Audiolab D9 DAC

Audiolab D9 DAC

The Audiolab D9 DAC is available for demonstration in our Hull store by request.

Its affiliation with Audiolab’s flagship 9000 Series hi-fi components is clear from the outset, with its crisply designed exterior and eye-catching colour display.

Technically, the D9 bears close comparison with Audiolab’s 9000N music streamer, shorn of the onboard network streaming functionality but with everything else intact (plus Bluetooth added). At its heart lies the ES9038PRO – a pre-eminent DAC chip from the top tier of ESS Technology’s current range.

While the ES9038Q2M used in the D7 is a two-channel chip, the ‘PRO’ version’s architecture incorporates eight channels. The D9 utilises all eight of these to deliver a balanced stereo signal – four for the left and four for the right – realising further benefits in the eradication of noise and distortion. This combines with proprietary Audiolab circuitry including an ultra-precision master clock and Class A post-DAC filter to deliver remarkable sonic clarity and breathtaking dynamics.

Like the D7, the D9’s impeccable hi-res credentials encompass PCM to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD to 22.5MHz (DSD512). Every significant hi-res and lossless audio format is catered for, including FLAC, ALAC, AIFF, APE and WAV, as well as compressed legacy formats, alongside full MQA decoding. The same user-selectable upsampling and digital filter settings are provided, enabling the listener to tune the sound to suit the source material, and the D9 also has Roon Tested certification.

The D9’s audio circuitry is significantly elevated, as befits its premium status. The post-DAC analogue circuitry incorporates top-grade components and a differential balanced architecture for maximum signal purity.

An expertly engineered linear power supply incorporates a 40VA toroidal transformer, delivering clean, consistent power to all the sensitive parts of the digital and analogue stages. Upgraded inside and out, the D9 launches as Audiolab’s flagship standalone DAC Premium design and build quality reflect the quality of engineering within the D9’s aluminium chassis. 5 Multiple discrete ultra-low-noise regulators provide power separately to the left and right channels for each stage of the digital-to-analogue conversion process – a sophisticated topology born from Audiolab’s experience of working with ESS Technology’s reference-class Sabre DAC chips.

The D9’s connectivity array adds an AES3/EBU digital input to the D7’s complement of asynchronous USB-B, USB-A, two optical and two coaxial inputs. The D9’s Bluetooth implementation adds support for Sony’s LDAC high-definition format, alongside aptX HD, aptX Low Latency, regular aptX, AAC and SBC. Output options mirror the D7: balanced XLR and single-ended RCA (fixed and variable), plus optical and coaxial digital outputs, a 6.3mm headphone socket and a pair of 12V trigger outs. Solidly built and impeccably finished, the D9’s crisp lines are complemented by two rotary controls and a left-aligned 2.8in colour screen, mirroring Audiolab’s top-tier, full-width 9000 Series components but in a more compact form. The screen displays a variety of information including volume level, input selection, track information and format data. Various other options include a VU-style meter showing real-time decibel levels; the display can also be simplified, dimmed or turned off completely, as the user prefers.

Audiolab D9 DAC Specification:

• Design Philosophy and Core Technology
• ES9038Pro 32-bit DAC
• MQA Full decoder (PC USB, Coax / Optical)
• 2.8" 480x640 large size full view IPS LCD
• Bluetooth 5.1 (aptX / aptX HD / LDAC) streaming
• Dedicated Current-Feedback Headphone Amp
• VU Digital / VU Analogue Meter
• USB HDD Playback with MP3/WMA/AAC/WAV/FLAC/APE compatibility
• USB Firmware Upgrade
• Inputs
• 2 x SPDIF (Coax), 2 x SPDIF (Optical), 1 x PC USB (USB B), 1 x USB HDD (USB A), 1 x Bluetooth (aptX / aptX HD), 1 x AES3/EBU
• Outputs
• 1 x RCA, 1 x XLR, 1 x Headphone, 2 x 12V Trigger, 1 x Optical, 1 x COAX outputs
• Sampling Frequency
• Optical/Coaxial: 44.1kHz → 192kHz
• USB HDD: 44.1kHz → 96kHz
• PC USB: 44.1kHz → 768kHz (PCM) / DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DSD512
• DAC
• D to A Converter
• ES9038Pro
• Output Level (0dBFS, 1kHz)
• 2.05Vrms (RCA), 4.1Vrms (XLR)
• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)
• < 0.001% (1kHz @ 0dBFS)
• Frequency Response
• 20Hz–20kHz (+/-0.1dB)
• Max. Sampling Frequency
• USB HDD: 96kHz
• Optical, Coaxial: 192kHz
• PC USB: PCM768kHz, DSD512