Audiolab has added two new amplifiers to its 9000 Series.
The 9000Q preamplifier and 9000P stereo power amplifier join the range’s network steamer, media player and integrated amplifier.
The latest models build on the 9000A’s pre and power stages, with newly designed circuitry that offers affordable high-end audio.
The 9000Q
The 9000Q preamplifier is engineered to handle digital and analogue sources with equal power.
Combining graphics and data, the preamplifier provides digital upsampling, input sensitivity adjustment, balance control and automatic standby switching.
Bass and treble tone controls are a new feature added to the menu system, offering precision adjustment of +/-6dB in 2dB steps. Individual settings can be assigned to different digital and analogue inputs.
As with other 9000 Series components, display options include a VU-style metre showing real-time decibel levels for the left and right channels as music plays. The display can also be simplified, dimmed or turned off completely.
The 9000Q incorporates digital-to-analogue signal conversion, enabling digital sources to be connected directly without an external DAC.
A USB Type B input caters for PCs, Macs, smartphones, tablets and digital storage devices, alongside four S/PDIF digital inputs – two coaxial and two optical.
There are also four line-level analogue inputs – three stereo RCA and one stereo XLR for balanced connectivity – alongside a phono input for a turntable.
The 9000Q’s high-spec Bluetooth facility allows wireless streaming from smartphones, tablets and computers. Decoding is included for high-definition Bluetooth formats aptX HD and LDAC, as well as aptX Low Latency, regular aptX, AAC and SBC.
A pair of stereo RCA preamp outputs allow connection with two stereo power amps, while the ‘AV Direct’ mode is useful for an AV processor or another device with its own volume control.
The 9000P
The 9000P’s chassis is identical in size to every other 9000 Series component.
The power amplifier provides stereo RCA and XLR inputs alongside a 12V trigger input to automatically switch the power amp on/off in line with the connected system. A set of gold-plated binding posts is provided to connect a pair of speakers.
The 9000P draws on Audiolab’s Class AB amplifier research, featuring a dual-mono circuit topology with separate power supplies for the left and right channels.
The output stage uses a CFB (Complementary Feedback) design, delivering thermal stability. A low noise 320VA toroidal transformer combines with 60,000uF reservoir capacitance and four output transistors per channel, configured to improve linearity under difficult load conditions.
Capable of delivering maximum output current of 15A per channel, the high current drive ensures the output stage stays under minimum stress, leaving the rest of the amplifier free to operate under optimal conditions.
Along with the generous power output, this enables the 9000P to drive powerful speakers with plenty in reserve.