AUDIOLAB D9

Available from July

The Audiolab D9 marks a significant step forward in the world of digital-to-analogue conversion, embodying years of experience and innovation developed by the British brand since the days of the iconic M-DAC. Building on the technical and sonic legacy of the M-DAC+ series, the D9 sets a new benchmark for precision, detail, and transparency, delivering performance that meets the demands of the most discerning audiophiles and audio professionals. At the heart of this converter lies the ESS Sabre32 ES9038PRO chip, a 32-bit reference-class solution known for its outstanding signal-to-noise ratio, ultra-low distortion, and wide dynamic range. Thanks to the integration of HyperStream II architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator technology, every musical detail is reproduced with exceptional clarity, creating a three-dimensional soundstage that remains faithful to the original recording.

The D9’s high-resolution capabilities are reflected in its support for PCM signals up to 32-bit / 768 kHz, DSD up to DSD512, and full MQA decoding, allowing for master-quality playback from streaming services or local files. Audiolab’s meticulous implementation of the ESS DAC also offers five selectable reconstruction filters, enabling users to tailor the sonic response according to the source material or their system preferences. For those who seek maximum control, the device also allows for digital signal upsampling to 352.8 or 384 kHz, further enhancing musical nuances and texture.

Beyond being a high-end DAC, the D9 serves as an extremely versatile digital hub. It features two coaxial and two optical S/PDIF inputs, a USB port for external drives, and an AES/EBU input for professional audio systems, while coaxial and optical outputs support digital system expansion. USB HDD playback and Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity with aptX HD and LDAC codecs complete the feature set, enabling high-resolution wireless streaming from smartphones and tablets with ease.

The D9’s analogue stage is engineered to preserve signal integrity with meticulous precision, offering both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs to suit any hi-fi configuration. For headphone listening, it includes a powerful amplifier with current-feedback circuitry, capable of driving high-impedance models with authority and transparency, resulting in sound that is detailed, dynamic, and richly textured.

The D9's understated and elegant design is expressed through a full aluminium chassis that provides both durability and shielding against interference. The user experience is enhanced by a vibrant 2.8-inch colour IPS display, offering quick access to all settings, DAC filters, display options, and operational controls. Multilingual menus are available, and when playing from USB or Bluetooth sources, real-time playback information such as artist, album, track, file format, source, and elapsed time is clearly shown. The included remote control ensures complete ease of use from a distance, making daily operation both intuitive and satisfying.

With cutting-edge DAC architecture, a comprehensive feature set, and exceptional build and engineering quality, the Audiolab D9 redefines what’s possible in digital-to-analogue conversion—establishing itself as the centerpiece of a reference hi-fi system or as a stand-alone solution for those seeking pure, authentic, uncompromising sound.

Technical Specifications:

• DAC Converter: 32-bit ESS Sabre32 ES9038PRO
• Architecture: HyperStream II with Time Domain Jitter Eliminator
• Supported formats: PCM 32-bit/768kHz, DSD512, full MQA decoding
• Digital inputs: 2x coaxial S/PDIF, 2x optical S/PDIF, USB-B (PC), AES/EBU
• Wireless connectivity: Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD and LDAC
• Analogue outputs: Balanced XLR, RCA, dedicated headphone output
• Output level: 2.05Vrms (RCA), 4.1Vrms (XLR)
• THD: <0.001% (1kHz @ 0dBFS)
• S/N ratio: >118dB (RCA), >123dB (XLR)
• Display: 2.8″ colour IPS with 480×640 resolution
• DAC filters: 5 selectable reconstruction filters
• Headphone amplifier: Load impedance 20–600 ohms, THD <0.01%
• Dimensions: 315 x 277 x 88.3 mm
• Weight: 4.2 kg
• Finish: Available in Black and Silver
• Accessories: Power cable, remote control, user manual