Audiolab 9000Q Pre Amplifier

The Audiolab 9000Q is a preamplifier that embodies the pinnacle of audio excellence in the 9000 series, offering a truly exceptional listening experience. Drawing inspiration from the award-winning 9000A integrated amplifier, the 9000Q takes the concept of audio performance to new heights, delivering an extraordinary soundstage.

With functional enhancements that allow for greater precision and versatility, the 9000Q enables audiophiles to explore their music collection in ways they never thought possible.

Equipped with tone controls, fully balanced signal paths, and other advanced features, it transforms every musical note into a powerful emotional experience. This makes it a must-have for anyone serious about audio.

Design and Build Quality

The design of the 9000Q follows the same sleek aesthetic as the rest of the 9000 series. Its solid build and impeccable finish exude quality and sophistication, ensuring that it not only delivers high-end performance but also fits seamlessly into any modern audio system.

Upon initial inspection, the 9000Q may resemble the 9000N with its dual rotary controllers and a 4.3-inch color TFT display. However, the 9000Q stands apart as a dedicated preamplifier solution, designed to offer even more refinement and capability than the integrated 9000A model. With its high-quality construction and user-friendly interface, the 9000Q is an elegant addition to any high-fidelity setup.

Technological Innovations and DAC Performance

The heart of the 9000Q lies in its advanced digital-to-analog conversion (DAC) section. The preamplifier features the ES9038PRO DAC chip, the highest standard in the ESS Sabre range.

This chip is coupled with proprietary Audiolab circuitry that leverages HyperStream II architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator technology to achieve unprecedented dynamic range and ultra-low distortion.

This ensures that high-resolution digital audio files are reproduced with impeccable clarity and detail, making it the perfect preamplifier for discerning audiophiles. Additionally, the 9000Q’s dedicated MM Phono input benefits from an enhanced single-stage Class-A circuit, offering exceptional performance as a standalone phono stage.

Tone Controls and Customizable Sound

A standout feature of the 9000Q is its tone control system. Audiolab has introduced new treble and bass adjustment options, which can be fine-tuned in +/-6dB increments with 2dB steps.

This allows users to adjust the sound to perfectly match their room acoustics, speaker characteristics, or personal preferences. These controls provide an additional layer of customization, making it easier to optimize the listening experience across different setups.

The 9000Q also uses a custom-specified transformer, designed to improve performance over the previous 9000A model by delivering the current required for high-demand preamplifier duties while maintaining the signature Audiolab sound—crisp, detailed, and dynamic.

Versatility in Inputs and Outputs

The 9000Q is engineered to handle a variety of sources, accommodating both analog and digital inputs. It features 3 x line-level AUX inputs, a balanced XLR stereo pair, a dedicated phono input, and multiple digital connections including 2 x COAX, 2 x Optical, Bluetooth 5.1, and a PC USB input.

This versatility ensures the 9000Q can seamlessly integrate into any multi-source, multi-format audio system. Furthermore, the preamplifier includes three variable outputs (2 x RCA and 1 x XLR) that are isolated and can be used simultaneously without compromising performance.

This flexibility ensures that the 9000Q is capable of adapting to a wide range of audio configurations, offering both analog and digital solutions in a single package.

Headphone Amplification and Additional Features

The 9000Q also includes a dedicated headphone amplifier section, utilizing current-feedback circuitry for high bandwidth and rapid slew rates.

This ensures that even the most demanding headphones deliver a dynamic and engaging performance, with the signature Audiolab clarity and detail. In addition, the preamplifier features two 12V trigger outputs for controlling external devices such as the 9000CDT or 9000N, making it an ideal partner for the rest of the 9000 series components.

For those who demand the best in visual and functional displays, the 9000Q features a 4.3-inch color TFT screen that displays vital information such as input levels, file formats, signal details, and more. The interface is intuitive and provides access to a wide range of settings, including digital upsampling, balance control, and automatic standby switching.

The screen also offers a VU meter display for real-time monitoring of audio levels, allowing users to visually experience the dynamic changes in the music. The display can be dimmed or turned off entirely, based on personal preference.