Audiolab 7000A Integrated Amplifier Review: A New Benchmark in Hi-Fi Excellence
Welcome to our comprehensive Audiolab 7000A Integrated Amplifier review. As an audiophile-focused reviewer at The Audio Tailor, I've had the privilege of experiencing many integrated amplifiers, but few have managed to strike such a perfect balance between performance, features, and value as the 7000A.
Design and Build Quality
The 7000A showcases Audiolab's commitment to elegant, minimalist design. Available in both silver and black finishes, its sleek chassis houses a gorgeous 2.8" full-colour IPS LCD display that provides crystal-clear visual feedback of your settings and source selection. The build quality is exceptional, with a robust aluminium chassis that effectively eliminates unwanted resonance.
Performance
At the heart of the 7000A lies a powerful Class AB amplifier delivering a genuine 70W per channel into 8 ohms (110W into 4 ohms). What sets this amplifier apart is its Complementary Feedback (CFB) topology, ensuring outstanding linearity and thermal stability. The amplifier's ability to deliver up to 9A of current into difficult loads demonstrates its capability to drive even demanding speakers with authority.
Digital Excellence
The ESS ES9038Q2M 32-bit DAC implementation is nothing short of exceptional. Supporting high-resolution audio up to PCM 768kHz and DSD512, along with full MQA decoding capabilities, the 7000A is ready for any modern digital source you can throw at it.
Connectivity
The connectivity options are comprehensive:
- 3 analogue inputs
- MM phono stage
- 2 coaxial and 2 optical inputs
- HDMI ARC
- PC USB
- Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX/aptX LL
- Dedicated headphone amplifier
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Powerful, clean Class AB amplification
- Top-tier ESS DAC implementation
- Full MQA decoder
- Excellent build quality
- Comprehensive connectivity options
- Beautiful full-colour display
- Effective MM phono stage
- High-quality headphone output
- Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX support
Cons
- No MC phono input
- Slightly larger footprint than some competitors
- Premium pricing (though justified by features)
Who Is It For?
The Audiolab 7000A is perfect for the discerning audiophile who demands modern connectivity options without compromising on sound quality. It's particularly well-suited to those who:
- Stream high-resolution digital music
- Have a quality vinyl collection
- Need flexible input options
- Appreciate clean, accurate sound reproduction
Final Thoughts: A New Reference Point
The Audiolab 7000A represents a significant evolution in integrated amplifier design. Its combination of robust power delivery, sophisticated digital processing, and versatile connectivity options makes it a compelling choice for both traditional audiophiles and modern music enthusiasts.
If you're considering the Audiolab 7000A, our team at The Audio Tailor would be delighted to discuss how this remarkable amplifier might suit your specific needs. Give us a call on 1300 308 711 - we're always excited to chat about high-end audio solutions.