Integrated amplifiers — Audiolab 9000A

The 9000A is a flagship integrated amplifier with a built-in DAC and MM phono stage from Audiolab, built as the first component in the brand's new 9000 Series and the most powerful, capable integrated amplifier Audiolab has ever made. Designed by lead engineer Jan Ertner, this model represents the latest evolution of the now-mythical lineage stretching back through the 6000 and 8000 series.

Key specs that matter

Three analogue, one balanced XLR, one MM phono, two coaxial and two optical digital inputs are provided, alongside PC USB and Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD and LDAC support. Input sensitivity is 1Vrms line, 2Vrms XLR and 4.4mV phono MM, with input impedance at 10K ohms line and 47K ohms with 100pF for phono. Output power is 100W per channel into 8 ohms, rising to 160W into 4 ohms, delivered through a Complementary Feedback Class AB discrete output stage designed for excellent linearity and thermal stability. Total harmonic distortion is under 0.0004% at 1kHz. A custom 320VA toroidal transformer feeds four 15,000 microfarad capacitors for 60,000 microfarads total reservoir capacitance, and maximum output current is 15A. The flagship ESS Sabre32 ES9038PRO DAC uses HyperStream II architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator technology, handling PCM up to 768kHz and DSD512 via USB, with optical and coaxial limited to 192kHz. Three operating modes - Integrated, Pre-Power and Pre - let the amplifier function as a complete integrated unit, a standalone preamp, or with the internal power stage disconnected entirely for a genuine future upgrade path. At 89 x 444 x 342mm, it is available in Black or Silver.

Sound and use context

Expect crisp elegance combined with controlled muscularity - reviewers describe the sound as reflecting the amp's own solidly built, impeccably finished appearance, with the flagship DAC section delivering an unprecedented performance level for this specific product tier.

Pairing

The MM phono stage uses a JFET-based circuit with precise RIAA equalisation, covering a turntable directly without a separate outboard phono preamplifier, and Pre Mode allows external power amplification to be added later as a genuine upgrade path.

Alternatives

Audiolab's broader 9000 Series, including the 9000CDT CD transport and forthcoming 9000N streamer, offers matching components for building a coherent system around this flagship integrated amplifier.