Audiolab 9000Q and 9000P Review
Already at HIGH END 2024, visitors could admire the Audiolab preamp 9000Q and the power amp 9000P. However, both components have only been officially available since December. We obtained the duo directly after the last MDHT for an extensive test.
By Thomas Kirsche
Let’s start with the Audiolab preamp 9000Q. Anyone who thinks this preamp is merely a stripped-down version of the Audiolab integrated amplifier 9000A is gravely mistaken. Audiolab has developed the 9000Q as an independent, dedicated preamp.
A Look at the Front
On the front of the Audiolab, the 4.3-inch TFT display catches the eye. It shows us the function menu, the selected source, the volume, and can display various VU meters and other animations during playback. This simply makes usage great fun when not only music is playing, but the “analog” VU meters move to the rhythm of the beat. However, if you don’t like that, you can easily deactivate the display. To the right of the display, we find a rotary knob that primarily serves source selection but also allows us to navigate through the 9000Q’s menu. Directly next to the source selector is unmistakably the 6.3-millimeter headphone jack. We will find out later how good the headphone amplifier of the Audiolab preamp, equipped with current-feedback technology, sounds. On the right front side is the volume control, and all the way to the right, we find the standby button.
Back of the Preamplifier
On the back, we notice three analog AUX inputs as well as a phono input for MM systems. Additionally, there is a pair of balanced XLR inputs—for stereo. The Audiolab developers have also thought about digital connectivity. There are two coaxial and two optical inputs. For their signal conversion to analog, an ES9038Pro 32-bit DAC is responsible. This is currently the most powerful converter chip of the Sabre series.
We can also connect the preamp to a PC via USB Type-B. Here, there is a maximum of 768 kHz for PCM and DSD512. Furthermore, a Bluetooth antenna joins the connection ensemble. It powers the Bluetooth module, which supports Bluetooth 5.1 and can access the codecs aptX, aptX HD, and LDAC. For outputs, the Audiolab 9000Q offers two XLRs—that is, a balanced stereo output. Furthermore, two pre-AUX outputs are installed, as well as a normal AUX. For system updates, the Audiolab provides a USB-A interface, and of course, a trigger-in and trigger-out are available.
Operation
The operation of the Audiolab preamp can be done either directly on the device or via the supplied remote control. If we want to start directly on the device, we only need to briefly press the source knob to access the menu. Then we choose which features we want to activate. To return from the menu, a longer press on the source knob is sufficient.
The volume knob is graduated in steps. Each corresponds to one decibel. The minimum volume is at –78 dB and the maximum volume at 0 dB. To mute the playback, we press the volume button. All the mentioned functions can also be conveniently controlled via the remote control.
Important Features
The preamp has five different digital filters. The Linear Phase Fast Roll-Off is particularly suitable for music with large transients and delivers clear, clean highs. The Linear Phase Slow Roll-Off offers stronger bass than the Linear Phase Fast Roll-Off and also clean highs. It is activated as standard. With the Minimum Phase Fast Roll-Off, we get even stronger bass than with the Linear Phase as well as clear highs, making it warmer than the other two. The Minimum Phase Slow Roll-Off provides powerful, penetrating bass with good transient response and brings more clarity to the sound than the Minimum Phase Fast Roll-Off. The Hybrid combines the Linear Phase and the Minimum Phase and offers fast transient response, powerful bass, and clear highs. The Linear Phase Slow Roll-Off is set as standard. We also find this most suitable for most music styles. We recommend trying out the other filters at home—just as the music sounds best within your own four walls. By the way, the filters are only used when playing digital sources.
We can also use the Audiolab preamp in home theater. Under the menu item Source Configuration, we switch the AUX 3 input to bypass. The amplification is then fixed at 0 dB, and we use the 9000Q with an external AV processor that has its own volume control. This also works via the XLR input. Furthermore, we can set an EQ in the menu, meaning we can adjust bass and treble.
An additional feature is upsampling. The Audiolab 9000Q automatically brings the incoming digital audio signal to 352.8 kHz or 384 kHz. This is activated by default and definitely creates a sound improvement.
There is also the DPLL setting (Digital Phase-Lock Loop). It is used to adjust the bandwidth of the digital phase-locked loop of the D/A converter to different jitter values of the incoming SPDIF signal (optical, coaxial). For signals with low jitter, the Normal mode should be selected, while the Wide mode is intended for signals with unusually high jitter. For the best possible audio quality, we should leave the setting on the default value Normal. We only use the Wide mode if the system has difficulty correctly capturing the source signal. This is always the case when there are dropouts during playback.
The other features and functions concern the input sensitivity of the individual sources, the animations on the display, its display settings, the system language, and other adjustment options that are self-explanatory.
Power Amp 9000P
Let’s move on to the Audiolab 9000P. It is intended as a powerful power amplifier. Remarkable, as with the other devices of the 9000 series, is the extremely simple yet elegant design. The 9000P is, in effect, just a silver block with a subtle stripe and a power button on the front. This is minimalism pure, and design lovers will immediately have their hearts set on it.
CFB Technology
The 9000P operates as a Class AB power amplifier and is said to offer exceptional stability and signal accuracy thanks to CFB technology. But what is this technology? CFB stands for “Current Feedback” and refers to a special feedback topology in amplifiers, often referred to in German as “Stromgegenkopplung” (current feedback). Unlike the more widespread voltage feedback (VFB), the feedback signal here is primarily based on the current, instead of the pure output voltage. This means that the amplifier can react very quickly to impulsive signals, which leads to a high slew rate and improved transient response. In addition, current feedback ensures a high bandwidth that remains largely stable even at higher gains. Because it primarily depends on the current in the feedback loop, the design of the feedback network and the compensation in CFB amplifiers are executed differently than in voltage feedback amplifiers. Accordingly, both the components and the layout differ to efficiently evaluate the current changes. The CFB technology thus stands for fast reaction and precise control of signals, and therefore a particularly detailed and dynamic reproduction.
Power
In stereo mode, the amplifier delivers a power of 2 × 100 watts into 8 ohms and 2 × 160 watts into 4 ohms, each with a total harmonic distortion (THD) of less than 1%. Additional functions are an automatic standby and built-in protection mechanisms (short-circuit protection and overheating protection).
Conclusion
The Audiolab 9000Q impressively demonstrates what a high-quality preamp can achieve: With its large TFT display, a variety of connection options, and individually adjustable sound filters, it offers enormous flexibility and comfort. Particularly noteworthy is the integrated MM phono stage, which convinces vinyl fans with a clear and profound sound image. Thanks to its sophisticated operating concept and first-class build quality, the 9000Q is an all-around successful preamp that sets the highest sound standards in combination with the matching power amplifier.
The 9000P has two connection options. On the one hand, we have a cinch connection—that is, an unbalanced analog input pair. Next to it, we find a balanced analog input pair via XLR. Which input we use is determined by the switch on the back. And of course, there is a 12V trigger input, which allows switching on and off by other devices.
Two Operating Modes
The 9000P can be used either in stereo mode or as a mono power amplifier in bridge mode. By default, it is set to stereo mode. However, if we want to use it as a mono power amplifier, we need to press the switch on the far right at the back. The source is then connected to the left input, whether XLR or AUX. The speaker is only connected to the red terminals, namely to the left minus and the right plus. But you don’t have to remember that now; it’s also in the manual and clearly labeled on the back.
Sound Test
We start calmly and listen to a few radio plays, including the new Sörensen crime thriller with Bjarne Mädel and the classic “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.” We are immediately impressed because the connected Super Linton speakers from Wharfedale sound very three-dimensional and exhibit great energy. They almost detach from their position in the stereo triangle and conjure up an enveloping, richly hearty sound that leaves no detail—whether in speech or sound—missing. We sink into our sofa in the listening room, and the speakers and narrators of the radio plays seem to be in the room with us when we close our eyes—simply wonderful! Afterwards, we put on a vinyl record. After all, we also want to test the internal MM phono preamp. And here it blows us away. The preamp actually puts all the internal phono preamps we have experienced so far in the shade. It not only reproduces the sound in detail and unimpeded but also gives it a freshness so that even poorly recorded vinyl records sound wonderful. This is, of course, due to the general playback character of the Audiolab pre and power amp combo, and this character can be described as: three-dimensional, lively with a wonderful bass foundation. Yet we have not even tested the headphone quality of the preamp. Briefly, we can say: The headphone amplifier of the Audiolab 9000Q sounds exactly the same as the 9000P power amplifier. This means that everything is detailed, resulting in a very spatial sound image. In addition, the playback is relaxed, lively, and rests on the perfect bass foundation on which all other sounds are perfectly built. The British have created two high-end reproduction artists with the 9000P and the 9000Q, for whose performance you would have to reach four to five times deeper into your pocket with other manufacturers. We are simply thrilled!
Conclusion
The Audiolab 9000P impresses as a powerful Class AB power amplifier, which offers fast and precise signal processing thanks to its current feedback technology (CFB). With a power of 2 × 100 watts into 8 ohms (or 2 × 160 watts into 4 ohms), it easily unfolds sufficient reserves for most speakers. Particularly pleasant is the adjustable operating mode: In stereo operation, it delivers spatial, dynamic playback, while the 9000P can also be used as a mono power amplifier if required. The minimalist, high-quality design with few controls rounds off the overall impression coherently. Those looking for a flexible and sonically strong power amplifier for demanding stereo operation make an excellent choice with the Audiolab 9000P.
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