Audiolab D9 DAC & Headphone Amplifier, Black Overview
The Audiolab D9 is built for audiophiles seeking uncompromising digital-to-analogue conversion across demanding setups. At its heart is the renowned ESS Sabre32 ES9038PRO DAC, delivering detail-rich sound with impressive dynamic range. Whether you're streaming high-resolution files or connecting professional digital gear, the D9 handles PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz, DSD512, and full MQA decoding with ease—preserving every nuance of your music.
Connectivity is extensive and intuitive: coaxial, optical, USB and AES/EBU digital inputs meet balanced XLR and RCA outputs, ensuring seamless integration with both pro and hi-fi systems. For wireless fans, Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD and LDAC keeps quality high and cables out of the way. The built-in headphone amp powers even demanding headphones, while the vivid 2.8" display gives instant access to filter settings, source info and file formats—helping you stay in control of every listening session.
Product Ref: 337092
Full Description
View Full DescriptionA Worthy Successor to the M-DAC Legacy
The Audiolab D9 continues the legacy of the original M-DAC and M-DAC+, both of which gained a strong reputation for their detailed sound and user-friendly design. These earlier models introduced many to high-fidelity digital audio. The D9 takes that foundation and expands on it with enhanced resolution, more connectivity options, and a refined user interface. It’s designed for today’s listening environments while keeping the spirit of its predecessors intact, offering a compelling upgrade for existing users and a standout entry point for newcomers.
A Step Up in Flexibility and Performance
The Audiolab D9 builds on the D7’s strengths with a more advanced feature set for demanding systems. It adds AES/EBU input, USB HDD playback, and a full-colour 2.8-inch display for easier control. Bluetooth is upgraded to aptX HD and LDAC for better wireless quality. The D9 also includes full MQA decoding, not just rendering, and a higher-spec headphone amp with current-feedback circuitry. These additions make the D9 more versatile and better suited to detailed setups, without losing the straightforward usability Audiolab is known for.
Reference-Class Conversion, Redefined
The D9 is built around the ESS Sabre32 ES9038PRO DAC chip, a component known for precision and clarity. This chipset works with HyperStream II architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator technology to deliver accurate timing and low distortion. The result is a vivid, three-dimensional soundstage with fine detail and musical texture. Selectable filters and upsampling allow further customisation. Whether you’re listening to DSD512, 32-bit PCM, or MQA, the D9 ensures that each format is reproduced with clarity and fidelity, staying faithful to the original recording.
What's in the Box?
- Audiolab D9 DAC
- IEC power cable
- Remote handset
- Instruction manual
- 2x AAA Batteries
Key Features
- ESS Sabre32 ES9038PRO DAC chip delivers lifelike detail with ultra-low distortion for high-resolution playback
- Supports 32-bit/768kHz PCM and DSD512 to handle the most demanding digital formats with ease
- Full MQA decoding ensures studio-quality sound from streaming services and local files
- Bluetooth 5.1 with LDAC and aptX HD offers high-resolution wireless playback from phones, tablets or laptops
- Wide range of digital inputs, including AES/EBU, for seamless integration with hi-fi and studio setups
- Balanced XLR and RCA analogue outputs provide clean, low-noise signal paths into any system
- Current-feedback headphone amplifier drives a wide range of headphones with power and precision
- 2.8” full-colour IPS display gives real-time track, format and input information at a glance
- Multilingual menu system and remote control allow quick, intuitive access to all settings
- Selectable DAC filters and upsampling let you customise playback for different setups and source material
- USB HDD playback lets you enjoy music directly from connected storage devices without a computer
- Coaxial and optical digital outputs allow easy expansion into other digital audio components
- High slew-rate analogue circuitry delivers fast, accurate signal handling for natural sound reproduction
Specifications
| Design Philosophy and Core Technology | ES9038Pro 32-bit DAC |
|---|---|
| MQA Full decoder | PC USBCoax / Optical |
| Display | 2.8" 480x640 large size full view IPS LCD |
| Bluetooth Streaming | Bluetooth 5.1 (aptX / aptX HD / LDAC) |
| Headphone Amplifier | Dedicated Current-Feedback Headphone Amp |
| Meters | VU Digital / VU Analogue Meter |
| USB HDD Playback Compatibility | MP3WMAAACWAVFLACAPE |
| USB Firmware Upgrade | Supported |
Inputs
| SPDIF Coaxial | 2 x SPDIF (Coax) |
|---|---|
| SPDIF Optical | 2 x SPDIF (Optical) |
| PC USB | 1 x PC USB (USB B) |
| USB HDD | 1 x USB HDD (USB A) |
| Bluetooth | 1 x Bluetooth (aptX / aptX HD) |
| AES/EBU | 1 x AES3/EBU |
Outputs
| RCA | 1 x RCA |
|---|---|
| XLR | 1 x XLR |
| Headphone | 1 x Headphone |
| 12V Trigger | 2 x 12V Trigger |
| Optical Output | 1 x Optical |
| Coaxial Output | 1 x COAX |
Sampling Frequency
| Optical/Coaxial | 44.1kHz → 192kHz |
|---|---|
| USB HDD | 44.1kHz → 96kHz |
| PC USB | 44.1kHz → 768kHz (PCM) / DSD64DSD128DSD256DSD512 |
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) |
| Output Impedance | Not specified |
| Max. Sampling Frequency | USB HDD: 96kHzOptical, Coaxial: 192kHzPC USB: PCM768kHz, DSD512 |
Product Details
| Product Code | AH-010501-03A |
|---|---|
| EAN | 6976522464450 |
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