Audiolab has over forty years of audiophile experience. They make high-end audio components that blend modern digital, with state-of-the-art analogue features. Furthermore, studio master quality playback is now available with MQA. The range includes CD players, audio streamers as well as loudspeakers. Additionally, they make multi-driver earbuds that feature up to four, tiny balanced armature drivers. Finally, they also make DC blockers, or mains conditioning units, that will ensure the mains fed to your audio components is as clean as possible.
About Audiolab
Audiolab was formed in the early 1980s. Consequently, they rapidly earned acclaim with the 8000A amplifier. This unit became a classic, offering a step up from the budget amps of the time. The 8000A became one of the most successful British amplifiers of all time. Gradually, more components were introduced, such as CD player’s pre/power amps and an FM tuner.
In 2010 the 8200 series came out. This range is now superseded by the 8300 series. Notably, these are full-width components. The Audiolab ethos encompasses simple well-constructed units with transparent sound.
2011 saw the release of the M-DAC. This is a stand-alone DAC in a small form factor. Since then Audiolab has won many major awards in UK Hi-Fi magazines.
Audiolab 9000A
The Audiolab 9000A is a versatile, do-it-all amplifier with masses of connectivity. Audiophiles of all persuasions will find something to like. Connectivity is good with wireless inputs as well as Analogue inputs. Additionally there is an all new phono stage to give that class leading Audiolab sound.
Digital display screen
The 9000A has a fully featured LCD screen. As a result, clear information is given for playback settings, as well as source and file names. Additionally there are a host of menu options. The display can also be used as either an analogue VU meter or a bar display. There is also a display off setting, in which the unit becomes a sleek black box.
The most flexible Audiolab amplifier ever made.
The 9000A has premium D/A conversion as well as a long pedigree of analogue audio experience behind it. This hi-end, high-powered integrated unit, has four AUX inputs . Moreover, the analogue sections are class leading due to forty years of experience. Audiolab have many award-winning audio solutions to their credit. Moreover, there are also balanced XLR Inputs.
Finally, wireless connectivity is good. Bluetooth is provided along with a USB input for PC connection
State of the art DAC
The 9000A uses the ESS 9038PRO flagship 32-bit DAC chip. The latest ESS DAC features the critically acclaimed patented HyperStream® II architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator. This chip is used to make the highest quality DACs now available. A good partnership with the 9000A amplifier. Audiolab have been using ESS chips for many years. Consequently, they have perfected the integration of digital and analogue. As a result you get the best audiophile performance.
Good digital format support
A remarkable Four S/PDIF digital inputs are provided. Two coaxial and two optical. Notably, all the digital inputs can handle hi-res PCM data up to 24-bit/192kHz. There is also a range of filters that can be used to match to the source file.
Most audio formats are catered for, including FLAC, ALAC, AIFF and WAV, as well as compressed legacy formats.
Class AB power amplification
Class AB power amplifier modules deliver 100W into 8 Ohms. As a result this unit will drive the most demanding of loudspeakers.
All new phono stage.
The 9000A features an all new phono stage. It uses a JFET circuit for low noise. The circuit also has a very accurate RIAA response curve.
The 6000 range
The Audiolab 6000 series is a budget range of separates. They give premium level performance at an affordable price. The range includes an integrated amplifier, CD transport and network music player.
The 6000CDT
The 6000CDT is a CD transport that uses the same mechanism as the leading 8300CD player. This mechanism is extremely strong and reliable. Moreover, the player has a digital buffer to reduce disk reading errors. As a result it can play scratched and damaged CD’s without dropouts.
6000N Play
Latest in the 6000 series is is the 6000N Play. Notably, this wireless streaming player features DTS Play-Fi technology. Moreover, with Play-Fi you can stream from any device in high-resolution. That includes smart-phones, tablets or PCs as well as a network attached drive.
6000A Play
The audiolab 6000A Play is an integrated amplifier and streamer. It is a combination of the 6000A amplifier and the 6000N Play wireless audio streaming player. As a result this is an all-encompassing audio solution. Modern digital sources can be played without sacrficing the award winning analogue sections. Furthermore, the 6000A Play, can play anything.
The 8300
The ethos of the 8300 series is usability. Each component has been examined to produce a hi-fi system that is well ahead of the completion. Each unit is more efficient with the capability to play high-definition audio files. Moreover, Master Quality Authenticated studio files can now be played in their full glory.
The 8300CDQ CD player / DAC / preamplfier
The key component in the 8300 series is the 8300CDQ. This is a combined CD player, DAC and preamp with MQA capability. Master Quality Authenticated files deliver the sound of the original master recording. They are authenticated files that are small enough to stream effectively.
Analogue preamp
The 8300CDQ has a high quality analogue preamp. Additionally, there are no less than three auxiliary RCA inputs. The preamp has been kept simple to maintain signal purity. The circuit board has been carefully designed. This minimises noise and interference. Finally, there is a precision analogue volume stage.
M ear 2D
Audiolab also make an unusual, two driver, set of earbuds. There is also a version with four drivers. One for mid, one for high and two bass drivers. Both of the M-EAR earbuds use balanced armature drivers. These are different to the dynamic drivers usually used in earbuds. Balanced armature drivers use an audio signal to vibrate a tiny reed. As a result the reed moves an aluminium diaphragm to generate the sound. This type of driver is small enough to allow for several drivers in one earbud casing.
Consequently, The M-EAR earbuds deliver taught punchy bass, captivating midrange clarity and crisp clean High frequency detail.
See the Audiolab range on Audio affair