Audiolab - 9000Q Preamplifier

What Happens When Innovation and User-Friendly Operation Come Together in Harmonious Fashion: Audiolab 9000Q Preamplifier Features ES9038PRO DAC, MM Phonostage with Class A Circuit, Analog Volume Control, and Multitude of Inputs

Refined, functional, elevated: The Audiolab 9000Q preamplifier steps up musical enjoyment by way of high-end craftsmanship, engineering, and parts quality that belie its accessible price. Fully balanced signal paths, an ES9038PRO DAC chipset, an MM phonostage with a single-stage Class A circuit, a dedicated headphone amplifier section with current-feedback circuitry, and tone controls complement outstanding versatility to serve as a separates-based solution you'll happily live with for years to come.

Able to serve as the management director of a multi-source, multi-format system, 9000Q boasts comprehensive connectivity. It caters to analog and digital sources alike with three line-level AUX inputs, a balanced XLR stereo pair, and a phono input for the aforementioned phono preamplifier as well as two coaxial and two optical inputs, a Bluetooth 5.1 input, and a PC USB input. A fixed-level AUX output, three variable and isolated pre outputs, and a source-configuration option that allows for a direct path from input-to-output passing only through the four-channel analog volume control stand as more examples of its flexibility. Ditto two 12V trigger outputs.

Furnished on the front panel with a full-color 4.3-inch TFT display that can even be set to show a VU meter in analog or digital form, as well as dual rotary controllers, the 13.7-pound 9000Q struts with an understated sense of visual style. Settings that encompass digital upsampling, input sensitivity adjustment, balance control, automatic standby switching, and volume curtailment give you full command over what you hear. Same goes for the supplied remote control, which makes it easy to do what you want from your seat.

An ideal match with the Audiolab 9000P power amplifier, 9000CDT transport, and/or 9000N streamer, 9000Q delivers audio passion and precision for a palatable cost. To learn more, reach out at 312-433-0200.

"Whether it was wit the internal DAC, the MM phonostage, or the fully balanced analog XLR inputs — all run through its four-channel analog volume control — the Audiolab 9000Q was always musically satisfying while maintaining a precise and balanced presentation."
—SoundStage! Hi-Fi

Design and Build
9000Q is designed by Jan Ertner, the lead designer in the 9000 Series components. Starting with the much-complemented DAC section, 9000Q has an improved implementation of the ES9038PRO DAC chip. Building on the years of experience, and class-leading adoption of ESS DAC chipsets, 9000Q employs the eight-channel 9038PRO DAC chip. This is accompanied by proprietary circuitry to make the most of the chip's HyperStream II architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator technology for standout dynamic range and ultra-low distortion. In detaching the 'pre' concept from the integrated amplifier solution, 9000Q is allowed to further improve as a dedicated preamplifier.

Transformer and Tone Controls 
9000Q uses a new, custom-specified transformer. Engineered as an improvement over the 9000A due to a preamplifier requiring delivering current when demanded, it enables controlled performance with crisp detail. New tone controls for treble and bass adjustment, accessible via the menu, offer 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.