The new Audiolab 9000A Integrated Amplifier is part of a brand new premium 9000 series from Audiolab. Also available is the 9000CDT CD Transport and there will also be a wireless audio streamer the 9000N available in the near future.

The 9000A is the first component in Audiolab’s new flagship range, the 9000 Series. It is also the best integrated amplifier Audiolab has ever made. The 9000A introduces a smart new aesthetic, as befits a new flagship range. Solidly built and impeccably finished, the amp’s appearance reflects the crisp elegance and controlled muscularity of its sound.

Features

Integrated stereo amplifier with hi-res DAC
Class AB power amplification: 2x 100W into 8 ohms
DAC stage based around flagship ES9038PRO Sabre chipset
Supports PCM to 32-bit/768kHz, DSD 64/128/256/512 and full MQA decoding
Digital upsampling and five user-selectable DAC reconstruction filters
Class A post-DAC active filter
Bluetooth 5 streaming with LDAC and aptX HD support
Certified ‘Roon Tested’
High-performance MM phono stage
Dedicated current-feedback headphone amp
Three operational modes: Integrated Mode; Pre-Power Mode; Pre Mode
4.3in colour IPS LCD display

Integrated Amplifier

As ever, the 9000A is the centre of the audiolab focus in being the beating heart of any high-performance audio system. It’s more powerful, capable and feature-packed than any of the preceding models – the most advanced audiolab integrated ampliﬁer yet. Versatility is key to audiolab’s integrated ampliﬁer appeal, and the 9000A oﬀers to cater for audiophiles of all creeds. Loaded with digital and analogue source connection, wireless connectivity for portable devices, an all-new phono stage to cater for vinyl playback and the usual, class-leading ampliﬁcation for loudspeakers and headphones.

Flagship DAC

The 9000A features the latest ESS 9038PRO flagship 32-bit DAC chip. Using the critically acclaimed patented HyperStream® II architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator, the ES9038PRO delivers an unprecedented performance level that will satisfy the needs of the most demanding audio applications – fitting an amplifier of the 9000A’s calibre.

Years of experience and countless ESS-equipped models mean that audiolab is more than familiar with making the most of this technically excellent but challenging DAC technology. Great attention has been paid in developing a system that allows audiolab electronics and ESS DAC technology to offer the best in audiophile performance.

MQA all the way

The 9000A also delivers full decoding of MQA, the hi-res streaming technology from a custom engineered MQA certified DAC solution. This means that the complete ‘three unfold’ decoding process is performed internally, as opposed to just the final unfold in the manner of an MQA ‘renderer’, which makes the 9000A an excellent system choice for subscribers to Tidal’s ‘HiFi Plus’ tier where Tidal Masters (MQA) content can be found.

As expected for modern audio playback convenience, Bluetooth connectivity is featured as standard with the 9000A stepping up to the aptX HD protocol for sonically superior and easy wireless streaming from smartphones, tablets, laptops and more. Bluetooth-paired devices also benefit from the quality of the amp’s DAC section and filter options.

High-performance Phono stage

With every iteration of integrated amplifier design, audiolab works to improve on the bench-mark, built-in phono stage section. The 9000A is no different; pushing the boundaries of performance of an onboard phono pre-amp section. The all-new phono pre-amp for 9000A offers compatibility for moving magnet – a JFET-based circuit with precise RIAA equalisation offers the best of both worlds for the turntable using audiolab fans.

Similarly, for the headphone output stage employing current-feedback circuitry with wide bandwidth and high slew rate; the 9000A ensures a dynamic, detailed and engaging performance with all manner of headphone types, with that extra added audiolab sparkle from the consistent signal integrity from all inputs.

The audiolab 9000A continues with the theme of flexibility in audio system integration. As is a staple to the audiolab integrated amplifier design, the 9000A offers three variations of operating mode, making it a versatile and essential component in any system.

Headphone amplifier

Headphone listeners are equally well served by the 9000A’s dedicated headphone amplifier. With its current-feedback design and high slew rate, a dynamic and detailed performance with all manner of headphones is assured – a far cry from the elementary headphone outputs of most integrated amps.

KEF LS50 META

The Kef LS50 Meta is the replacement for the iconic LS50 speaker which was released way back in 2012 as a limited anniversary model and was one of the most award-winning speaker products ever released by KEF, receiving accolades from such publications as Stereophile, What Hi-Fi, and The Absolute Sound. So the new LS50 Meta have a lot to live up to.

Pushing the Technological Boundaries

The new KEF LS50 Meta pushes the technological boundaries in its mission to create the best possible sound, Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) is a highly complex maze-like structure that eliminates unwanted sound from the rear of driver, resulting in a purer, more natural performance. MAT is the physical manifestation of that drive. The result of a joint development project with the Acoustic Metamaterials Group, MAT breaks completely new ground in loudspeaker design….

LS50 Meta’s baffle is engineered from an injection-moulded Dough Moulding Compound, while inside the cabinet cross bracing and Constrained Layer Damping combine to deaden internal vibrations. The result of such meticulous attention to detail is the lowest coloration of any speaker in its class. Using Computational Fluid Dynamics, the port flare and profile of LS50 Meta’s patented off-set port is calculated to delay the onset of turbulence, and the flexible port walls prevent resonances from colouring the midrange. This leads to improved clarity, with exceptional depth and detail..

Redesigned and Improved

KEF's trademark Uni-Q driver has also been redesigned and improved, incorporating the new Meta technology. The Kef LS50 Meta certainly shares a likeness with the original. But while LS50 is a great speaker, LS50 Meta and the technological advances it boasts offer a truly dramatic improvement in sound quality…

The Kef S2 Floor Stands are optional but a must in our opinion, improving the performance and making them look simply stunning in any room.

9000A Specifications

Model:	9000A
General Description:	Integrated Amplifier
Design Philosophy and Core Technology:	2 x 100W (8 ohms) / 2 x 160W (4 ohms) Class AB
	ES9038Pro 32-bit DAC
	4.3" (800 x 480mm) Large Size Full View IPS LCD
	Built-in Certified MQA Full Decoder (PC USB, Coax/Optical)
	Bluetooth 5.1 (aptX/aptX HD/AAC/LDAC) Support
	Dedicated High-performance, Low-noise MM Phono Stage
	Dedicated Current-Feedback Headphone AMP
	Integrated / PRE-POWER / PRE Only Modes
	USB Upgrade Support
Inputs:	3 x Analogue, 1 x XLR, 1 x Phono (MM), 1 x Power Amplifier,
	2 x SPDIF (Coax), 2 x SPDIF (Optical), 1 x PC USB (USB B),
	1 x Bluetooth (aptX/aptX HD/LDAC), 1 x 12V Trigger
Outputs:	1 x PRE Amplifier,1 x Stereo Speaker, 1 x Headphone, 1 x 12V Trigger
Sampling Frequency:	Optical / Coaxial: 44.1kHz-192kHz;
	PC USB: 44.1kHz-768kHz (PCM) / DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DSD512
Preamplifier Section:
Gain: (max.)	+6dB (Line), +53dB (Phono MM)
Input Sensitivity:	1Vrms (Line, Volume = 0dB);
	2Vrms (XLR, Volume = 0dB), 4.4mV (Phono MM, Volume=0dB)
Input Impedance:	10K (Line); 47K // 100pF (Phono MM)
Total Harmonic Distortion: (THD)	< 0.0004% (1kHz @ 2V, Volume = 0dB)
Frequency Response:	20Hz-20kHz (+/-0.1dB)
Output Voltage:	2.3V max. (Volume = 0dB)
Output Impedance:	120 ohms
Signal-to-Noise Ratio:	> 110dB (Line & XLR, A-weighted); > 80dB (Phono MM, A-weighted)
DAC:
D to A Converter:	ES9038Pro
Total Harmonic Distortion: (THD)	< 0.001% (1kHz @ 0dBFS)
Output Level: (0dBFS, 1kHz)	2.1Vrms
Max. Sampling Frequency:	Optical, Coaxial: 192kHz;
	PC USB: PCM768kHz, DSD512
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: (S/N)	> 117dB (A-weighted)
Power Amplifier Section:
Gain:	+29dB
Rated Power Output:	2 x 100W (8 ohms, THD<1%);
	2 x 160W (4 ohms, THD<1%)
Frequency Response:	20Hz-20kHz (+/-0.3dB)
Total Harmonic Distortion: (THD)	<0.002% (1kHz @ 50W / 8 ohms)
Input Sensitivity:	1Vrms
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: (S/N)	> 110dB (A-weighted)
Max. Output Current:	15A
Headphone Amplifier
Total Harmonic Distortion: (THD)	< 0.01% (1kHz, 50mW )
Output Impedance:	2.35 ohms
Load Impedance:	20-600 ohms
General
Standby Power Consumption:	<0.5W
Net Weight:	9.4kg
Gross Weight:	11.2kg
Dimensions: (mm) (W x H x D)	444 x 342 x 89
Carton Size: (mm) (W x H x D)	514 x 470 x 161
Finish:	Black / Silver
Power Requirements:	220-240V ~ 50/60Hz;
(depending on region)	100-120V ~ 50/60Hz
Standard Accessories:	Power Cord, Remote Control, User Manual, Antennas, etc.

LS50 META Specifications

Drive units:	Uni-Q Driver Array: HF: 25 mm (1 in.) vented aluminium dome with Metamaterial Absorption Technology MF/LF: 130 mm (5.25 in.) aluminium cone
Crossover frequency:	2.1 kHz
Frequency range (-6dB)	47 Hz - 45 kHz
Typical in-room bass response: (-6dB)	26 Hz
Frequency response: (±3dB)	79 Hz - 28 kHz
Harmonic distortion: (90dB, 1m)	<0.4% 175 Hz - 20 kHz <0.1% 300 Hz - 10 kHz
Maximum output:	106 dB
Amplifier power: (recommended)	40-100 W
Nominal impedance:	8 Ω (min. 3.5 Ω)
Sensitivity:	85 dB
Dimension: (H x W x D) per unit	302 x 200 x 280.5 mm (11.9 x 7.9 x 11.0 in.)
Weight:	7.8 kg (17.2 lbs.)

Audiolab Bundles

Audiolab 9000A with KEF LS50 META Speakers

Audiolab 7000A with KEF Q Concerto

Audiolab 6000A MkII with KEF Q Concerto META

Audiolab 9000A with KEF R3 META

Audiolab 6000A MkII with Bowers & Wilkins 607 S3 Speakers

Audiolab 6000A MkII with Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3 Speakers

Audiolab 6000A MkII with Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3 Speakers