Is it worth the Investment? Elevating the Game: Audiolab 9000a Review

[@mohammadamir6192]

Hi, Amazing review, In your opinion how would you compare the internal dac to Denafrips Ares 2. I know Denafrips has more detail and more wider soundstage, would it be a good investment to use Ares 2 over audiolab 9000a's internal dac ?

[@HIFIDaydreaming]

Absolutely would! It will open the sound even more and add new details. It is absolutely worth it.

[@colinhammond2008]

I compared this with the Arcam A25 and ended up with the A25. I felt the audiolab was a bit lacklustre for me.

[@HIFIDaydreaming]

I can totally see that. Arcam have certainly more weightier and fuller sound. So if you prefer that type of sound it certainly will be a better choice.

[@Carl-yx1ww]

Cheapskate

[@tessie4204]

Do you use the internal DAC?

[@KAL-589]

Brilliant review. You have really tempted me. I currently have the 6000a Play but need a lot more power so looking at a few options. You mentioned the Primare I25 at the 12:18 mark, did you review this? I do not see a video about it. Again, fantastic review, well spoken delivery. Thank you!

[@HIFIDaydreaming]

No I have not reviews i25, I had a chance to hear it on few occasions. If you need help with choosing your next amp, I can help you with some knoweladge I have. And again thanks for watching and this lovely words!

[@VictorEnnis-n1w]

Thanks for the review. I have the 6000A and in truth have been absolutely happy with it. Though I tend to be one who is more into the music than the gear. But with that said. I have been potentially interested in possibly upgrading but certainly don’t want to upgrade to a more expensive integrated amp only to find small subtle improvements. I am still trying to find that next amp that will make significant differences and thus help me feel okay about the extra expense. Thanks again for taking the time to share the review. Appreciate you.

[@HIFIDaydreaming]

Well jump from 6000 to 9000 is a bif one. To truly expiriance difference you need a equally talented speakers to follow it. To me the question of next amp should be, what did you like and what you did not like. And depending on that, maybe some other brand should be for you, or audiolab upgrade ladder is for you. Many people when they are happy, they tend to be brand loyal. And they should if they are happy.

[@Carl-yx1ww]

I have one for sale 9000a

[@owengriffiths6211]

Thanks for the insightful review . I have ordered 9000A to replace my 6000A.Would the 9000A pair well with Kef R3 Meta?I understand that both excel at pulling apart the detail I'm just not sure whether the combo will bring a lively/vibrant sound.

[@HIFIDaydreaming]

If it was some other KEF I would probably be reserved about pairing. As it is not a worst pairing, but it can be too clean and treble rich for some peeps. But R3 meta works superbly with this amp. The reason id while still being transperant sound it is also much more balanced than other cheaper kef's. So the pairing synergy could actually work and be really fun listen. But still it is going to be more open transperant sound, if you want some other sound characteristics than you should maybe look in other directions

[@owengriffiths6211]

Thanks so much.I am loving the combination.

[@Lovelacewatkins139]

Hi , i have the roksan and have been wondering about the 9000 , do you think it is a good upgrade from the roksan , keep the good work up , great review

[@HIFIDaydreaming]

Is there something specifically you dislike about your roksan? In my opinion audiolab is more rich with details, in mids and treble. And does better soundstage. I think roksan have a more commanding authority and more weight and a bit batter bass. So it is all in what you need.

[@Lovelacewatkins139]

@@HIFIDaydreaming hi thanks for your reply , . It is the streaming amp and cdt running neat ministra speakers in a small flat , the sound just seems to come from the centre of the speakers not much width, and I think it is rather flat sounding with no depth , I have a seven ft triangle for listening, with plenty of space behind my listening position , and speakers are plenty away from the front wall , , I keep thinking external dac or completely a new system , thanks , I will subscribe

[@HIFIDaydreaming]

@@Lovelacewatkins139 add audiolab most definetly it will help you there. Eventually in future add some denafrips dac. And your sound will expend dramatically. So if you want larger soundstage, audiolab is a good choice.

[@Lovelacewatkins139]

@@HIFIDaydreaming hi thanks again , there is to much good gear out there now , its a mine field ,

[@alexxlex13]

musical fidelity m3si vs audiolab 7000a ?

[@HIFIDaydreaming]

To me musical fidelity. But it all depends, it is obvious that audiolab will deliver a bit more in soundstage and expresion in mids. But i love how firm the sound and weighy, how clear and transperant is how much it reveals details. I just love to listen the music with mucial fidleity. But if you love your mucis more airy, big dispersion, whole mids to be a bit more foreword and present,like vocals etc. Than audiolab might be more for you.

[@agnelroshandsilva3929]

​​@@HIFIDaydreaming What are Your personal views on the sound quality with internal dacs of the 7000a vs 9000a? The 7000a is slightly colored in the bass with more body but the mids and highs are pretty neutral and airy without being sibilant. 7000a is good value though with an excellent internal Dac, more power, usb and hdmi inputs over the 6000a

[@1moderntalking1]

What do you think of its musicality and rhythmic timing?

[@HIFIDaydreaming]

While I would not personally call audiolab devices musical, it is incredibly subjective terminology. To me they are level headed devices, that don't try to color that much sound to create that drama and emotion. But audiolab 9000 is probably among the lineup the most musical, as there are some bass and treble colorations, but honestly not like some other amps. Regarding timing it is excellent, transient response is great and there is not much decay to smear the next beat and create clutter ob soundstage. So that it can preserve some neutrality, while reproducing rhythm and also to remain clear and true to the beat.

[@tessie4204]

You can buy a 9000A new for 1800€ now and even lower on Black Friday this month. Arcam A25 VS Audiolab 9000A!

[@HIFIDaydreaming]

Uh, tough battle. But still I would go with arcam, it still suits my needs. But both are awesome amps.

[@tessie4204]

@@HIFIDaydreaming Which amps do you own at this moment? 🔊

[@Evolved_ue7]

It's a very grown up sound, at first it sounded slow but after a few hours, you realise just how good it sounds . My advice would be, if you buy it stick to the one amp, and you will never be disappointed..

[@HIFIDaydreaming]

Haha, very zen approach to audiophile addiction. 😁

[@gordonnorris4202]

As an advice...you spoke like 5min without showing the product. We live in the speed century....viewers don't have patience to watch and listen a monologue.Otherwise keep up the great work.

[@HIFIDaydreaming]

Thanks for advice, and thanks for watching my review. I will look to improve as much as I can in future, but it is hard to do 20 min reviews and to have wnough materials oto cover the video with images.

[@Carl-yx1ww]

Finally someone else with 9000a review..i have this amp and 6000a also which i had first.

[@HIFIDaydreaming]

And how do you feel about upgrade, was it justified? I hope you are happy with your purchase?

[@Carl-yx1ww]

The 9000a is better in every way. It's for mature listeners. But I still keep 6000a also because it's great also fir price and for 50 watts actually seems louder than 9000 but not as good quality'. 9000a is way above . Payed 1600 pounds brand new from my dealer so yes I got a good deal also makes it even better but I'd spend 1999 all day for this cheers for review mate enjoy. Keep it audiolab mate haha.

[@Carl-yx1ww]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gobYl2qbg5VlnaMsi=wI9AnEZS2SLilAcU

[@pef1960]

Well, I love my 9000A.

[@HIFIDaydreaming]

As you should!

[@markorchard2272]

The 9000A is way, WAY better than the 6000A/7000A..... BUT it needs 2-3 hours to warm up! Better/tighter bass. Better soundstage. MUCH better instrument separation. The 6000/7000 are ok in 30minutes. Up to 30 minutes they sound similar..... but after 90+ minutes the 9000A is MUCH better!

[@HIFIDaydreaming]

Well it should it is almost 2x the price of 7000a. Haha but it id also more mature i sense it does not to impress right away. It slowly engages listener with mature but balanced dynamics, which takes time to truly appriaciate. It helps your speakers to truly open.

[@mrt6349]

I went for the Rega Aethos as a replacement for a Marants, that made my magellan duettos sw2 sing :) I was tempted with the Audiolabs but a good offer sealed the deal.

[@HIFIDaydreaming]

Magellans are amazing speakers, once in store i dwell often i heard 40th anniversary of magellan, and they sounded amazing. But they are waaay above my budget. But great speakers indid. I think probably Aethos is better than any audiolab integrated, but it is priced above as well. 🙂 But you got a good price, so good for you!

[@mrt6349]

I got the Aethos for 2000 euro and the magellans for 1500 euro both used.

[@HIFIDaydreaming]

@@mrt6349 a beautiful deal indid!

[@razisn]

Audiolab a new company? What are you talking about? They were first founded many decades ago.. I used to own an Audiolab 8000 amp back in the early 80s.. They have always been good in the value for money mid-fi space. Jeez, it shows how new YOU are in this scene.. lol

[@HIFIDaydreaming]

I compleatly dropped the ball here sorry, as what I wanted to say, and said where to different things. Audiolab that was bought and rebuilded in 2005, and had their first devices in 2010... Have little to no connection to audiolab that was founded in 80s and stopped producing devices in late 90s. Beside branding and some leftover technology. But it is my mistake, and i should own it. Sorry for that.

[@razisn]

@@HIFIDaydreaming They still operate and market their products in the same price tiers and mid-fi space.

[@Carl-yx1ww]

I have this amp it's great all round

[@HIFIDaydreaming]

It is a mature all around device!