Audiolab 9000A Flagship Integrated Amplifier/DAC/Phono Preamp

1. Ynlieding

The Audiolab 9000A is a high-performance integrated amplifier designed to be the central component of any advanced audio system. It combines a powerful amplifier, a high-resolution Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC), and a dedicated phono preamplifier, offering extensive connectivity and advanced features for audiophiles.

This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, and maintaining your Audiolab 9000A to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

2. Safety Information

Lês alle feilichheidsynstruksjes goed troch foardat jo it apparaat brûke. Bewarje dizze hantlieding foar takomstige referinsje.

• Streamtafier: Connect the unit only to a power supply of the type marked on the rear panel.
• Ventilaasje: Soargje foar foldwaande fentilaasje. Blokkearje gjin fentilaasje-iepeningen.
• Wetter en focht: Stel it apparaat net bleat oan rein of focht. Plak gjin objekten fol mei floeistoffen op it apparaat.
• Hjitte: Plak it apparaat net tichtby waarmteboarnen lykas radiatoren, waarmteregisters, kachels of oare apparaten dy't waarmte produsearje.
• Reiniging: Reinigje allinich mei in droege doek. Brûk gjin floeibere skjinmakkers of aerosolreinigers.
• Betsjinning: Besykje dit apparaat net sels te ûnderhâlden. Lit alle ûnderhâldswurk oer oan kwalifisearre servicepersoniel.

3. Wat sit der yn 'e doaze

Carefully unpack the contents of the box. You should find the following items:

• Audiolab 9000A Integrated Amplibbener
• Power Cord
• Remote Control
• User Manual (dit dokumint)
• Antennas (for Bluetooth connectivity)

4. Produkt Overview

Front Panel

figuer 4.1: Front view of the Audiolab 9000A, displaying the Audiolab logo on its full-color IPS LCD screen. The front panel features three rotary controls for Select, Mode, and Volume, along with a headphone jack and power button.

figuer 4.2: Front view of the Audiolab 9000A, showcasing the full-color IPS LCD screen displaying VU meters. This visual option provides real-time audio level feedback.

The 9000A features a 4.3-inch (800 x 480mm) full-color IPS LCD screen, providing clear and informative playback, source, and file information. It also offers various display options, including two VU meter styles, allowing for visual feedback or a discreet appearance.

Rear Panel Connections

Figure 4.3: Rear panel of the Audiolab 9000A, showing a comprehensive array of input and output connections. These include analog, XLR, phono (MM), power amplifier input, SPDIF (coaxial and optical), PC USB, Bluetooth antenna, pre-amplifier output, stereo speaker terminals, and 12V trigger connections.

The rear panel provides a wide range of connectivity options, including multiple analog and digital inputs, a dedicated phono input, balanced XLR input, and various outputs for speakers and external components. Bluetooth antennas are also located here for wireless streaming.

Key Features

• Amplifikaasje: Discrete Class AB power amplifier delivering 100W per channel into 8 ohms (160W into 4 ohms). Features Audiolab's CFB (Complementary Feedback) topology for superior linearity.
• Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC): Equipped with the ESS 9038PRO flagship 32-bit DAC chip, supporting PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD up to DSD512.
• MQA-dekodearring: Full MQA decoding capability for high-resolution streaming.
• Phono S.tage: Dedicated high-performance, low-noise Moving Magnet (MM) phono stage with JFET-based circuitry and precise RIAA equalization.
• Headphone Amplibbener: Tawijde aktuele feedback-koptelefoan amplifier with wide bandwidth and high slew rate.
• Konnektivität: Multiple analog inputs (3 x AUX, 1 x XLR), digital inputs (2 x Coaxial, 2 x Optical, 1 x PC USB), Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD/AAC/LDAC support.
• Bedriuwsmodi: Integrated, Pre-Power, and Pre Only modes for versatile system integration.

5. Opsette

5.1 Pleatsing

Place the Audiolab 9000A on a stable, level surface away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and excessive moisture. Ensure there is adequate space around the unit for ventilation.

5.2 Ferbine sprekkers

1. Ensure the 9000A is powered off and unplugged from the mains.
2. Connect your loudspeakers to the speaker terminals on the rear panel (refer to Figure 4.3). Ensure correct polarity: red (+) to red (+) and black (-) to black (-).
3. Tighten the binding posts securely, but do not overtighten.

5.3 Audioboarnen ferbine

The 9000A offers a variety of input options:

• Analog Inputs (AUX1, AUX2, AUX3): Use RCA cables to connect analog sources like CD players, tuners, or tape decks.
• Balansearre XLR-ynput: For high-quality analog sources with XLR outputs.
• Fono (MM) Ynfier: Connect your turntable directly to this input. Ensure your turntable has a Moving Magnet (MM) cartridge.
• Digital Inputs (COAX1, COAX2, OPT1, OPT2): Connect digital sources such as CD transports, media streamers, or TVs using coaxial or optical cables.
• PC USB (USB B): Connect your computer for high-resolution audio playback.
• Bluetooth: Attach the supplied antennas to the rear panel for optimal Bluetooth signal reception.

5.4 Stromferbining

Once all audio connections are made, connect the supplied power cord to the IEC inlet on the rear panel and then to a suitable mains power outlet.

6. Bedriuwsinstruksjes

6.1 Yn-/útskeakelje

Press the power button on the front panel or the remote control to switch the unit on or off. The display will illuminate upon power-on.

6.2 Boarneseleksje

Use the "SELECT" rotary control on the front panel or the source buttons on the remote control to cycle through the available input sources (AUX1, AUX2, AUX3, XLR, Phono, COAX1, COAX2, OPT1, OPT2, PC USB, Bluetooth).

6.3 Volume kontrôle

Adjust the listening volume using the "VOL" rotary control on the front panel or the Volume Up/Down buttons on the remote control.

6.4 Operating Modes

The 9000A offers three distinct operating modes, selectable via the menu:

• Integrated Mode: This is the default mode, where the pre-amplifier en macht amplibbener stages are combined. Use this for connecting digital and analog sources directly to the 9000A and driving a pair of speakers.
• Pre-Power Mode: This mode disconnects the pre-amplifier en macht amplibbener stages. The 9000A can then be used solely as a power amplifier (e.g., connected to an AV processor) or to insert external signal processing between the pre-out and power-in connections.
• Pre Only Mode: In this mode, the 9000A functions solely as a pre-amplifier, outputting the processed signal via its pre-amplifier outputs to an external power amplibbener.

6.5 Digitale filters

For digital inputs, the 9000A provides user-selectable digital filters to optimize the response to suit the source file and partnering equipment. Access these options through the unit's menu system.

6.6 Bluetooth-ferbining

1. Ensure the Bluetooth antennas are connected to the rear panel.
2. Select "Bluetooth" as the input source on the 9000A.
3. Skeakelje Bluetooth yn op jo mobyl apparaat (smartphone, tablet, laptop) en sykje nei beskikbere apparaten.
4. Select "Audiolab 9000A" from the list to pair. Once paired, audio from your device will stream wirelessly to the amplibbener.
5. The 9000A supports aptX HD, AAC, and LDAC protocols for high-quality wireless audio.

6.7 Headphone Utfier

Connect your headphones to the 6.35mm (1/4 inch) headphone jack on the front panel. Connecting headphones will automatically mute the main speaker outputs.

7. Underhâld

• Reiniging: Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to clean the unit. Do not use abrasive cleaners, waxes, or solvents.
• Ventilaasje: Kontrolearje periodyk oft de fentilaasje-iepeningen frij binne fan stof en pún.
• Ferbinings: Ensure all cables are securely connected. Loose connections can affect sound quality.
• Opslach: As jo ​​it apparaat foar in langere perioade opslaan, koppelje it dan los fan 'e stroomfoarsjenning en bewarje it op in koel, droech plak.

8. Probleemoplossing

9. Spesifikaasjes

10. Garânsje en stipe

Audiolab products are manufactured to the highest standards and undergo rigorous quality control. This product is covered by a manufacturer's warranty, the terms of which may vary by region. Please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Audiolab webside foar detaillearre garânsje -ynformaasje.

For technical support, service, or inquiries regarding your Audiolab 9000A, please contact your authorized Audiolab dealer or distributor. You can also find support resources, FAQs, and contact information on the official Audiolab website: www.audiolab.co.uk