Audiolab 9000: Pre & Power Houses
Audiolab 9000Q Preamplifier
9000Q Pre Amplifier
Audiolab 9000Q offers a vast array of input options. It welcomes both analog and digital sources, featuring three line-level AUX inputs, a balanced XLR stereo pair, and a dedicated phono input to pair with its high-performance phono preamplifier.
On the digital front, the 9000Q is equally well-equipped, providing two coaxial and optical inputs a piece, both supporting high-resolution audio up to 192kHz/24-bit. Additionally, it boasts a Bluetooth 5.1 receiver for quick, effortless streaming functionality and a PC USB input that allows for a mind-splitting 768kHz and up to DSD 512.
Like 9000A, HDMI ARC is notably absent from Audiolab’s all-new pre, and for good reason. At the heart of the 9000Q and 9000P lies a commitment to audiophile-grade, two-channel stereo listening—a philosophy that prioritises a pure, high-fidelity sound over those more convenience-driven features.
While many users rely on their smart TVs to stream not just movies and series but also music from major streaming services, a dedicated music streamer is the expected choice at this level of high-performance audio. The 9000Q is built for higher-quality sources and superior connections, favouring coaxial, optical, or balanced XLR over the compromises of HDMI ARC.
And when 9000 series is boasting such a renowned network streamer anyway, the 9000N, a product of the year winner at What Hi-Fi and Hi-Fi News and Pursuit Perfect System, its tough to imagine streaming any other way. And it’s the streamer I used when writing this piece. And it was wild.
KEY FEATURES
Audiolab 9000Q Preamplifier
DAC UPGRADES
While it does employ the same DAC as 9000A, 9000Q improves the implementation. How and with what? We’re not sure, really. Audiolab doesn’t offer any details. And to be honest, there’s no fair way to compare it against 9000A. 9000Q has better quality circuitry and overall circuit topology –– plus it’s removed from the power amp stage, so it was always going to sound better. And it did. It very clearly did. As for the specific DAC improvements themselves, we’ll just have to take their word for it.
MM PHONO
However, its enhanced MM Phono input is the direct result of a new single stage Class-A circuit. This is a very tangible, concrete upgrade over 9000A –– something we can point our finger at and say, ah yes, I see. And the results are significant. I A-B tested 9000A against 9000Q –– again, it’s not an Apples to Apples comparison because of all the aforementioned benefits to 9000Q, but my experience with the Dual 618Q with Ortofon 2M Blue was far superior through the separate pre.
TONE CONTROLS
The introduction of tone controls! God, I feel like Andrew Robinson is going to be over the moon with this new feature from Audiolab. It’s perhaps his biggest pet peeve from the Audiolab line, a line he loves very dearly. But 9000Q comes to the rescue, incorporating new tone controls for treble and bass adjustment, accessible via the menu, and with a range of +/-6dB in 2dB steps. This’ll take care of any room EQ issues you may need to address – or just your personal preferences.
DIRECT PATH CONFIGURATION
There’s Direct Path Configuration, which is a direct path from input to output, only passing through the 4-channel analogue Volume Control. This feature ensures that the signal takes the most direct and uncluttered route from the input (e.g., XLR or RCA) to the output, bypassing unnecessary circuitry. And it does make a noticeable difference to detail, clarity, space around instruments. Things of that nature. I always used this when streaming with the 9000N.
Audiolab 9000Q Preamplifier & Audiolab 9000P Power Amplifier
What is 4-Channel Analogue Volume Control
As for the 4-channel analogue Volume Control, well that was something I had to do some research on. I had no idea what it was. For those who do –– go ahead and skip the next thirty seconds, but for those who don’t here’s why it matters.
9000Q utilises an analogue volume control because using digital volume control can reduce bit depth and dynamic range when lowering the volume –– not great.
And its four-channel because it can independently adjust the left and right signals for both the positive (+) and negative (–) phases in a balanced system.
In a balanced audio system, each stereo channel (left and right) is represented by two signals:
- A positive phase signal (+).
- A negative phase signal (–).
- For stereo audio (two channels: left and right), you therefore have four signals in total:
And a 4-channel volume control adjusts the level of all four signals simultaneously and with equal precision, ensuring perfect balance and alignment between the positive and negative phases of each channel.
I didn’t know this. It was a new thing for me to learn. It’s important. It’s a high-end addition. It matters. And now you know.
AV DIRECT OPTION
And last but not least there is an AV direct option. The AUX 3 input can be configured as a direct bypass for use with an AV receiver or processor.
Now, in this mode, volume control is bypassed, allowing the connected external device to handle volume adjustments.
Tons of listeners want both music and home theatre capability from the one system. And “AV Direct” very cleverly enables 9000Q to become part of home theatre systems, seamlessly integrating with the AV processor for multi-channel audio.
Audiolab 9000P Power Amplifier
POWER & PRECISION
There are a lot of similarities between 9000A and 9000P. And while they’re both rated at 100W per channel into 8ohms, via a discrete class AB design, 9000P does include an all-new and custom specified 320VA toroidal transformer. Like 9000A, it has a reservoir capacity of 4 x 15,000uF (60,000uF in total). And what that refers to is capacitance. The higher the reservoir capacitance (measured in uF or Microfarad) the more energy storage the amplifier has to handle dynamic peaks in music without losing detail or distorting, directly corresponding to
- Better bass control
- Greater dynamic range
- More headroom
- And cleaner, more stable sound reproduction.
So, needless to say, it’s certainly important.
What 9000Q also shares with 9000A is Audiolab’s standard CFB (Complementary Feedback) topology, a circuit design used to enhance linearity, efficiency, and thermal stability.
Basically, it ensures that the amplifier operates consistently across different power loads and temperatures by keeping the idle current independent of the temperature of the output transistors.
Why Should You Care?
- More Accurate Sound Reproduction: Well, CFB topology ensures superior linearity, meaning the amplifier delivers a clean, distortion-free signal across all volume levels. This results in a more natural, transparent sound with minimal coloration.
- Consistent Performance, Even Under Load: By keeping the idle current stable, the amplifier avoids performance drift due to heat buildup—a common issue in traditional amplifier designs. This means the sound remains consistent whether you’re listening at low volumes or pushing the amp to its limits.
- Improved Reliability & Longevity: Thermal stability prevents overheating, reducing wear and tear on components. This makes the amplifier more durable and ensures long-term performance stability.
Audiolab 9000Q Preamplifier & Audiolab 9000P Power Amplifier
STEREO OR MONO. YOUR CHOICE.
One of the coolest features of 9000P is its bridged-mode functionality, giving you the ability to convert this 100W stereo power amplifier into a 300W monoblock that can be paired with a second 9000P for a colossal 600W into 8 ohms.
This type of flexibility allows listeners to start with a single stereo power amplifier for dedicated pre-power performance. And then once they’re ready, switching to bridge mode and adding a second 9000P – tripling their power output for even greater dynamics, headroom, and speaker control.
So for those who crave high-end amplification with future-proof flexibility, the 9000P delivers.
9000A VS. 9000P&Q COMBO
When comparing 9000A against the 9000Q/9000P pre-power combo, I used three sources:
- 9000N Network Streamer via XLR
- Dual CS 618Q turntable into respective MM phono inputs
- iPad via PC USB streaming Spotify
Testing Spotify via PC USB was mainly to see if Tidal Connect, like Spotify Connect, would allow me to pass the stream from phone to iPad—potentially offering a more affordable workaround for Hi-Res streaming without a network player.
In theory, this should’ve worked. But Tidal didn’t allow the pass-off, and the iPad inexplicably downsampled Hi-Res Tidal streams to 44.1kHz. Apple Music, on the same setup, has previously given me full 192kHz, so I’m unsure why this happened—could be Tidal, could be a setting I missed. I’ll update you if I figure it out.
Spotify, however, worked flawlessly. Despite the resolution limitations, through either 9000A or the Pre-Power combo—paired with Wharfedale Elysian 1 speakers—it sounded seriously good.
Take that how you will. Tidal and Qobuz might be the preferred audiophile choice, but Spotify still sounds seriously good on a seriously good system. Is it flawless? Nope. But it is good.
Speaking of the speakers, I chose the Elysian 1 for their high-end performance and 89dB sensitivity. While they don’t need tons of power to perform, they scale beautifully with better amplification—making them ideal for revealing differences between these setups.
Three difference configurations using 9000Q-9000P-9000N-9000A
DIFFERENT CONFIGURATIONS
With the 9000 series components at my disposal, I had three possible system configurations:
- 9000A with the 9000N / 618Q Turntable
- 9000Q/P combo with the 9000N / 618Q Turntable
- 9000N connected directly to the 9000P
If streaming is your sole focus, you can skip the preamp entirely—pairing the 9000N with the 9000P—and add a preamp later if you want to expand your setup with a turntable, CD player, or other sources.
SO WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES?
Monetarily, 9000A is the most affordable option, but the 9000Q/P combo is sold at a discounted price when purchased together—both in Australia and the UK. Essentially, for about 25-30% more than the 9000A, you get the separate pre/power setup.
"The key question isn’t whether the 9000Q/P combo sounds better—it unquestionably does. The real debate is: Is it 25-30% better?"
WHAT DOES 9000Q/P DELIVER THAT 9000A DOESN’T?
Beyond improved sound performance, five key features set the 9000Q/P combo apart:
- Tone Controls – Useful for tailoring EQ to personal preferences, a feature more common at this price level.
- Upgraded MM Phono Preamp – A clear improvement over 9000A, though still MM-only. Serious MC listeners often prefer external phono stages, so why upgrade the internal MM? Hard to say, but it’s better—and it makes a difference.
- AV Direct – Seamlessly integrate home theatre into your dedicated two-channel setup.
- Direct Path Configuration – A major upgrade, delivering noticeable improvements in clarity and detail.
- Bridge Mode Functionality – Add a second 9000P for triple the power and vastly superior audio. While you could pair 9000A with dual 9000Ps, it’s pricier and lacks the refinement and extra features of 9000Q.
WHAT DOES 9000A DELIVER THAT THE COMBO DOESN’T?
Savings!
Cost savings and space savings.
- The unit itself is less expensive, but you’re also not dishing out for expensive interconnects either. And there’s a lot to like about the minimalist approach of a one-box wonder. While 9000A isn’t exactly an all-in-one, it’s a lot closer. And when playing the game of separates, those boxes stack up fast.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES IN SOUND QUALITY
“Your Power” by Billie Eilish is all about intimacy and restraint. Production is minimal yet incredibly revealing, which makes it ideal for evaluating things like detail retrieval, transient response, and natural acoustic decay.
Billie’s vocals are the star of the show here. There’s this whispered, close-mic’d delivery that’s filled with breathy details, vocal fry, and slight inflections. So, it’s the perfect test for midrange accuracy. The higher the resolution of your system, the more eerily present Billie becomes, singing just inches away from your face.
But the acoustic guitar plays a central role, too, with delicate fingerpicking patterns and natural wood resonance that challenge a system’s ability to render plucking transients and – most especially – harmonic decay.
The most significant distinction between 9000A and the Pre/Power combo – I found – was Billie’s presence. Billie is so damn present using the separate pre/power setup that I’m practically swimming in her vocal delivery. She is right there, front and centre, with a degree of three-dimensionality that’s honestly breathtaking to listen to.
But when I switch over to 9000A, everything closes in a little. Billie moves further back. The acoustic guitar that occupies a soft, spread-out field behind her narrows in. Everything just narrows a touch and I’m no longer swimming through this track.
Additionally, that acoustic, harmonic decay that just feather’s out so beautifully with the separate pre/power combo is cut short by 9000A. Now the A in no way removes this effect altogether. It’s still very much there. It’s just that in the pre-power setup you get so much more.
And so the question here is why? And that’s because one of the most revealing aspects of Your Power is its use of negative space—silence is as important as sound. A good system will present an inky-black background, allowing microdetails to emerge naturally and sustain.
9000Q and P are better with natural acoustic decay because the noise floor is substantially reduced. That’s one of the great benefits of separates is that reduced noise floor so that the smaller things come through.
OTHER TRACKS
Now, I obviously listened to a ton of music through these setups that revealed vastly improved dynamic response. Bass response. Detail retrieval and the like. All things you would expect the separates setup to give you over an integrated.
But it is interesting that such stark differences can be revealed with just one quaint little Billie Eilish track, right.
Audiolab 9000Q Preamplifier - 9000P Power Amplifier - Leak Sandwich 250
THE VERDICT
So, with the five additional features and the significant sound improvements over 9000A, is the new 9000 Series Pre/Power combo worth that extra 25-30% price jump?
And to that I would answer… absolutely. Without hesitation.
But there are of course caveats:
- If 100W is all you’re ever gonna want and the fewer boxes the better, 9000A is your amp. The sound quality is breathtaking. The inbuilt MM phono stage will more than get the job done. You’re going to be content with this very serious integrated amp.
- But if climbing the never-ending heights of improved performance is the game you’ve choose to play – and, look, this is the game most of us want to play – then you have a choice to make. The 9000P-Q combo at that reduced price or the 9000P and the 9000N Network Streamer.
Now, you need to bear in mind that the RRP on 9000N is just shy of the reduced pre-power combo price, so it’s by no means a more affordable option. But if streaming is all you’re interested in, this is the ultimate for sound performance.
You’re going straight from source to amplification – the most direct signal path available. My only question is whether the 9000N volume control is digital or analogue? I couldn’t find any details about this at the time of making this video. We have reached out to Audiolab. I will follow it up with answers in the description when I get them.