Audiolab - D9 - Digital to Analog Converter

Audiolab has long been synonymous with high-fidelity digital audio conversion, pushing the boundaries of DAC technology since the groundbreaking M-DAC and followed by the longstanding M-DAC+. Building upon this rich heritage, the D9 represents a new era of audiophile-grade digital-to-analogue conversion, setting a new benchmark for performance and precision.

State-of-the-Art ESS Sabre32 DAC Technology

At the heart of the Audiolab D9 lies the ESS Sabre32 ES9038PRO DAC, a 32-bit reference-class chipset renowned for its superior signal-to-noise performance, ultra-low distortion and wide dynamic range. This industry-leading DAC, combined with HyperStream® II architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator, ensures unparalleled detail, clarity, and precision—delivering audio fidelity that satisfies even the most discerning listeners.

High-Resolution Audio & Full MQA Decoding

The D9 is engineered to support the highest-resolution audio formats, making it the ideal choice for audiophiles and professionals alike, with PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz, DSD up to 22.5MHz (DSD512) and Full MQA Decoding – Authentic master-quality playback from streaming services or local files on PC or Mac.

Precision-Engineered Digital Processing

Developed through years of expert engineering, the HyperStream II architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator technology use an advanced clocking system to ensure timing accuracy with minimal phase noise. This results in a naturally accurate, three-dimensional soundstage, preserving the integrity of the original recording.

Further, Audiolab’s expert ESS implementation provides five selectable DAC reconstruction filters, allowing users to fine-tune the listening experience based on their system configuration and source material.

Users can also opt to upsample digital audio signals to 352.8kHz or 384kHz, using the expertly implemented DAC reconstruction filter settings. This allows the DAC to extract and revive intrinsic musical detail.

Unmatched Connectivity for Seamless Integration

The D9 is more than just a high-end DAC—it’s a versatile digital hub designed to accommodate the most versatile audio setups. It features 2x Coaxial and 2x Optical S/PDIF digital inputs, a USB Drive connection, and a new AES/EBU input for professional-grade systems. Coax and Optical S/PDIF Digital outputs also allow system expansion in the digital domain. To ensure simplicity and enhanced performance, the D9 supports playback from USB HDD devices, and offers Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD and LDAC for hi-res wireless streaming from smart devices.

>Premium Analogue Stage & Balanced Connectivity

The D9’s high-performance analogue section features balanced XLR and RCA outputs, providing a pristine signal path for integration into high-fidelity home systems and audiophile-grade environments. Fully Balanced XLR or RCA line-level outputs ensure premium signal integrity continues into the analogue domain.

Can-Jam

The D9 is a high-power headphone amplifier with current-feedback circuitry. It is designed for all headphone types and ensures exceptional clarity and drive. With wide bandwidth and a high slew rate performance, the D9 is a formidable headphone amplifier solution.

Premium Build, Intuitive Interface & Stunning Display

The Audiolab D9 is housed in a sleek all-aluminium chassis, ensuring both durability and shielding from external interference.

The D9’s feature-rich operation prioritises user experience, with a fully functional remote control and a vibrant 2.8” full-colour IPS display. The general user interface offers multilingual menus and Instant access to all functions, a level above rival models at this price point. It provides detailed visual access to DAC filter settings and functions, display options, and total control over every performance aspect. For USB HDD and Bluetooth sources, the display also offers a real-time readout of media file playback Where applicable, artist, track, album, time, source, input and file formats are all visually represented.

A New Benchmark in Digital Audio Conversion

With its state-of-the-art DAC architecture, extensive feature set, and precision engineering, the Audiolab D9 redefines what’s possible in digital-to-analogue conversion. Whether as the centrepiece of a reference hi-fi system or a standalone audiophile DAC, the D9 delivers an uncompromising, true-to-source musical experience.

Specifications

• Design Philosophy and Core Technology: ES9038Pro 32-bit DAC; MQA Full decoder (PC USB, Coax / Optical); 2.8” 480x640 large size full view IPS LCD; Bluetooth 5.1 (aptX / aptX HD / LDAC) streaming; Dedicated Current-Feedback Headphone Amp; VU Digital / VU Analogue Meter; USB HDD Playback with MP3/WMA/AAC/WAV/FLAC/APE compatibility; USB Firmware Upgrade
• Inputs: 2 x SPDIF (Coax), 2 x SPDIF (Optical), 1 x PC USB (USB B), 1 x USB HDD (USB A), 1 x Bluetooth (aptX / aptX HD), 1 x AES3/EBU
• Outputs: 1 x RCA, 1 x XLR, 1 x Headphone, 2 x 12V Trigger, 1 x Optical, 1 x COAX outputs
• Sampling Frequency: Optical/Coaxial - 44.1kHz → 192kHz; USB HDD - 44.1kHz → 96kHz; PC USB: - 44.1kHz → 768kHz (PCM) / DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DSD512

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: 96kHz; Optical, Coaxial - 192kHz; PC USB: - PCM768kHz, DSD512
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (S/N): > 118dB (A-weighted, RCA); > 123dB (A-weighted, XLR)

Headphone Amplifier

• Total Harmonic Distortion(THD): < 0.01% (1kHz, 50mW )
• Output Impedance: 2.35 ohm
• Load Impedance: 20-600 ohm

General

• Standby Power Consumption: <0.5W
• Net Weight: 4.2 kg
• Dimensions (mm) (W x H x D): W: 315 x H: 88.3 x D: 277mm

Finish

• Power Requirements (depending on region): 220-240V ~ 50/60Hz 100-120V ~ 50/60Hz
• Standard Accessories: Power Cord, Remote Control, User Manual, etc.