Following on from the original 8000 series, the award-winning 8200, 8300 series and more recent 6000 series, Audiolab returns to the more premium price and performance categories with the new Audiolab 9000 Series. As ever, the 9000A is the centre of the Audiolab focus in being the beating heart of any high-performance audio system. It’s more powerful, capable and feature-packed than any of the preceding models – the most advanced Audiolab integrated amplifier yet. Versatility is key to Audiolab’s integrated amplifier appeal, and the 9000A offers to cater for audiophiles of all creeds. Loaded with digital and analogue source connection, wireless connectivity for portable devices, an all-new phono stage to cater for vinyl playback and the usual, class-leading amplification for loudspeakers and headphones. Matching the modern hi-fi enthusiast’s requirements, the Audiolab 9000A features a full-colour IPS LCD screen, offering clear and informative playback, source and file information. Not to mention a host of menu options for optimum performance and user-defined settings. Various display options are provided, which also include two VU meter options, allowing the 9000A to be visually informative or, in the case of ‘display off’ settings, a discreet centrepiece of any audio system. Power to the people. The 9000A’s all-new Class AB power amplifier offers 100w per channel into 8 ohms. (160w into 4 ohms). Flexible and capable. The 9000A offers versatility in operation as a fully-fledged integrated amplifier. It offers three operational models – Integrated, Pre-Power and Pre mode. Digital face with an Analogue heart. On the face of it, the 9000A is digitally enabled. However, the analogue circuity uses CFB (Complementary Feedback) topology, ensuring superior linearity and excellent thermal stability, as the idle current is kept independent of the temperature of the output transistors. Flagship DAC. The 9000A DAC is built around the ESS 9038PRO flagship 32-bit DAC chip, using the critically acclaimed patented HyperStream® II architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator for the highest level of DAC performance. MQA all the way. The 9000A is a full MQA decoder This means that the complete ‘three unfold’ decoding process is performed internally, as opposed to just the final unfold in the manner of an MQA ‘renderer’, which makes the 9000A an excellent system choice for subscribers to Tidal’s ‘HiFi Plus’ tier where Tidal Masters (MQA) content can be found. aptX HD Bluetooth connectivity means that your smartphone, tablet or laptop can benefit from the quality of the amp’s DAC section via the acclaimed aptX HD protocol. High-performance Phono stage. A JFET-based circuit with precise RIAA equalisation offers exceptional performance for turntable users. Critical display. A 4.3” IPS LDC offers an interactive and graphic general user interface experience with VU meter options and instant access to menu settings.