Audiolab Flagship 9000A Amplifier and 9000CDT CD Transport Unveiled
Audiolab's first two flagship 9000 Series products, the 9000A integrated amplifier and 9000CDT CD transport, are now available.
The best it has ever built - that's how Audiolab describes its new 9000A integrated amplifier, which is joined by the equally new 9000CDT as debut offerings from the Cambridge firm's flagship 9000 series.
The 9000A features a moving magnet phono stage and can double up as a pure preamp or power amplifier, boasting 2x100 watts at 8 ohms (2x160 watts at 4 ohms).
Audiolab's 9000 Series sports a sleek, modern aesthetic with the integrated amplifier controlled by a trio of rotary dials alongside a crisp 4.3-inch IPS LCD display. Hi-Res audio is handled by a 32-bit ESS 9038PRO DAC chip giving it PCM to 32-bit/768kHz, DSD 64/128/256/512 and full MQA decoding support in addition to it being Roon Tested.
Additionally, the 9000A offers Bluetooth connectivity with support for aptX HD and LDAC, as well as aptX Low Latency, regular aptX, AAC and SBC.
While there is no built-in network streaming from the amp, Audiolab underlines that a dedicated 9000 Series audio streamer is scheduled to land early next year.
On the subject of digital audio, the 9000A is currently buddied with the 9000CDT. Kitted out with a CD transport mechanism boasting a "high-precision optical system and low-friction loading tray" and a read-ahead digital buffer to reduce disc-reading failures.
Featuring the same 4.3-inch IPS LCD display as the 9000A, the manufacturer states that the 9000CDT's sturdy aluminium base and chassis combat the effect of vibrations generated externally and by the mechanism's high-spin-velocity motor. Furthermore, the transport sits in its own electromagnetically shielded enclosure.
We are told that the 9000CDT's master clock is controlled by a temperature-compensated crystal oscillator, enabling low jitter via the digital output from its coaxial and optical sockets. Additionally, the coaxial output is fed from a differential line driver, which is said to ensure a flawless digital signal hits your DAC. As well as spinning CDs, the 9000CDT features a USB Type A input, enabling playback from USB storage devices.
Audiolab's 9000A integrated amplifier and 9000CDT CD Transport are available in black or silver from mid-November for £1999 and £999, respectively.
Visit Audiolab for more information
Jay Garrett
StereoNET’s resident rock star, bass player, and gadget junkie. Jay heads up StereoNET as Editor for the United Kingdom and Europe regions. His passion for gadgets and Hi-Fi is second only to being a touring musician.
Posted in: Hi-Fi
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