Description
D9
Audiolab has long been synonymous with high-fidelity digital audio conversion, pushing the boundaries of DAC technology since the groundbreaking M-DAC and followed by the longstanding M-DAC+.
Building upon this rich heritage, the D9 represents a new era of audiophile-grade digital-to-analogue conversion, setting a new benchmark for performance and precision.
State-Of-The Art Chipset
At the heart of the Audiolab D9 lies the ESS Sabre32 ES9038PRO DAC, a 32-bit reference-class chipset renowned for its superior signal-to-noise performance, ultra-low distortion and wide dynamic range.
This industry-leading DAC, combined with HyperStream® II architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator, ensures unparalleled detail, clarity, and precision—delivering audio fidelity that satisfies even the most discerning listeners.
High-Res Audio + MQA Decoding
The Audiolab D9 is engineered to support the highest-resolution audio formats, making it the ideal choice for audiophiles and professionals alike, with PCM up to 32-bit / 768 kHz, DSD up to 22.5 MHz (DSD512) and Full MQA Decoding – Authentic master-quality playback from streaming services or local files on PC or Mac.
Unmatched Connectivity
The D9 is more than just a high-end DAC — it is a versatile digital hub designed to accommodate the most versatile audio setups. It features 2 x Coaxial and 2 x Optical S/PDIF digital inputs, a USB Drive connection, and a new AES/EBU input for professional-grade systems.
Coaxial and Optical S/PDIF Digital outputs also allow system expansion in the digital domain. To ensure simplicity and enhanced performance, the D9 supports playback from USB HDD devices, and offers Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD and LDAC for hi-res wireless streaming from smart devices.
Precision Digital Processing
Developed through years of expert engineering, the HyperStream II architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator technology use an advanced clocking system to ensure timing accuracy with minimal phase noise. This results in a naturally accurate, three-dimensional soundstage, preserving the integrity of the original recording.
Further, Audiolab’s expert ESS implementation provides five selectable DAC reconstruction filters, allowing users to fine-tune the listening experience based on their system configuration and source material.
Users can also opt to upsample digital audio signals to 352.8 kHz or 384 kHz, using the expertly implemented DAC reconstruction filter settings. This allows the DAC to extract and revive intrinsic musical detail.
Premium Balanced Analogue Circuits
The D9’s high-performance analogue section features balanced XLR and RCA outputs, providing a pristine signal path for integration into high-fidelity home systems and audiophile-grade environments. Fully Balanced XLR or RCA line-level outputs ensure premium signal integrity continues into the analogue domain.
High-End Headphone Amplifier
D9 is also a high-power headphone amplifier with current-feedback circuitry. It is designed for all headphone types and ensures exceptional clarity and drive. With wide bandwidth and a high slew rate performance, the D9 is a formidable headphone amplifier solution.
Features
- ES9038Pro 32-bit DAC
- MQA Full decoder (PC USB, Coax / Optical)
- 2.8-inch 480 x 640 large-size, full-view IPS LCD
- Bluetooth 5.1 (aptX / aptX HD) streaming
- Dedicated Current-Feedback Headphone Amp
- VU Digital / VU Analogue Meter
- USB HDD Playback (MP3 / WMA / AAC / WAV / FLAC / APE)
- USB Firmware Upgrade
Specifications
- Model: D9
- General Description: DAC
- 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 AES/EBU
- Outputs: 1 x RCA, 1 x XLR, 1 x Headphone, 2 x 12V Trigger, 1 x Optical, 1 x Coaxial
- Sampling Frequency:
- Optical / Coaxial: 44.1 kHz – 192 kHz
- USB HDD: 44.1 kHz – 96 kHz
- PC USB: 44.1 kHz – 768 kHz (PCM) / DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DSD512
- DAC
- D to A Converter: ES9038Pro
- Output Level (0 dBFS, 1 kHz): 2.05 Vrms (RCA), 4.1 Vrms (XLR)
- Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): < 0.001 % (1 kHz @ 0 dBFS)
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (+/- 0.2 dB)
- Output Impedance: 120 Ohm
- Max Sampling Frequency:
- USB HDD: 96 kHz
- Optical / Coaxial: 192 kHz
- PC USB: PCM 768 kHz, DSD512
- Signal-to-noise Ratio (S/N): > 118 dB (A-weighted, RCA), > 123 dB (A-weighted, XLR)
- Headphone Amplifier
- Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): < 0.01 % (1 kHz, 50 mW)
- Output Impedance: 2.35 Ohm
- Load Impedance: 20-600 Ohm
- General
- Standby Power Consumption: < 0.5 W
- Net Weight: 4.2 kg
- Gross Weight: 5.8 kg
- Dimensions (mm) (W x H x D): 315 x 88.3 x 277 mm
- Power Requirements (depending on region): 220-240 V – 50 / 60 Hz, 100 – 120 V – 50 / 60 Hz
Included
- 1 x Audiolab D9
- 1 x Power Cable
- 1 x Remote Control
- 1 x Documentation
Full Audiolab Range Available
Unilet Sound & Vision are official retail partners for Audiolab, providing sales, advice and assistance on their entire range of high-quality products. Please do get in touch if you would like a demonstration or wish to purchase.
