Audiolab D9 DAC

Audiolab D9 DAC and Headphone Amplifier at Vinyl Sound Buffalo NY USA The D9 is a reference-class DAC and headphone amplifier from Audiolab (Cambridge, England), available at Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, NY, USA. Successor to the legendary M-DAC and M-DAC+ lineage, the D9 represents Audiolab's return to the standalone DAC after nearly a decade, arriving as the brand's most accomplished digital converter to date. At its core is the ESS Technology ES9038PRO 32-bit DAC, the flagship eight-channel Sabre32 chip, implemented with Audiolab's proprietary master clock, linear power supply with toroidal transformer, discrete voltage regulators, and Class A post-DAC filter, delivering a signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 123dB (A-weighted, XLR) and THD below 0.001% at 1kHz. Supporting PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz, DSD512, full MQA decoding, Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD and LDAC, AES/EBU input, and a current-feedback headphone amplifier rated for 20-600 ohm loads, the D9 is both a versatile digital hub and a high-fidelity statement piece, finished in an all-aluminium chassis with a 2.8-inch full-colour IPS display. ESS Sabre32 ES9038PRO: Eight-Channel Reference DAC Implementation The ES9038PRO is ESS Technology's flagship DAC chipset, and its eight-channel architecture is the key differentiator that separates the D9 from more common two-channel implementations. Audiolab uses all eight channels to construct a fully balanced stereo signal path, assigning four channels per side to reduce correlated noise through inherent averaging of the multiple converters. Combined with Audiolab's HyperStream II architecture exploitation and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator, the implementation achieves ultra-low phase noise and timing accuracy that preserves the three-dimensional spatial information embedded in high-resolution recordings. The result is a measured THD of less than 0.001% at 1kHz and a noise floor more than 123dB below the signal level on the balanced XLR output. Five selectable DAC reconstruction filters allow users to adjust the transient response and high-frequency rolloff characteristics of the converter to suit their system and source material, and an optional upsampling mode processes digital audio to 352.8kHz or 384kHz to allow the DAC to operate further from its transition band for a more relaxed filter response. Linear Power Supply with Toroidal Transformer and Discrete Regulation Unlike many DACs at this level that use switching power supplies, the D9 is built around a high-quality linear power supply anchored by a low-noise toroidal transformer. Multiple discrete voltage regulators service each section of the circuitry independently, preventing noise generated in one stage from propagating into adjacent circuits. This architecture mirrors what Audiolab deploys in the flagship 9000 Series components and is a primary reason the D9 achieves its measured noise floor. The Class A post-DAC active filter that follows the ES9038PRO ensures that the analogue output signal is shaped and buffered by a topology that operates entirely within its linear region, avoiding the crossover distortion associated with Class AB or switching output stages. Combined with the all-aluminium chassis that shields internal circuitry from external electromagnetic interference, the D9's power and analogue architecture directly contribute to the measured performance figures rather than being merely cosmetic engineering decisions. Current-Feedback Headphone Amplifier The D9 incorporates a dedicated current-feedback headphone amplifier section with a 2.35-ohm output impedance, compatible with headphones from 20 to 600 ohms. Current-feedback topology offers a fundamentally faster slew rate and wider bandwidth than conventional voltage-feedback designs, which benefits transient response and high-frequency extension when driving demanding full-size planar magnetic or dynamic headphones. Measured THD from the headphone output is below 0.01% at 1kHz at 50mW, and the high slew rate characteristic means the amplifier does not compress or round off rapid signal transitions in complex musical passages. The headphone output is independent of the analogue outputs, allowing the D9 to drive headphones and feed a preamplifier or integrated amplifier simultaneously from the same source. Connectivity and High-Resolution Format Support The D9 supports every major digital input format in a single chassis. The PC USB input (USB Type-B) accepts PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD up to DSD512 (22.5MHz) from Windows and Mac computers. The two coaxial and two optical S/PDIF inputs handle PCM up to 192kHz, while the AES/EBU balanced digital input adds professional-grade connectivity for studio equipment and high-end network players. A USB Type-A port supports direct playback from USB hard drives and flash drives with MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC, and APE compatibility at up to 96kHz. Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD and LDAC enables high-resolution wireless streaming from smartphones and computers, with LDAC supporting up to 990kbps over Bluetooth for near-lossless wireless delivery. Digital outputs including coaxial and optical S/PDIF allow the D9 to function as a digital switcher and reclocker, feeding other DACs or processors downstream. Two 12V trigger outputs integrate the D9 into automated system control environments. Key Features ESS Technology ES9038PRO 32-Bit DAC: Eight-channel Sabre32 flagship chipset with HyperStream II architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator, deployed in a fully balanced stereo configuration for maximum noise rejection and dynamic range. SNR over 123dB (XLR), THD below 0.001%: Reference-class measured performance from the balanced output, with 4.1Vrms XLR output level and 2.05Vrms RCA output level at 0dBFS. Full MQA Decoding: Complete MQA unfolding and rendering from PC USB, coaxial, and optical inputs for authenticated master-quality playback from Tidal and local MQA files. PCM 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512 Support: Highest-resolution playback over PC USB, with 192kHz maximum over coaxial and optical S/PDIF. Roon Tested Certification: Confirmed compatible with Roon audio management software for seamless integration into Roon-based system ecosystems. Five Selectable DAC Reconstruction Filters: User-adjustable digital filter modes allow fine-tuning of transient sharpness and high-frequency rolloff to match system character and source material. Upsampling to 352.8kHz or 384kHz: Optional upsampling mode processes incoming digital audio to high multiples of the base sampling rate for a relaxed filter transition band and enhanced musical detail retrieval. Linear Power Supply with Toroidal Transformer: High-quality linear regulation with a low-noise toroidal transformer and multiple discrete regulators per circuit section, matching the architecture of the Audiolab 9000 Series. Class A Post-DAC Active Filter: Pure Class A buffering and filtering between the DAC chip and analogue outputs eliminates crossover distortion from the analogue signal path. Current-Feedback Headphone Amplifier: High slew rate, wide bandwidth amplifier for 20-600 ohm headphones, with 2.35-ohm output impedance and THD below 0.01% at 50mW. Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD and LDAC: High-resolution wireless streaming with Sony LDAC support for up to 990kbps over Bluetooth from Android and other LDAC-equipped devices. AES/EBU Balanced Digital Input: Professional-grade XLR digital input for network players, disc transports, and studio equipment using the AES3 interface standard. USB HDD Playback: Direct file playback from USB hard drives and flash drives without a computer, supporting MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC, and APE formats up to 96kHz. Coaxial and Optical Digital Outputs: S/PDIF digital outputs allow the D9 to feed downstream DACs, processors, or recording equipment in the digital domain. 2.8-Inch Full-Colour IPS Display: 480x640 resolution colour screen with real-time audio meter modes, input and format readout, artist and track information for USB HDD and Bluetooth sources, and multilingual menu support. Two 12V Trigger Outputs: Low-voltage trigger outputs for automated system switching with compatible amplifiers and processors. All-Aluminium Chassis: Full aluminium enclosure provides electromagnetic shielding and structural rigidity, finished in black or silver. Technical Specifications DAC Chip ESS Technology ES9038PRO (32-bit, 8-channel) Output Level (0dBFS, 1kHz) 2.05Vrms (RCA) / 4.1Vrms (XLR) THD (DAC Output) <0.001% (1kHz @ 0dBFS) Signal-to-Noise Ratio >118dB A-weighted (RCA) / >123dB A-weighted (XLR) Frequency Response 20Hz - 20kHz (+/-0.1dB) Max PC USB Sampling Rate PCM 32-bit/768kHz; DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DSD512 Max Optical / Coaxial Rate PCM 192kHz Max USB HDD Rate 96kHz MQA Full decoder (PC USB, Coaxial, Optical) DAC Reconstruction Filters 5 selectable Upsampling 352.8kHz or 384kHz Headphone THD <0.01% (1kHz, 50mW) Headphone Output Impedance 2.35 ohm Headphone Load Impedance 20 - 600 ohm Digital Inputs 2 x Coaxial S/PDIF, 2 x Optical S/PDIF, 1 x PC USB (Type-B), 1 x USB HDD (Type-A), 1 x AES/EBU, 1 x Bluetooth 5.1 (aptX HD / LDAC) Analogue Outputs 1 x RCA, 1 x XLR (balanced) Digital Outputs 1 x Coaxial S/PDIF, 1 x Optical S/PDIF Other Outputs 1 x Headphone (6.3mm), 2 x 12V Trigger Display 2.8-inch full-colour IPS LCD, 480x640 resolution USB HDD Formats MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC, APE Standby Power <0.5W Dimensions (W x H x D) 277 x 88.3 x 315mm Net Weight 4.2 kg Finish Black or Silver (all-aluminium chassis) Power Requirements 100-120V or 220-240V ~ 50/60Hz Accessories Included Power cord, remote control, user manual Connections at a Glance 2 x Coaxial S/PDIF digital inputs 2 x Optical S/PDIF digital inputs 1 x PC USB input (Type-B, up to 768kHz PCM / DSD512) 1 x USB HDD input (Type-A) 1 x AES/EBU balanced digital input 1 x Bluetooth 5.1 (aptX HD / LDAC) 1 x RCA analogue output 1 x XLR balanced analogue output 1 x Headphone output (6.3mm front panel) 1 x Coaxial S/PDIF digital output 1 x Optical S/PDIF digital output 2 x 12V trigger outputs Full-function remote control included Frequently Asked Questions What is the Audiolab D9? The Audiolab D9 is a reference-class 32-bit DAC and headphone amplifier built around the ESS Technology ES9038PRO eight-channel Sabre32 chip, with a linear power supply, toroidal transformer, Class A post-DAC filter, and current-feedback headphone amplifier stage. It supports PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz, DSD512, full MQA decoding, Bluetooth 5.1 with LDAC, AES/EBU input, five selectable DAC reconstruction filters, optional upsampling to 384kHz, and delivers over 123dB SNR from its balanced XLR output. Available in black or silver, it is the spiritual successor to the award-winning Audiolab M-DAC and M-DAC+ and is Roon Tested certified. How does the Audiolab D9 compare to the iFi Neo iDSD 2 or Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M? The Audiolab D9 occupies a higher performance tier than both the iFi Neo iDSD 2 and Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M through its use of the full eight-channel ES9038PRO flagship DAC chip versus the two-channel implementations found in competing products at lower price points, its linear toroidal power supply with discrete regulation per circuit section, and its measured SNR of over 123dB on the balanced output. While the iFi Neo iDSD 2 offers sound-shaping features like XBass and XSpace along with balanced outputs, and the DacMagic 200M delivers strong value with dual ESS DAC chips for improved channel separation, neither product includes the D9's AES/EBU professional input, five selectable reconstruction filters, upsampling capability, LDAC Bluetooth, direct USB HDD playback, or digital S/PDIF outputs. The D9 is also Roon Tested, placing it a level above both competitors for users already invested in the Roon ecosystem. What is the difference between aptX HD and LDAC on the Audiolab D9? Both aptX HD and LDAC are high-resolution Bluetooth audio codecs supported by the D9's Bluetooth 5.1 receiver, but they operate at different maximum bitrates and are associated with different device ecosystems. aptX HD, developed by Qualcomm, transmits audio at up to 576kbps and is supported by a wide range of Android smartphones and Bluetooth transmitters. LDAC, developed by Sony and now part of the Android Open Source Project, transmits at up to 990kbps in its highest quality mode, which is nearly twice the bitrate of aptX HD and can carry 24-bit/96kHz audio over a Bluetooth connection. For the highest wireless resolution from a compatible Android device, LDAC is the preferred codec, while aptX HD provides excellent compatibility across a broader range of source devices. What does full MQA decoding mean on the Audiolab D9? Full MQA decoding means the D9 performs all stages of MQA unfolding internally, from the initial software decode through to the final hardware rendering stage that takes place within the DAC chip itself. This delivers an authenticated MQA stream that has been verified by the originating studio, ensuring the playback represents the closest possible reconstruction of what the mastering engineer heard. Full MQA decoding is available over the PC USB, coaxial, and optical S/PDIF inputs. The D9 is also Roon Tested, meaning it works within the Roon audio platform where Roon can perform the first unfold of MQA before passing the signal to the D9 for final rendering. Can the Audiolab D9 be used as a preamplifier? The D9 provides fixed-level RCA and XLR analogue outputs rather than a variable-level preamp output with volume control, so it functions as a DAC feeding a downstream integrated amplifier or preamplifier rather than replacing a preamp in a traditional sense. Its two 12V trigger outputs integrate it with compatible amplifiers for automated system switching, and its digital S/PDIF outputs allow it to feed a second DAC or digital processor. For headphone listening, its current-feedback headphone amplifier drives 20-600 ohm headphones directly from the front panel 6.3mm jack, independent of the main analogue outputs. Where can I buy the Audiolab D9 in Buffalo, NY or the USA? The Audiolab D9 is available at Vinyl Sound, located in Buffalo, NY, USA. Vinyl Sound is an authorized Audiolab dealer carrying the D9 alongside a curated selection of high-fidelity source components, amplifiers, and speakers, and can provide guidance on system integration, cable selection, and pairing advice for the D9 within a full hi-fi or desktop audio setup. What headphones work best with the Audiolab D9? The D9's current-feedback headphone amplifier is rated for headphone impedances between 20 and 600 ohms, covering the full range from low-impedance planar magnetic headphones such as the Audeze LCD-X and HiFiMan Arya to high-impedance dynamic drivers like the Sennheiser HD 800 S and Beyerdynamic DT 880 at 600 ohms. The 2.35-ohm output impedance ensures a damping factor sufficient to control the driver motion of sensitive in-ear monitors while retaining enough drive capability for demanding full-size headphones. The wide bandwidth and high slew rate of the current-feedback topology benefit planar magnetic transducers in particular, where speed and control of the large, low-mass diaphragm is critical to preserving transient accuracy and bass detail. Is the Audiolab D9 Roon compatible? Yes, the Audiolab D9 is Roon Tested certified, meaning it has been verified by Roon Labs to work correctly as a USB DAC output within the Roon audio platform. When connected to a Roon Core via the PC USB input, the D9 appears as a recognized endpoint and benefits from Roon's DSP engine, volume leveling, and signal path display. In this configuration, Roon can perform the first MQA unfold before passing the stream to the D9 for final hardware rendering, enabling full end-to-end MQA playback through Roon and Tidal.