The D9 DAC from Audiolab marks the brand's triumphant return to high-end stand-alone digital-to-analogue conversion. It sits at the pinnacle of Audiolab 's DAC range and inherits the design cues, components and sonic aspirations of the acclaimed 9000 Series. With its sleek brushed aluminium chassis and compact size, the D9 delivers superior performance in a sleek, compact design.
A vibrant 2.8-inch colour screen provides a modern visual interface, displaying input information, track metadata and even vumeters. The D9 is not just an upgraded D7: it is a reference DAC designed specifically for demanding audiophiles seeking ultra-low noise, precise control and stunning clarity across all digital music formats.
At the heart of the D9 DAC from Audiolab is the ES9038PRO DAC chip, ESS Technology's flagship 32-bit, 8-channel processor. Unlike the 2-channel variant used in the D7, the PRO version is fully utilised: four channels per stereo side are combined to offer outstanding noise rejection and distortion suppression.
Audiolab it combines this with its proprietary sync system and a Class A post-DAC filter, resulting in a signal chain that achieves both sonic finesse and raw dynamic power. Capable of decoding PCM up to 768 kHz and DSD512, the D9 meets and exceeds the requirements of today's highest resolution digital audio content.
The D9 DAC from Audiolab doesn't just sound high-end, it's built like it. Inside, a large 40 VA toroidal transformer powers a sophisticated linear power supply, while multiple discrete ultra-low noise regulators provide clean, isolated power to each stage of the signal path. The left and right channels receive separate, symmetrical power lines, further enhancing stereo performance.
This high-end topology ensures maximum purity from source to output. Audiolab 's expertise in reference DAC design is evident in every detail of the circuitry, allowing the D9 to reveal layers of detail and depth that other lower quality DACs blur or obscure. This level of engineering elevates the D9 far beyond its price class.
The Audiolab D9 DAC offers a wide range of inputs and outputs for maximum system integration. In addition to the USB-B and USB-A ports of the D7, the D9 includes an AES3/EBU digital input for professional audio sources. Two optical and two coaxial S/PDIF inputs complete the digital set-up.
Bluetooth 5.1 is integrated and includes LDAC support along with aptX HD and low latency for superior wireless playback. Output options include balanced XLR, single-ended RCA (both variable and fixed), coaxial and optical digital outputs, and a high-quality 6.3mm headphone jack. The D9 is ideally suited to all types of equipment, from desktop to stand-alone.
Despite its technical sophistication, the D9 DAC from Audiolab remains remarkably easy to use. Its dual rotary controls flank a vivid, left-aligned IPS colour display, which mirrors the interface of Audiolab's 9000N streamer. Display options include input source, volume, sample rate and track information, as well as a classic-style VU meter.
The user can dim or turn off the display entirely if preferred. The sound can be adjusted to the user's taste thanks to selectable up-sampling (at 352.8 kHz or 384 kHz) and five digital filter settings to suit different genres, formats and streaming platforms. Whether integrated into a multi-component hi-fi system or used independently, the D9 puts all the control in the hands of the listener.
Like its sibling, the Audiolab D9 DAC features dedicated, high-performance headphone amplification. Its current feedback design delivers 500 mW into a 33 ohm load, with a maximum output current of 180 mA and output up to 4.8 Vrms. With a low output impedance of 2.35 ohms, it can drive anything from efficient headphones to hard-to-drive planar magnetic headphones effortlessly.
The wide bandwidth and fast rotational speed ensure open, detailed sound with minimal colouration. Whether you're monitoring in a studio or enjoying music at home, the D9 delivers an exceptional headphone experience that rivals standalone headphone amplifiers in power and finesse.
Features:
- DAC Chipset - ES9038Pro (32-bit, 8-channel)
- Maximum sampling rate: 768 kHz PCM, DSD 512 (USB)
- Sound tuning options - 2x upsampling; 5x digital filters
- Digital inputs - USB-B, USB-A, AES3/EBU, 2x optical, 2x coaxial
- Bluetooth - Bluetooth 5.1 with LDAC and aptX HD support
- Audio Outputs - Analogue: XLR, RCA; digital: optical, coaxial
- Headphone output - 6.3 mm
- Headphone amplifier power - 500mW at 33O
- Headphone amplifier impedance - Output: 2.35O; Load: 20-600O
- DAC Signal-to-Noise Ratio - XLR: 123 dB; RCA: 118 dB (A-weighted)
- Power Circuitry: 40 VA transformer with multiple discrete regulators
- 2.8-inch IPS colour LCD screen
- Dimensions: 315 mm wide x 88 mm high x 277 mm deep
Available soon. Pre-orders are accepted and will be dealt with on a first come, first served basis as the first units arrive in Spain.
