AUDIOLAB 9000N NETWORK PLAYER JOINS FLAGSHIP 900 SERIES

The Audiolab 9000N Network Player is the new flagship streamer from the British HiFi brand.

Audiolab has unveiled its flagship network streamer, the 9000N, as part of the flagship 9000 Series.

The 9000N, which joins the 9000A integrated amplifier and 9000CDT CD transport, offers streaming experience, combining smooth operation, high-resolution capabilities, and an intuitive control app.

AUDIOLAB 9000N NETWORK PLAYER

While Audiolab’s 6000N Play and 7000N Play cater to the entry- and mid-level ranges with Play-Fi technology, the 9000N takes a different approach.

Audiolab’s selection process for the streaming platform was thorough. They opted for a platform recognized globally for its stable operation, feature-rich app, technical capabilities, and sound quality. By marrying this technology with Audiolab’s digital/analogue circuit designs, the 9000N aims to provide an ideal streaming solution for music enthusiasts.

LINUX BASED OS

The 9000N offers an integration of technologies with an ARM processor and a Linux-based operating system.

The main control app of the 9000N grants easy access to services like Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify, and TuneIn Radio. It has an intuitive yet feature-rich interface, enabling users to create playlists, group albums, and organize music easily. Tidal Connect and Spotify Connect allow direct streaming from their respective apps, while UPnP/DLNA apps like mconnect and BubbleUPnP can also control the 9000N. Additionally, AirPlay 2 and Roon Ready compatibility expand its versatility.

HI-RES

The 9000N is designed to handle hi-res audio formats, supporting PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz, native DSD up to 22.5MHz (DSD512), and various lossless formats like FLAC, ALAC, WAV, AIFF, DSF, and DIFF. It also supports MQA technology.

Listeners can choose to upsample lower-resolution PCM streams and select from five DAC reconstruction filter settings to tailor the sound to their preferences.

ESS DAC

Under the hood, the 9000N has a quad-core Arm Cortex-A53 chip for efficient operation, alongside ESS Technology’s ES9038PRO DAC. The DAC channels are fully utilised to reduce noise and distortion.

XLR OUTPUTS

Audiolab’s linear power supply with a 50VA toroidal transformer ensures clean power delivery. The post-DAC analogue circuitry, featuring balanced topology, further enhances signal quality, with XLR outputs completing the chain.

AUDIOLAB 9000N MINIMALIST LOOKS

The 9000N’s design is both elegant and functional, with a minimalist front panel featuring rotary controls and a 4.3-inch colour IPS LCD screen displaying album artwork and various information. The rear panel offers a range of connections, including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, analogue, and digital outputs.

AUDIOLAB 9000N NETWORK PLAYER SPECIFICATIONS

Streaming system High-end Linux-based platform

Native streaming service support Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, Quobuz, TuneIn Radio

Additional platform support Roon Ready, AirPlay 2, UPnP/DLNA

App features Intelligent search, comprehensive playlist creation and file organisation features

Network connectivity Wi-Fi, Ethernet cable

USB inputs USB-B (PC/Mac), USB-A (USB storage)

Outputs XLR (balanced), RCA (single-ended), S/PDIF (optical, coaxial)

DAC ES9038PRO with proprietary power supply and post-DAC circuitry

Max file resolution 32-bit/768kHz PCM, DSD512 (native DSF/DiFF and DoP)

MQA support Full decoding to 384kHz, core decode, passthrough

Digital filter settings 2x linear phase, 2x minimum phase, 1x hybrid

Upsampling Optional to 352.8kHz or 384kHz

Display 4.3in IPS LCD, full colour with album art support

Dimensions, net weight 444x89x333cm (WxHxD), 6.2kg

AUDIOLAB 9000N PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

The Audiolab 9000N network streamer is available from mid-September in a choice of black or silver, at an RRP of £2,499 inc. VAT. Outside the UK, the 9000N’s suggested retail price in the USA, Australia and Europe is $3,499, $5,499 and €2,799 respectively.

HiFi PiG Says: The perfect addition to the Audiolab 9000 flagship range of components.