audiolab D9 DAC and Headphone Amplifier - Black

A Modern Heir to the M-DAC Name

The Audiolab D9 is a DAC and headphone amplifier built for listeners who want one box for almost any digital source: a computer, a hard drive, or a phone over Bluetooth. It's available in black or silver. A 2.8-inch color touchscreen up front shows source and format at a glance, and a full remote control is included, so you can run it from your listening chair.

At the center is an ESS ES9038PRO DAC chip, the same chip Audiolab uses in its flagship 9000 series. It decodes PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD up to DSD512. Full MQA decoding works over USB, coaxial, and optical. Plug in a USB hard drive loaded with MP3, WAV, FLAC, or APE files and the D9 plays them directly, no computer required.

A Headphone Amp Strong Enough to Stand Alone

The D9's headphone section uses current-feedback circuitry. It puts out up to 600 milliwatts, enough to drive headphones from 20 to 600 ohms cleanly. Distortion stays below 0.01% at 1kHz and 50 milliwatts. Output impedance is a low 2.35 ohms, so it won't color the sound of sensitive in-ear monitors either.

The line outputs are just as capable. Balanced XLR puts out 4.1Vrms and RCA puts out 2.05Vrms, both measured at 0dBFS and 1kHz. THD stays under 0.001%. Signal-to-noise measures better than 123dB on XLR and better than 118dB on RCA, both A-weighted, and frequency response holds to 20Hz–20kHz within ±0.1dB.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Ian White reviewed the D9 for ecoustics on May 4, 2025, writing that it "delivers the kind of sonic clarity and dynamics that might make you rethink what your music is really capable of." He also praised the headphone section directly, noting it "takes things up a notch with even more premium features and an upgraded headphone amp section, making it a solid choice for audiophiles who want more power and control."

The Audio Tailor reviewed the D9 on March 25, 2026, writing that it "delivers pinpoint detail, pristine clarity, and a natural three-dimensional soundstage" and that it "sets a new benchmark for resolution and purity" in its class.

Who Is This DAC Best For?

• Headphone listeners who want real power on tap. 600 milliwatts covers everything from easy in-ears to demanding full-size headphones.
• Anyone with music scattered across formats and sources. USB, coaxial, optical, AES/EBU, a USB drive, and Bluetooth all feed into the same DAC.
• Listeners building a preamp-free system. The balanced XLR and RCA outputs are strong enough to feed a power amp directly.
• Anyone who still owns MQA-encoded files or a Tidal Masters library. Full MQA decoding works over USB, coaxial, and optical.
• Not the right fit if you need built-in streaming. The D9 has no Wi-Fi or app-based music services — Bluetooth and wired inputs are the only way in.

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Digital inputs cover two coaxial and two optical S/PDIF connections, a USB-B port for a computer, a USB-A port for a hard drive, an AES/EBU input, and Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX, aptX HD, and LDAC. That's enough inputs to cover a computer, a transport, a TV, and a phone at once, switching between them from the front panel or remote.

On the way out, balanced XLR and single-ended RCA outputs can feed an integrated amp, a preamp, or a power amp directly. A 12V trigger is also on hand to power other components on and off along with the D9, and the front-panel headphone jack rounds out the connections for private listening.

Pairs Well With

Building your system? Here are some great companions for the Audiolab D9:

• Headphones to make full use of the built-in amplifier
• Integrated amplifiers to complete a speaker-based system
• Interconnect cables in balanced XLR or single-ended RCA
• Power cables for the D9's power supply
• Audio racks to give it a permanent home

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the D9 power my headphones without a separate amp?

Yes. Its current-feedback headphone amp puts out up to 600 milliwatts and handles loads from 20 to 600 ohms, which covers the vast majority of headphones on the market.

Does it still support MQA?

Yes, full MQA decoding works over USB, coaxial, and optical inputs.

Can I play music from a USB drive without a computer?

Yes. The USB-A port plays MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC, and APE files directly from a connected drive.

Does it work as a preamp?

The balanced XLR and RCA outputs are strong enough to feed a power amp directly, so it can take the place of a separate preamp in many systems.

What's the warranty?

Audiolab covers the D9 for one year as standard, extended to three years if you register it within 90 days of purchase.

See It in Action

Infinite Baffle introduces the D9 as the M-DAC's successor:

Sound Advice covers the sound and features in detail:

Why Audio Advisor?

• 40+ Years of Expertise — Since 1981, we’ve helped over a million music lovers find the right gear.
• 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Take your time. Listen, enjoy, and make sure it’s right for you.
• Real Experts, Real Help — Our team is here to answer your questions at 800-942-0220, weekdays 9am–6pm EST.
• Free Shipping — On orders over $49, delivered to your door.
• Flexible Payment Options — Financing available so you can start listening now.

Learn More

Want to learn more about DACs, choosing a headphone amp, or getting the most from MQA files? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.