Audiolab has designed many successful integrated amplifiers across its entry-level 6000 series, mid-tier 7000 line and flagship 900 range. However, no new Audiolab pre/power components have been launched since the 8300XP power amp over eight years ago - until now.

The new 9000P is Audiolab's first power amp launched since 2016 and arrives alongside its preamp partner, the new 9000Q. These components share the familiar 9000 Series aesthetic and move in above the Applause Award-winning 9000A integrated amplifier, whilst joining the line's equally respected 9000CDT CD transport and 9000N network streamer.

To that end, the 9000Q features a 4.3-inch colour display that clearly presents everything from volume level, input selection, file format information, and VU-style meters.

Meanwhile, the power supplies inside the 9000Q and 9000P benefit from filtering technology developed from Audiolab's DC Block and DC Block 6 mains optimisation devices and aimed at removing noise from mains power.

AUDIOLAB 9000Q

Starting with the brains of the operation, the 9000Q sports two coaxial, two optical and a pair of USB Type B inputs. Its DAC circuity is built around ESS's top-flight ES9038PRO eight-channel (used to deliver balanced stereo) 32-bit chip and features a newly developed Class A post-DAC active filter said to get even more out of the chip.

The DAC also benefits from several discrete regulators supplying power separately to the left and right channels for each stage of the digital-to-analogue conversion process designed to improve efficiency and accuracy. Additionally, an upgrade compared with the 9000A integrated, the Q's DAC stage gets a separate transformer winding, further isolating noise from the circuitry.

The digital inputs can handle PCM audio up to 32-bit/768kHz, DSD to 22.5MHz (DSD512) and MQA. Meanwhile, Bluetooth 5.0 onboard supports aptX HD and LDAC codecs. The Q's analogue inputs include four line-level (three RCA, one balanced XLR), plus an MM phono stage that we're told has been further improved over the one inside the 9000A.

The 9000Q's output list features two sets of stereo RCA preamp outputs, enabling a pair of stereo power amps to be connected in, for example, bridged mono mode. The XLR outs offer an 'XLR Direct' mode that allows a balanced signal path from input to output; a pair of 12V trigger outputs for  automated system control; your standard line-level stereo RCA; and, lastly, a headphone output boasting a current-feedback design and low output impedance to “deliver a dynamic and detailed performance with all manner of headphones.”

The preamp's screen is your interface when adjusting functionality, such as digital upsampling, input sensitivity, and balance control. Like the volume control, the newly added bass and treble tone controls operate in the analogue domain and offer +/-6dB adjustments. However, these controls can also be removed entirely from the signal path.

AUDIOLAB 9000P

The 9000P is touted as Audiolab's “best power amp yet” and builds on the 9000A integrated amplifier's power amp stage. A Class A/B design with dual-mono circuit topology, it features separate power supplies for each channel. Meanwhile, its Complementary Feedback output stage design is said to keep idle current independent of the temperature of the output transistors in the name of excellent thermal stability.

Alone, the 9000P is rated at 100 watts output per channel into 8 ohms. However, when paired in bridged mono mode (bottom image), we're told that the output jumps to 300 watts into the same load.

A powerful, low-noise 320VA toroidal transformer combines with a 60,000uF reservoir capacitance and four output transistors per channel. Audiolab states that this is specifically configured to improve linearity under difficult load conditions and can deliver a maximum output current of 15A per channel.

When they become available in December, the Audiolab 9000Q will sell for £1,500, and the 9000P will cost £1,100. Audiolab also offers the pair as a pre/power bundle for £2,500.

Visit Audiolab for more information