audiolab D9 DAC and Headphone Amplifier - Silver

Audiolab D9 DAC and Headphone Amplifier

What You Need to Know

The M-DAC’s True Successor

The Audiolab D9 DAC and Headphone Amplifier carries one of the most storied names in digital audio into a new generation. Heir to Audiolab’s legendary M-DAC, the D9 builds a flagship ESS Sabre32 ES9038PRO converter, a true digital preamplifier, and a dedicated headphone amplifier into one handsome aluminum chassis—crowned by a color display with classic VU meters.

Audiolab describes it best: the D9 is essentially their acclaimed 9000N streaming DAC with the streaming stripped out—same converter, same master clock, same Class A post-DAC circuitry—at well under half the price.

Flagship 8-Channel Conversion

The ES9038PRO is ESS’s top 32-bit converter, and the D9 uses all eight of its channels in a fully balanced configuration. With HyperStream II architecture and ESS’s Time Domain Jitter Eliminator, the D9 achieves distortion below 0.001% and signal-to-noise beyond 123dB from its balanced outputs.

Via USB it plays PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD up to DSD512, with five selectable reconstruction filters and optional upsampling to fine-tune the presentation to your taste.

A True Digital Preamplifier

Both the RCA and balanced XLR outputs switch between fixed and variable level, so the D9 can drive a power amplifier or active speakers directly—volume controlled from the front panel or the included remote. Dual 12V triggers integrate it neatly with the rest of your system.

Dedicated Headphone Amplifier

A current-feedback headphone stage delivers 600mW into headphones from 20 to 600 ohms through the front ¼-inch jack, with the same clean, composed character as the line stages.

Connections for Every Source

Two coaxial, two optical, and a professional AES/EBU input welcome CD transports and digital sources; the USB-B input handles hi-res from your computer; a USB-A port plays files from drives; and Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD and LDAC covers casual listening. A crisp 2.8-inch color IPS display shows format, metadata, and those addictive VU meters.

Building Your System

Pair the D9 with a CD transport like Audiolab’s 9000CDT via coax or AES, feed it hi-res from your computer over USB, and run it as the preamp straight into a power amplifier or active speakers. It’s a complete digital front end in one box—backed by a 3-year warranty.

Features & Specifications

ESS Sabre32 ES9038PRO Converter
All eight channels in fully balanced configuration—flagship conversion.

Hi-Res Playback to 32-Bit/768kHz and DSD512
Five selectable filters plus optional upsampling via USB.

True Preamp Function
Fixed/variable RCA and balanced XLR outputs drive amps directly.

Current-Feedback Headphone Amplifier
600mW for headphones from 20 to 600 ohms.

Comprehensive Inputs
Coax, optical, AES/EBU, USB-B, USB-A drive playback, and Bluetooth with LDAC.

Color Display with VU Meters
2.8-inch IPS screen with metadata and analog-style meter modes.

Specifications

•          Type: DAC / Digital Preamplifier / Headphone Amplifier

•          Converter: ESS Sabre32 ES9038PRO (8-channel balanced)

•          PCM Support: Up to 32-bit/768kHz (USB); 24-bit/192kHz (Coax, Optical, AES)

•          DSD Support: Up to DSD512 via USB

•          THD: Less than 0.001% (1kHz)

•          Signal-to-Noise: Greater than 123dB (A-weighted, XLR)

•          Digital Inputs: 2x Coax, 2x Optical, AES/EBU, USB-B, USB-A (drive playback)

•          Bluetooth: 5.1 with aptX, aptX HD, LDAC (receive)

•          Outputs: RCA and Balanced XLR (fixed or variable), Coax and Optical Pass-Through, 2x 12V Trigger

•          Headphone Output: ¼-inch, 600mW (20–600 ohms)

•          Display: 2.8-inch Color IPS with VU Meter Modes

•          Remote: Included

•          Dimensions: 10.9“W x 3.5”H x 12.4"D

•          Weight: 9.3 lbs

•          Finishes: Black or Silver

•          Warranty: 3 Years

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a separate preamplifier?
No. The D9’s RCA and balanced XLR outputs switch to variable mode, letting it drive a power amplifier or active speakers directly with full remote volume control.

How does the D9 compare to the Audiolab D7?
The D9 steps up to the flagship 8-channel ES9038PRO converter, adds an AES/EBU input, LDAC Bluetooth, a color display, and an internal toroidal power supply in a full-width chassis.

How does it compare to the Audiolab 9000N?
The 9000N adds network streaming and an app. The D9 shares its converter, master clock, and Class A post-DAC circuitry—so if you already have a streamer or use a computer, the D9 delivers the same conversion quality for far less.

Who is the D9 designed for?
It’s ideal for listeners building a serious digital front end around a CD transport, computer, or existing streamer—and anyone who’s wanted an M-DAC successor worthy of the name.

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