Reference-Class Digital Conversion with High-Resolution USB and Headphone Playback
The Audiolab D9 DAC Digital to Analog Converter and Headphone Amp is designed as a high-performance digital hub for serious two-channel and headphone systems. At its core is the ESS Sabre32 ES9038PRO, a reference-class 32-bit DAC that combines HyperStream II architecture with Time Domain Jitter Eliminator technology to deliver low distortion, wide dynamic range and precise conversion from a broad selection of digital sources.
The D9 supports PCM audio up to 768kHz and DSD512 through its USB-B computer input, while dual coaxial, dual optical and AES3/EBU inputs provide flexible connectivity for transports, streamers and other digital components. Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX, aptX HD and LDAC adds high-quality wireless playback, and both unbalanced RCA and balanced XLR analog outputs allow easy integration with integrated amplifiers, preamplifiers and active loudspeaker systems. A dedicated current-feedback headphone amplifier provides a complete standalone listening solution.
Highlights & Benefits
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ESS ES9038PRO Reference DAC — Audiolab's flagship-grade Sabre32 conversion platform is engineered for exceptional resolution, low distortion and wide dynamic range.
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PCM 768kHz & DSD512 via USB — The asynchronous USB-B input supports high-resolution computer audio up to 768kHz PCM and native DSD512.
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Balanced XLR & RCA Outputs — Connect the D9 to a wide variety of preamplifiers, integrated amplifiers and powered loudspeakers using either balanced or single-ended analog outputs.
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Bluetooth 5.1 with LDAC & aptX HD — Wireless playback supports LDAC, aptX and aptX HD for convenient high-quality streaming from compatible devices.
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Dedicated Current-Feedback Headphone Amplifier — Drives headphones from 20 to 600 ohms with wide bandwidth, high slew rate and low output impedance.
Technology & Design
ESS Sabre32 ES9038PRO Architecture — HyperStream II conversion and ESS Time Domain Jitter Eliminator technology are used to minimize digital timing errors while preserving fine detail, dynamics and spatial information.
High-Resolution USB Interface — The USB-B input supports PCM from 44.1kHz through 768kHz along with DSD64, DSD128, DSD256 and DSD512, making the D9 suitable for high-resolution computer-based playback.
Current-Feedback Headphone Stage — The dedicated headphone amplifier combines wide bandwidth with low 2.35-ohm output impedance and compatibility with headphone loads from 20 to 600 ohms.
2.8-Inch Full-Color IPS Display — The front-panel screen provides detailed access to source information, file formats, DAC filter settings, system functions and playback metadata where supported.
FAQ — Audiolab D9
What DAC chip does the Audiolab D9 use?
The D9 uses the ESS Sabre32 ES9038PRO 32-bit DAC, featuring HyperStream II architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator technology.
What high-resolution formats does the D9 support?
Through its USB-B computer input, the D9 supports PCM sample rates up to 768kHz along with DSD64, DSD128, DSD256 and DSD512. Optical and coaxial inputs support up to 192kHz PCM.
Can the Audiolab D9 drive headphones directly?
Yes. The D9 includes a dedicated current-feedback headphone amplifier designed for headphones with impedances from 20 to 600 ohms. Audiolab specifies less than 0.01% THD at 1kHz / 50mW and a 2.35-ohm output impedance.
Does the Audiolab D9 have balanced outputs?
Yes. The D9 provides both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analog outputs. Audiolab specifies a 4.1Vrms output level from the XLR connections and 2.05Vrms from the RCA outputs at 0dBFS / 1kHz.
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