Audiolab 9000Q Preamplifier

The 9000Q also uses a new, custom-specified transformer. Engineered as an improvement over the 9000A, it features a preamplifier that delivers current when demanded, utilising all the Audiolab know-how to enable controlled performance with crisp detail and the Audiolab sound signature.

A step forward over the already impressive 9000A ‘Pre’ performance, the Audiolab 9000Q incorporates new tone controls for treble and bass adjustment, accessible via the menu, and with a range of +/-6dB in 2dB steps. This allows delicate fine-tuning to suit room performance, speaker or power amplifier capabilities or even just personal preference.

Designed to be the dedicated management of a multi-source, multi-format, hi-fi system, the 9000Q accommodates a multitude of inputs. It caters for analogue and digital sources with 3 x line level AUX inputs, a balanced XLR stereo pair, a dedicated phono input for the aforementioned dedicated phono preamplifier, as well as 2 x COAX (S/PDIF up to 192kHz 24Bit), 2 x Optical (S/PDIF up to 192kHz 24Bit), a Bluetooth 5.1 receiver and a PC USB input.

Across these inputs, the preamplifier comes to shine.

The Audiolab 9000Q Preamplifier provides a fixed level AUX output, and three variable Pre outputs ( 2 x RCA, 1 x XLR). The three variable outputs are isolated and can be used simultaneously without any impact on performance.

With additional features such as a source configuration option that allows for a fully balanced stereo XLR signal path. A direct path from input to output, only passing through the 4-channel analogue Volume Control.

AUX 3 can also be set to “AV Direct”. This allows connection from an external pre-output or AV processor with its own volume control.

And let’s not forget the dedicated headphone amplifier section, which employs current-feedback circuitry with wide bandwidth and high slew rate; the 9000Q ensures a dynamic, detailed and engaging performance with all manner of headphone types, with that extra added audiolab sparkle from the consistent signal integrity from all inputs.

Two 12V Trigger Outputs allow for control of external devices, such as the 9000CDT and 9000N. The new 9000P stereo power amplifier is the perfect companion in stereo or dual bridged mono configurations.

As with the 9000 series standard, the 9000Q uses the same 4.3” full colour TFT display to offer access to a wealth of settings, functions and information via an incredibly functional General User Interface. Not only does it display level, input, file format and signal information, but it also gives access to the amp’s menu system, which includes such options as digital upsampling, input sensitivity adjustment, balance control, automatic standby switching, and volume curtailment when the amp is powered up. It can even be set to display a VU meter in ‘analogue’ or ‘digital’ form, showing real-time decibel levels for the left and right channels – a satisfying graphical representation of the music as it plays. And it can be dimmed or turned off completely, as the user prefers.

All-in-all, the Audiolab 9000Q Preamplifier raises the bar for preamplifiers within its price category and the 9000 series strides forward as the series to beat – in terms of specification, price, performance with intrinsic detail and unarguable quality.

Specification of the Audiolab 9000Q Preamplifier