AUDIOLAB DAC 9 > Sound Advice review

The New Benchmark of Digital Precision
Introduction In the audio world, there are products we admire for their specs and those we hold a genuine fondness for. AUDIOLAB’s M-DAC series has been a desktop staple for over a decade. After a nine-year wait, the successor is finally here: the D9. This device isn't just an update; it's the culmination of thirty years of digital audio expertise, blending nostalgia with cutting-edge performance.

Technical Design and Aesthetics
At first glance, the AUDIOLAB D9 shares a striking resemblance to the flagship 9000N network streamer. Internally, it borrows heavily from its bigger sibling, utilizing the premium ESS ES9038PRO chip. It employs all eight channels to deliver a fully balanced stereo signal, complemented by AUDIOLAB’s proprietary master clock and Class A filtering. This allows the D9 to effortlessly handle PCM up to 768kHz, DSD512, and MQA.
Visually, the D9 is sleek and minimalist. The front panel features a vibrant 2.8-inch color LCD and two rotary controls that offer satisfying tactile feedback. Its footprint is perfect for a desktop setup while remaining substantial enough for a traditional hi-fi rack.

Connectivity and Versatility
The rear panel reveals a generous suite of options. With inputs including USB-B, USB-A, AES3/EBU, optical, and coaxial, the D9 functions as:
A high-end standalone DAC,
A powerful headphone amplifier,
A digital preamplifier.
Output options include fixed or variable XLR and RCA, while Bluetooth (with aptX HD and LDAC) ensures a premium wireless experience. The 6.3mm headphone jack is a highlight; thanks to dedicated circuitry, it comfortably drives headphones with impedance up to 600 ohms.

Sound Quality
When paired with high-quality headphones like those from Grado or Sennheiser, the D9 truly shines. The sound is incredibly informative and clean. The soundstage is wide and meticulously organized, giving every instrument its rightful place. Textures are lavishly rendered—a cello sounds like a cello, and a flute retains its natural airiness.
The D9 is tonally exceptionally balanced. The bass is muscular yet controlled, the midrange is direct and lucid, and high-frequency details are sharp without being fatiguing. While AUDIOLAB prioritizes articulation and refinement, it never loses sight of the rhythm. Music flows naturally with enough dynamic punch to keep the listener engaged across all genres, from piano solos to beat-heavy hip-hop.

Conclusion
The AUDIOLAB D9 is a worthy heir to a legendary lineage. It packs decades of engineering prowess into a package that impresses both aesthetically and sonically. It is the ideal choice for those seeking an uncompromising desktop audio experience or a versatile heart for their digital hi-fi system. The D9 doesn't just inform—it entertains.

Audiolab D9
Sound Advice