Audiolab D9 DAC
The Audiolab D9 DAC represents a new era of audiophile-grade digital-to-analogue conversion, setting a new benchmark for performance and precision.
State-of-the-Art ESS Sabre32 DAC Technology
At the heart of the Audiolab D9 DAC lies the ESS Sabre32 ES9038PRO DAC, a 32-bit reference-class chipset renowned for its superior signal-to-noise performance, ultra-low distortion and wide dynamic range. This industry-leading DAC, combined with HyperStream® II architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator, ensures unparalleled detail, clarity, and precision, delivering audio fidelity that satisfies even the most discerning listeners.
High-Resolution Audio & Full MQA Decoding
The D9 is engineered to support the highest-resolution audio formats, making it the ideal choice for audiophiles and professionals alike, with PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz, DSD up to 22.5MHz (DSD512) and Full MQA Decoding – Authentic master-quality playback from streaming services or local files on PC or Mac.
Precision-Engineered Digital Processing
Developed through years of expert engineering, the HyperStream II architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator technology use an advanced clocking system to ensure timing accuracy with minimal phase noise. This results in a naturally accurate, three-dimensional soundstage, preserving the integrity of the original recording.
Further, Audiolab’s expert ESS implementation provides five selectable DAC reconstruction filters, allowing users to fine-tune the listening experience based on their system configuration and source material.
Users can also opt to upsample digital audio signals to 352.8kHz or 384kHz, using the expertly implemented DAC reconstruction filter settings. This allows the DAC to extract and revive intrinsic musical detail.
Unmatched Connectivity for Seamless Integration
The Audiolab D9 DAC is more than just a high-end DAC—it’s a versatile digital hub designed to accommodate the most versatile audio setups. It features 2x Coaxial and 2x Optical S/PDIF digital inputs, a USB Drive connection, and a new AES/EBU input for professional-grade systems. Coax and Optical S/PDIF Digital outputs also allow system expansion in the digital domain.
To ensure simplicity and enhanced performance, the D9 supports playback from USB HDD devices, and offers Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD and LDAC for hi-res wireless streaming from smart devices.
Premium Analogue Stage & Balanced Connectivity
The D9’s high-performance analogue section features balanced XLR and RCA outputs, providing a pristine signal path for integration into high-fidelity home systems and audiophile-grade environments. Fully Balanced XLR or RCA line-level outputs ensure premium signal integrity continues into the analogue domain.
Can-Jam
The Audiolab D9 DAC is a high-power headphone amplifier with current-feedback circuitry. It is designed for all headphone types and ensures exceptional clarity and drive. With wide bandwidth and a high slew rate performance, the D9 is a formidable headphone amplifier solution.
Premium Build, Intuitive Interface & Stunning Display
The Audiolab D9 is housed in a sleek all-aluminium chassis, ensuring both durability and shielding from external interference.
The D9’s feature-rich operation prioritises user experience, with a fully functional remote control and a vibrant 2.8” full-colour IPS display. The general user interface offers multilingual menus and Instant access to all functions, a level above rival models at this price point. It provides detailed visual access to DAC filter settings and functions, display options, and total control over every performance aspect. For USB HDD and Bluetooth sources, the display also offers a real-time readout of media file playback where applicable – artist, track, album, time, source, input and file formats are all visually represented.
A New Benchmark in Digital Audio Conversion
With its state-of-the-art DAC architecture, extensive feature set, and precision engineering, the Audiolab D9 redefines what’s possible in digital-to-analogue conversion. Whether as the centrepiece of a reference hi-fi system or a standalone audiophile DAC, the D9 delivers an uncompromising, true-to-source musical experience.
Key Features of the Audiolab D9 DAC
A Legacy of Excellence
Building on a history of award-winning DACs, the Audiolab D9 features the ES9038PRO Sabre32 DAC with HyperStream® II architecture and a Time Domain Jitter Eliminator, delivering crystal-clear, distortion-free sound with exceptional dynamics.
Versatile Connectivity
With AES/EBU, Coaxial, Optical, USB HDD, PC USB, and Bluetooth 5.1 (aptX HD & LDAC), the D9 ensures seamless high-resolution playback—both wired and wireless.
High-Resolution Audio
Supporting PCM 32-bit/768kHz, DSD512, and full MQA decoding, the D9 delivers studio-quality sound exactly as the artist intended.
Personalized Listening
Fine-tune your audio with Audiolab’s precision clocking and five selectable DAC filters for a customised listening experience.
Intuitive Display
A 2.8″ IPS screen provides clear visibility of settings, performance, and functions, ensuring effortless operation.
Superior Versatility
With balanced XLR, RCA outputs, and a high-power headphone amplifier, the D9 is a powerhouse for both speakers and headphones.
Why You Should Buy the Audiolab D9 DAC
The Audiolab D9 DAC isn’t just another digital converter — it’s the centrepiece your audio system deserves. Designed to deliver breathtaking detail and musical realism, the D9 transforms ordinary digital files into a rich, immersive listening experience. Its high-precision DAC architecture reveals every nuance in your music. At the same time, its built-in pre-amplifier adds versatility, letting you connect directly to a power amplifier like the Audiolab 9000P for a clean, powerful signal path.
Whether you’re streaming high-resolution audio or spinning CDs, the D9 brings warmth, depth, and clarity that redefine what digital playback can sound like. It’s engineered for those who want actual audiophile performance in a sleek, beautifully built component — no unnecessary complexity, just pure, musical sound.
Experience your favourite music the way it was meant to be heard — refined, detailed, and emotionally engaging — with the Audiolab D9 DAC.
| Specifications of the Audiolab D9 DAC | |
|---|---|
| Model | D9 |
| General Description | |
| Design Philosophy and Core Technology | ES9038Pro 32-bit DAC MQA Full decoder (PC USB, Optical/Coax) 2.8″ 480×640 IPS Display Bluetooth 5.1 (aptX/aptX HD/LDAC) Streaming Dedicated Current-Feedback Headphone Amp Analogue/Digital VU Meter Options USB HDD Playback with MP3/WMA/AAC/WAV/FLAC/APE compatibility USB Firmware Upgrade |
| Inputs | |
| Digital Inputs | 2 x SPDIF (Coax), 2 x SPDIF (Optical), 1 x PC USB (USB B), 1 x USB HDD (USB A), 1 x Bluetooth (aptX/aptX HD/LDAC), 1 x AES3 / EBU |
| Outputs | |
| Audio Outputs | 1 x RCA, 1 x XLR, 1 x Headphone, 2 x 12V Trigger, 1 x Optical, 1 x Coax |
| Sampling Frequency | |
| Optical/Coaxial | 44.1kHz → 192kHz |
| USB HDD | 44.1kHz → 96kHz |
| PC USB | 44.1kHz → 768kHz PCM / DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DSD512 |
| DAC | |
| Converter | ES9038Pro 32-bit DAC |
| MQA | Full decoder (PC USB, Optical/Coax) |
| Display | 2.8″ 480×640 IPS Display |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 (aptX/aptX HD/LDAC) Streaming |
| Headphone Amp | Dedicated Current-Feedback Headphone Amp |
| VU Meter | Analogue/Digital VU Meter Options |
| USB HDD Playback | MP3/WMA/AAC/WAV/FLAC/APE compatibility |
| USB Firmware Upgrade | Yes |
| Audio Performance | |
| Output Level (0dBFS, 1KHz) | 2.05Vrms (RCA), 4.1Vrms (XLR) |
| Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) | < 0.001% (1KHz @ 0dBFS) |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz – 20kHz (+/-0.1dB) |
| Output Impedance | 120 ohm |
| Max. Sampling Frequency | USB HDD: 96KHz, Optical/Coaxial: 192KHz, PC USB: PCM768kHz, DSD512 |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio (S/N) | > 118dB (A-weighted, RCA), > 123dB (A-weighted, XLR) |
| Headphone Amplifier | |
| Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) | < 0.01% (1kHz, 50mW) |
| Output Impedance | 2.35 ohm |
| Load Impedance | 20-600 ohm |
| General | |
| Standby Power Consumption | < 0.5W |
| Net Weight | 4.2kg |
| Gross Weight | 5.8kg |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 315 x 277 x 88.3mm |
| Carton Size (W x H x D) | 451 x 409 x 220mm |
| Power Requirements | |
| Voltage | 220-240V ~ 50/60Hz, 100-120V ~ 50/60Hz |
| Standard Accessories | |
| Included | Power Cord, Remote Control, User Manual, etc. |
Priteesh A –
As an music lover who listens to music for at least two hours everyday, the Audiolab D9 DAC immediately struck me as a piece of gear built for serious listening.
the ES9038PRO DAC chip and meticulous clocking deliver exceptional transparency and timing, letting music breathe with a natural sense of space and realism.
The soundstage feels deep and holographic — vocals sit perfectly centered while instruments occupy precise, lifelike positions. Tonally, it’s beautifully neutral: smooth yet revealing, with micro-details emerging effortlessly from a silent background. Hi-res material in PCM, DSD, and MQA flows with ease, showing off its technical refinement without ever sounding clinical.
Connectivity is generous and the build quality exudes confidence, from the solid chassis to the responsive display.
The D9 doesn’t sugarcoat poor recordings, but in a well-matched system it rewards you with breathtaking accuracy and musicality.
For me, it’s a true reference DAC — one that invites long, immersive listening sessions where the gear disappears and only the music remains.
Thanks to the feedback and persuasion of Hifimart I am able to enjoy my music setup.
Vikas jain –
I’ve been using the Audiolab D9 DAC as both a DAC and a pre-amplifier with my Audiolab 9000P power amplifier, and I’m really happy with how it performs. The sound quality took a big step up right away — the music feels more open, with better depth and clarity. Vocals sound natural, and instruments are easier to place in the soundstage.
As a pre-amp, the D9 has a smooth and refined character. It’s clear and detailed but never harsh or tiring to listen to. The pairing with the 9000P is excellent — the two work together effortlessly, producing a clean and balanced sound.
What stands out most to me is how tight and well-defined the bass is, and how spacious the overall presentation feels. Everything just sounds more three-dimensional and lifelike.
It really shines when connected to good equipment and speakers, but even in simpler setups, it adds a touch of class and control to the sound. Overall, the Audiolab D9 has become the heart of my system — simple to use, great as a pre-amp, and a fantastic DAC for serious listening.