyerdynamic T1 (600 ohms), and power-hungry planar magnetic models from Audeze, HiFiMAN, and Meze, alongside standard dynamic and in-ear designs.

Can the Audiolab D9 be used as a preamplifier?

Yes. The D9's analogue outputs operate in variable mode, allowing it to control output volume and connect directly to a power amplifier or a pair of active speakers, functioning as a full digital preamplifier. Both the balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs are available simultaneously, enabling connection to multiple amplifiers or monitoring systems.

How does the Audiolab D9 compare to the Chord Qutest?

The Audiolab D9 and Chord Qutest are both well-regarded standalone DACs in the premium desktop category. The Qutest uses Chord's proprietary FPGA-based WTA filter architecture and does not include a headphone output, Bluetooth, or USB-A HDD playback — it is a pure DAC line output stage. The D9 adds a high-power headphone amplifier (up to 600mW), Bluetooth 5.1 with LDAC, AES3/EBU input, USB-A HDD playback, optional upsampling, and a variable output mode for preamplifier duty. The Qutest is the stronger choice for listeners who prioritize FPGA-based conversion and already have a dedicated headphone amplifier; the D9 is the more versatile, self-sufficient unit for those who want a single component to handle DAC, preamp, and headphone duties.

Where can I buy the Audiolab D9 in Toronto, Canada?

The Audiolab D9 is available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada. Vinyl Sound is an authorized Audiolab dealer serving audiophiles across the Greater Toronto Area and Canada. Shop online at vinylsound.ca or visit the showroom to hear the D9 alongside the matched Audiolab 9000 series components.