Audiolab 9000N
Network player by Audiolab equipped with a 32-bit ESS Sabre ES9038Pro DAC, for streaming digital music with high-precision sound conversion.
Description
The Audiolab 9000N is a network player designed to stream digital music via a streaming connection. It incorporates a reference digital-to-analogue converter, the 32-bit ESS Sabre ES9038Pro, responsible for converting the digital signal into an analogue signal before sound reproduction. The unit can also function as an external DAC for a computer, thanks to its dedicated USB input.
The heart of the unit rests on this ES9038Pro DAC, whose measured total harmonic distortion is below 0.001% at 1 kHz at 2.05 Vrms. The signal-to-noise ratio exceeds 116 dB on the RCA output and 120 dB on the XLR output, two figures reflecting very low background noise and therefore a quiet backdrop conducive to hearing the finest nuances. Frequency response is stated as ±0.5 dB between 20 Hz and 20 kHz, ensuring consistent reproduction across the entire audible spectrum.
In terms of formats, the 9000N accepts PCM up to 768 kHz / 32 bits as well as native DSD up to DSD512, in addition to lossless formats such as FLAC and compressed formats such as MP3. This versatility allows it to handle files from personal libraries as well as high-resolution network streams.
On the connectivity front, the unit offers a pair of RCA outputs, an optical digital output, as well as a PC-type USB input for use as an external DAC. The digital output voltage is 500 mV ± 50 mVpp, with an output impedance of 120 Ω, while the variable output voltage ranges from 0 to 2.05 V.
This network player is aimed at enthusiasts wishing to add a high-performance digital link to an existing hi-fi system, particularly those already owning an analogue amplifier or preamplifier fitted with RCA inputs. Its ability to serve as an external DAC for a computer also makes it a sensible choice for anyone looking to improve the sound quality of a USB-connected digital source.
Technical specifications
| Digital to analogue converter | 32-bit ESS Sabre ES9038Pro |
| Analogue outputs | 1 pair RCA |
| Digital outputs | 1 × optical |
| Inputs | 1 × network (streaming) |
| Digital output voltage | 500 mV ± 50 mVpp |
| Output impedance | 120 Ω |
| Frequency response | ±0.5 dB (20 Hz - 20 kHz, ref. 1 kHz) |
| Maximum sampling frequency | 768 kHz / 32 bits |
| Variable output voltage | 0 - 2.05 V |
| Total harmonic distortion | < 0.001% (1 kHz @ 2.05 Vrms) |
| Signal to noise ratio (A weighted) | > 116 dB (RCA), > 120 dB (XLR) |
| Lossless DSD formats | DSF (DSD) |
| Lossless PCM formats | FLAC |
| Lossy compressed formats | MP3 |
| Supported PCM sampling frequencies | 44.1 kHz to 768 kHz |
| Supported DSD sampling frequencies | DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DSD512 (native) |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 444 × 89 × 333 mm |
| Weight | 6.2 kg (net), 8 kg (gross) |
| Standby power consumption | < 0.5 W |
| Box dimensions (W × H × D) | 514 × 470 × 161 mm |
What to check before buying used
Check that the network module (Wi-Fi/Ethernet) properly recognises your router and that the associated control app is still up to date, as an old firmware version can block access to certain streaming services. Also check that all inputs and outputs, particularly the USB and optical port, work without dropouts or unwanted noise. The ES9038Pro DAC does not wear out under normal use, but a unit left without updates for a long time may require a full reset to regain compatibility with the latest PCM and DSD formats.
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