Audiolab 9000Q - Preamplifier

The Audiolab 9000Q is a preamplifier that embodies the audio excellence of the flagship 9000 series.

Inspired by the award-winning 9000A integrated amplifier, the 9000Q transcends the ordinary to deliver an extraordinary auditory experience. This refined preamplifier embodies a symphony of innovation and craftsmanship, featuring functional enhancements that elevate your listening journey. With its tone controls and fully balanced signal paths, the 9000Q empowers you to explore your music with unparalleled versatility and precision.

Embrace the power of sound and let the 9000Q ignite your passion for music, transforming every note into a powerful emotional experience.

Design and Build

As a new dedicated Preamplifier solution, the 9000Q is far more than a trimmed down version of the 9000A integrated amplifier. Designed by Jan Ertner, the lead designer in the 9000 series components, the 9000Q is a design enhanced dedicated preamplifier that can be described as greatness improved.

Starting with the much complemented DAC section, the Audiolab 9000Q has an improved implementation of the ES9038PRO DAC chip. Building on the years of experience, and class-leading adoption of ESS DAC chipets, the 9000Q employs the eight-channel 9038PRO DAC chip, the highest standard in the current Sabre range. This is accompanied by proprietary circuitry to make the most of the chip’s HyperStream II architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator technology for unprecedented dynamic range and ultra-low distortion, making it the perfect preamplifier interface for high-resolution digital audio files.

Tone Controls and Inputs

The 9000Q also uses a new, custom-specified transformer. Engineered as an improvement over the 9000A due to a preamplifier requiring delivering current when demanded, and with all the Audiolab know-how, it enables a controlled performance with all the crisp detail and Audiolab sound signature. A step forward over the already impressive 9000A ‘Pre’ performance, the Audiolab 9000Q incorporates new tone controls for treble and bass adjustment, accessible via the menu, and with a range of +/-6dB in 2dB steps. This allows delicate fine-tuning to suit room performance, speaker or power amplifier capabilities or even just personal preference.

Across these inputs, the preamplifier comes to shine.

The 9000Q provides a fixed level AUX output, and three variable Pre outputs ( 2 x RCA, 1 x XLR). The three variable outputs are isolated and can be used simultaneously without any impact on performance.

With additional features such as a source configuration option that allows for the fully balanced stereo XLR signal path. A direct path from input to output only passing through the 4-channel analogue Volume Control.

AUX 3 can also be set to “AV Direct”. This allows connection from an external pre-output or AV processor with its own volume control.

TFT Display

As with the 9000 series standard, the 9000Q uses the same 4.3” full colour TFT display to offer access to a wealth of setting, functions and information via incredibly functional General User Interface. Not only displaying level, input, file format and signal information, it gives access to the amp’s menu system, which includes such options as digital upsampling, input sensitivity adjustment, balance control, automatic standby switching, and volume curtailment when the amp is powered up.

It can even be set to display a VU meter in ‘analogue’ or ‘digital’ form, showing real-time decibel levels for the left and right channels – a satisfying graphical representation of the music as it plays. And it can be dimmed or turned off completely, as the user prefers.

Technical Specifications

Inputs / Outputs

• Inputs: 3 x Analogue, 1 x XLR, 1 x Phono (MM), 2 x SPDIF (Coax), 2 x SPDIF (Optical), 1 x PC USB (USB B), 1 x Bluetooth (aptX/aptX HD/LDAC)
• Outputs: 2 x RCA, 1 x XLR, 1 x Headphone, 2 x 12V Trigger
• Sampling Frequency: Optical/Coaxial: 44.1-192kHz - PC USB: 44.1kHz-768kHz (PCM) / DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DSD5, DSD512

Preamp / DAC

• D to A Converter: ES9038Pro
• Input Sensitivity: 1Vrms (Line, Volume = 0dB), 2Vrms (XLR, Volume = 0dB), 4.5mV (Phono MM, Volume = 0dB)
• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): < 0.001% (1KHz @ 0dBFS)
• Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz (+/-0.1 dB)
• Output Impendance: 120 ohm
• Max Sampling Frequency: Optical, Coaxial: 192KHz, PC USB: PCM768kHz, DSD512
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (S/N): > 113dB (A-weighted, RCA), > 117dB (A-weighted, XLR Direct)

Headphone Amplifier

• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): < 0.01% (1kHz, 50mW )
• Output Impedance: 2.35 ohm
• Load Impedance: 20-600 ohm

General

• Standby Power Consumption: <0.5W
• Net Weight: 6.2kg
• Gross Weight: 8kg
• Dimensions(mm) (W x H x D): 444 x 90 x 328 mm
• Finish: Silver / Black
• Power Requirements: 220-240V - 50/60Hz

Further Information

Audiolab 9000Q - User Manual (PDF)