AUDIOLAB 9000Q preamplifier & 9000P power amplifier > Reviews
Audiolab is expanding its top-of-the-line 9000 electronic components lineup with the Audiolab 9000Q preamplifier and the Audiolab 9000P stereo power amplifier. The new 9000P is Audiolab's first power amplifier since the 8300XP, released in 2016, which is complemented by the new Audiolab 9000Q preamplifier.
The Audiolab 9000Q preamplifier is equipped with a DAC unit based on the ES9038PRO chip from ESS Technology. The DAC module is capable of decoding PCM audio up to 32-bit/768 kHz and DSD up to 22.5 MHz (DSD512), as well as MQA. There is also Bluetooth version 5.0 with support for aptX HD and LDAC codecs. Analog connectivity includes three unbalanced line inputs on RCA connectors and one balanced XLR, as well as a phono input for working with moving magnet (MM) cartridges, which has been further improved compared to that installed in the 9000A integrated amplifier. The power supplies of the 9000Q and 9000P models feature filtering technology developed for Audiolab's DC Block and DC Block 6 power supply optimisers, aimed at eliminating interference from the mains.
The Audiolab 9000P power amplifier is implemented in the "dual mono" concept with separate power supplies for each channel and is equipped with transistor output stages operating in class A/B. The new amp delivers 100 watts per channel when working with a load with a nominal impedance of 8 ohms. This power can be increased to 300 watts (with the same load) by activating the bridged mode.
Both new products will be offered in black and silver finishes and will be available in December 2024. The Audiolab 9000Q preamplifier has a suggested retail price of €1,799, while the Audiolab 9000P power amplifier is priced at €1,499.
THE AUDIOPHILE MAN > CONCLUSION
Let me say this before I go any further. The Audiolab 9000P and Audiolab 9000Q go together so well. If you grab both and hook them together, they fit like a hand in a glove. Connecting these two boxes together and pushing music through the pair is a joy in terms of the listening experience. They are so compatible. Music is smooth to the ear and it moves in a serene manner. There are no bumps along the sonic road. Listening to the both the P and the Q is like listening to to a slow-moving river on a lazy sunny, summer afternoon. It is pure relaxation.
Yes, there is nothing stopping you mixing and matching components and both of these Audiolab boxes will work well with other brands but when you pair these Audiolab boxes together, it’s like two old friends getting together. It’s just a joy to be in their company.
- Paul Rigby, The Audiophile Man, January 25, 2025
HI-FI PIG > CONCLUSION
At £2500 for the duo, it sits between the Cambridge Audio CX and EX integrated/network player range. I prefer the Audiolab build quality but features and soundwise they are very different, as are the IAG Audiolabs from the Quad offerings I mention. The Audiolab might not look as beautiful as a TAG McLaren from old, but it performed better, and with the excellent knowledge from Jan Ertner and his team they should be proud of the sound, build, and design of this series. The Audiolab 9000 was very clean and portrayed the music just as it left the wires or ether, though it just didn’t perhaps have the musicality that I would like for a top-end model from a manufacturer. In some respects, though, this is good as it made me hear just what the music was doing without any acoustic bells and whistles attached. This is a very polite and well-behaved performer that certainly minded its own p’s and q’s.- Janine Elliot, Hi-Fi Pig, January 20, 2025
ALPHA AUDIO > CONCLUSION
We thoroughly enjoyed this dynamic duo. Both the Audiolab 9000Q and the Audiolab 9000P offer great value for money. We particularly liked the 9000Q. This neutral preamp/dac is easy to integrate into a system and will leave little or no fingerprints/earprints.
The 9000P is very good in combination with its stablemate but those who buy it on its own are best to listen beforehand so that it definitely fits the set and speakers. Always good advice of course. As the Audiolab 9000 series continues to grow, more and more combinations are possible. It's up to you to make the best choice.- Door Geoffrey, February 12, 2025
THE SPEAKER SHACK > CONCLUSION
High-end audio that shoots for the stars but doesn’t cost the earth
The 9000Q and 9000P are the epitome of affordable high-end audio – build quality to be proud of, versatile functionality without a hint of compromise, and a performance that delivers every detail of the music and brings it to life in captivating style. They deliver remarkable sonic consistency across all manner of digital and analogue sources, always musically engaging yet also refined.
The soundstage they produce is broad and deep, with crisply defined detail revealing the full character of voices and instruments. Impressive dynamic range conveys natural impact, while the amps’ transient ability keeps feet tapping with rhythmic music. Deep, fleet-footed bass; expressive and expansive midrange; treble that sings with sweet precision – Audiolab’s flagship amp system delivers an adroitly balanced performance with all kinds of music, from rock and electronica to classical and jazz. In short, the 9000Q and 9000P deliver an open window on the music being played, as all great hi-fi should, engaging the listener with natural, unforced energy that is fully reflective of the source material.- The Speaker Shack