audiolab 9000A Integrated Amplifier - Silver

Audiolab's Flagship Integrated

The 9000A sits at the top of Audiolab's amplifier range, and it shows in every spec. Class AB amplification with a 15-amp peak current rating delivers 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms, or 160 watts into 4 ohms, giving it the muscle to control genuinely demanding speakers rather than just drive them.

An ESS Sabre ES9038PRO DAC, the same reference-grade chip found in far pricier components, handles digital conversion up to 768kHz PCM and DSD512, with full three-unfold MQA decoding built in. Three RCA line inputs, a balanced XLR input, dual optical and coaxial digital inputs, and a USB-B port for computer audio cover nearly every source. Bluetooth 5.1 adds aptX, aptX HD, and LDAC codec support for wireless streaming, and a low-noise moving-magnet phono stage welcomes a turntable straight into the system.

A dedicated current-feedback headphone amplifier drives headphones from 20 to 600 ohms, and a preamp output lets the 9000A run in Pre-Power or Pre-Only mode if your system grows to include a separate power amp.

Built Like a Flagship Should Be

At just over 20 pounds and finished in either black or silver, the 9000A carries the weight and finish its price demands. A 4.3-inch full-color IPS display shows source and volume information clearly, and a remote control is included for operation from the listening chair.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Ed Selley, in an April 11, 2023 review for AVForums, called the 9000A's sound "truly excellent with analogue and digital sources," writing that it "walks a supremely well judged balance of realism and fun" with "detail and sheer resolution" alongside genuine "sweetness and lack of edge." He praised the "excellent build and industrial design," noting that "even judged at £2,000 I can't think of anything that's better screwed together." AVForums awarded it a Best Buy with a 9 out of 10 score, calling it "unquestionable." Selley did flag a "slightly clunky display" and a linear volume control that "can feel odd after a traditional pot," along with noting that some rivals include onboard streaming.

Who Is This Integrated Amplifier Best For?

• You want reference-grade digital conversion built in — the ES9038PRO DAC and full MQA decoding rival far pricier standalone components.
• You're driving genuinely demanding speakers — 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms, or 160 into 4, with a 15-amp peak current rating.
• You play vinyl on a moving-magnet cartridge — a built-in phono stage skips the need for an outboard preamp.
• You want room to grow your system — Pre-Power and Pre-Only modes let the 9000A adapt as your setup changes.
• If you want built-in network streaming, the 9000A handles Bluetooth but not Wi-Fi streaming on its own — Audiolab's own 9000N adds that alongside it.

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Connect your speakers to the binding posts and your turntable to the built-in phono input. Three RCA inputs, one balanced XLR input, dual optical and coaxial digital inputs, and USB-B cover the rest of your sources, while Bluetooth handles wireless streaming from a phone or laptop. Headphones plug into the front panel, and the preamp output is there if you add a separate power amp later.

From there, the display and included remote put the rest in your hands.

Pairs Well With

Building around the 9000A? Here are some great companions:

• Streamer: Add network streaming with Audiolab's own 9000N Wireless Audio Streaming Player.
• Turntable: Put the built-in MM phono stage to work — see our Turntables.
• Speakers: 100 watts per channel drives a serious pair — see our Floorstanding Speakers.
• Cables: Quality XLR and RCA interconnects carry the signal cleanly — see our Interconnect Cables.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much power does it deliver?

100 watts per channel into 8 ohms, or 160 watts per channel into 4 ohms.

Does it have a phono stage?

Yes, a built-in low-noise moving-magnet phono stage.

Does it support MQA?

Yes, with full internal three-unfold MQA decoding.

Does it have Bluetooth?

Yes, Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX, aptX HD, and LDAC codec support.

Does it have a headphone output?

Yes, a dedicated current-feedback headphone amplifier supporting 20 to 600 ohm headphones.

Can it be used as a preamp only?

Yes, the 9000A offers Integrated, Pre-Power, and Pre-Only operating modes.

See It in Action

Taps Das calls the 9000A totally transparent:

Andrew Robinson reviews the 9000A as a great amp for difficult speakers:

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Learn More

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