Audiolab 9000N DESTROYS!! Eversolo A6 as it should

[@Philear4124]

Finally someone who tells us something about how the app works in this storm of new streamers. Because admit it, most apps bring tears to my eyes. Grtz Phil

[@MrSidMuff]

Terry, I took a leap of faith and traded my A6 for an A8 - I got a fantastic deal! I loved the A6 and was pleased with it in my 5 month tenure - once it 'burned-in' and top end settled. The A8 is a step above in all departments - with soundstaging, imaging and space augmented by a much smoother top end and a tighter bass. It would be an interesting comparison indeed between the A8 and the Audiolab. I used to own an 8300 CDQ and found that to be good, and I reckon I 'know' the typical Audiolab sound you identify. My A8 is used solely as a streamer feeding my TT2 and MScaler - perhaps that could be future review comparison: Audiolab & A8 solely as streamers?

[@wegardfjeld3789]

Good call. Like many have figured out by now A6 ME was a good step up from A6 and A8 does the same again. LPS do close the gap too the A8. This comparison to be fair is beyond unfair looking at price point, but when it fits the narrative 🫢

[@jimfarrell4635]

I don't see the point in paying for dac and preamp functionality I won't use. I think best to stick to a high quality streaming transport as a source.

[@rdsreference]

I just bought an A8 for use as a streamer and pre amp/ DAC as a replacement for my Mytek Brooklyn bridge. Hopefully at least from the pre amp the difference will be clearly audible and worth the investment.

[@jonathanmoore8886]

Interesting review. Nice to compare it the A8.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Yes I agree I would have been better

[@jonathanmoore8886]

@@PursuitPerfectSystem after reading my comment and your response I hope I didn't mean your review wasn't good because it was very well done. I've been thinking about the 9000n vs the A8 for myself. Specifically the preamp section.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

No offence taken at all I think doing a more like for like comparison would have been a much more valid and useful thing to do, thanks for being great about this it’s appreciated

[@taidee]

Another wonderful in depth review of our beloved audio gear. Cape Town Complements of the season to you sir and thank you very much for your wonderful work.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Thanks man and same to you, and thanks for all the support this year with a lot of kind comments

[@carminedesanto6746]

Good afternoon from Toronto ☕️ Thank you for this video. The best of the Christmas 🎄 season to you and yours .

[@KtsStone80]

Thanks for the video. Appreciate what you bring to the hifi world. Personally I wouldn’t use the A6 as a preamplifier. Comparing a 3k streaming pre/Dac to a $850 isn’t really a fair comparison. My curiosity would be the comparison as a streaming DAC into an analog preamp or integrated, as I think this is how most people will use it. I could be wrong.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Yes it could be the the way someone goes to maybe get the features of the everolo and the nice app. The whole point here is with the audiolab you can get it all in one and then use a different app maybe Roon or JPLAY if you want a different app user experience.

[@ericelmore887]

I talk to eversolo on email about the difference on all three units when just used as a streamer and there is really no difference when using digital audio outs. So external dac is the way to go and you get a quality streamer.

[@amb3cog]

@@ericelmore887That’s not what either of them were talking about though? They were talking about using it as a streamer/DAC into an integrated. In that situation there’s no need for an external DAC. Especially when the quality of the one in the Audiolab seems to be top notch anyway. The DAC is very likely the best part of that whole unit. And really the only reason I would personally buy it myself. ✌️

[@wegardfjeld3789]

Why remove my request for a link to the email chat he said he had? Kinda relevant information when people say a company has said something like that... Doesn't fit what you want to say?

[@wegardfjeld3789]

I did SS what I wrote and will happily post it other places if you delete it again..

[@markkilmister4119]

Interesting video. I've just purchased a primare np5 mk2 as an upgrade to by ocean digital wr10 tuner. I will use this solely for Internet radio streams I can listen to cd quality radio streams. I've got the primare np5 mk2 plugged into my naim V1 dac I can enjoy my headphone listening. Merry Christmas Terry. Best hi-fi vlogger by far.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

I like primare half got some lined for next year

[@fletchermunson6225]

The Brits got it right way back when they emphasized the source as the most important ingredient in making good sound. While I use an Auralic G1.1 streamer, I am sure I'd love the 9000. I own their CDT 9000 cd transport and think highly of it. My only criticism of Audolab is they could offer more output options on their digital sources. Aside from that, love it.

[@thewillwilliams]

Interesting review. Thanks Terry. I am confused by this product though. It has the same DAC as the 9000a and it’s own preamp stage. So why would a 9000a owner pair it with the 9000n? You would be paying for the same functionality twice. Am I missing something?

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

I expected my review to be exactly that comparing those two things to see which one offered the better DAC etc. I started by using it as just a streamer and DAC but after I tested it as the streamer DAC and Pre is when I got the best results. Yes you could use it with the 9000a and it sucks to pay twice for the same feature I agree, but you can also bigger with the amp than whats in the 9000a with the 9000n which opens up a lot more possibilites. Thats why its my preferred product of the two

[@TriAmpMyFi]

@@PursuitPerfectSystem . "... but you can also bigger with the amp..."

[@TriAmpMyFi]

. You're right. Either way, the consumer is doubling up on parts unused & that drives me nuts. Try and keep just ONE volume control in the signal chain these days. It ain't easy and the combination of components needed to do so gets limited pretty quickly. Reggae. Funk & Brass 🔈🔉🔊

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Bigger with the amplifier, that means using it with more speakers and or changing to tube or whatever you fancy

[@thewillwilliams]

That makes sense that you prefer the 9000n to,the 9000a based on flexibility. It just doesn’t seem to make sense for Audiolab?

[@jakobgooijer]

Excellent review again. I am a fan of Audiolab and have a 6000cdt that I enjoy very much. I use it as a transport because I use a Denafrips Hermes DDC. This DDC has a galvanically isolated USB input that now provides a Bluesound with PD creative power supply via an expensive USB cable. I have been looking for an upgrade for streaming for a while and I think it is a shame that the 9000N does not have a USB output. Why does Audiolab choose this? Greetings Jakob

[@brooksc900]

Thanks Terry. Good one. I believe the source is the key. I still ride with a Bluesound Node with the LHY modification as I like BlueOS. A decent external DAC provides decent listening but I have been waiting for something much better to come along. Am looking at the Audiolab 9000N and that special sound. Lumin music streamers like the Lumin X1 with an ES9038 pro DAC on board are very expensive at nearly $14,000 - way too rich for my blood. By comparison, the Audiolab 9000N with a Lumin OS, plus a top ESS DAC seems a steal. Cheers.

[@offbeatinstruments]

I only use my A6 as a transport, as I also found the DAC output thin and unrewarding. Instead I feed it into an old Shanling DAC50, which vastly improved the sound stage and gave it a more vinyl-like sound quality. It's not to everyone's taste, but I love the vinyl like sound I get from the combination. I'm not so keen on all-in-one solutions like the Audiolab though, they limit upgrading to bigger steps and I prefer to change one aspect at a time to make sure I am making positive changes. Having said all that, there is something satisfying about being able to get a one box solution and stop caring about the upgrade bug.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

I am not normally keen on them either as I feel short changed in some way or another however I didnt this time, I was extremely content

[@amb3cog]

Did you try it as a DAC only with another preamp? Or to put it another way. What level is the preamp function at? Will a preamp help it? Because if the internal preamp is great. One could overlook a lot of it’s issues. But if it’s no better than your average DAC w/volume control. It doesn’t seem worth it to me. ✌️

[@DileepaRanawake]

Terry, great review. Appreciate you adding some context to the A6 hype cycle. First review compared and A6 to a lumin and suggested it was better! Also appreciate your A6 vs WiiM review. It would be great to see something in 2024 that focuses simply on the best streaming transports considering just sound quality and app experience. For me these are the two things that matter. Not too fussed re internal dacs etc. Also appreciate you asking for Dirac support on the streamer side. I have a Buchardt a500 with platin hub + WiiM mini on optical so no analogue. The only thing that allows me to bring Dirac is the mini Dsp but looks like it doesn’t permit a full digital signal path unless I fork out £600+ for the privilege which doesn't seem worth it, considering the platin hub already has room correction. Would love to see more streamers with Dirac.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Thanks very much, I am just about to plug one in that could well be exactly that - stay tuned and thanks again

[@DileepaRanawake]

@@PursuitPerfectSystem ooh exciting to hear you've already got something in the works - already got something to look forward to for 2024 🙂 All the best and will stay tuned.

[@mattmanslim]

Glad to hear they’ve ditched Play-Fi. I have a 6000A Play and I ditched it for a Bluesound Node 2i with 8300XP and 8300CDQ. Playfi doesn’t stream direct to the device; instead, it relies on your phone or laptop to stream it to the device. It is totally reliant on your phone/laptop and turning off the DTS app or losing network connection will kill the stream. It turned a great product into one I regretted the first time I used it.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Yeah there is that and I think forgot to say in the video I much prefer this approach to play fi. But I mentioned it so people are aware they can’t use the 9000n with other playfi gear. I hope I made that clear anyway, probably not as clear as I meant it to be, it’s been a long year:)

[@mattmanslim]

@@PursuitPerfectSystem Perfectly clear and highlighted a benefit of the new system. 👍🏻

[@eddietours3728]

great video , sir what happen to the Wharlfdale Dovedale no review !

[@joeythedime1838]

Audiolab partnering with Lumin is very cool as the 9000N really doesn't compete with anything in Lumin's product line. I think the 9000N compared to a Novatron Cocktail Audio X45 would be very interesting.

[@AudioThings]

Why doesn't it compete with Lumin? For SQ which is best? The 9000N or Lumin D3? They are very close price wise.

[@GoPerformanceCars]

Terry bought a ferrari & then he compered it to his wife's mini 😂😂😅 No panic we still love you and your show 😁

[@ppbg123]

Thanks a lot, Terry. Currently I am listening to the 9000A (really happy with it). However, I definitely prefer the Denafrips Ares II via XLR to the 9000A (vs internal DAC). In this respect, I am curious about the sound quality from the 9000N only as a streaming transport vs other alternatives (incl the EverSolo)? Have you compared them as transports only?

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

I think for just an outright music streamer I like the idea of using a product dedicated just for that, with Dirac Live in it too of course

[@ppbg123]

Thanks! Agree, also from my perspective doesn’t make sense to pay two times for the ESS DAC which I am not a big fan of.

[@miniyouuuu]

⁠​⁠@@PursuitPerfectSystemwhich product would fit as a better than 9000n streamer with Dirac?? I already have the 9000a + MiniDSP Flex digital + bluesound node and I really want to improve the latter.

[@siamxiii]

Also have 9000A and it’s very good. Tried internal DAC, but already had Gustard R26, which I prefer by a mile.

[@James-mb5jr]

Great video. Listening to your description of the 9000A, how wound you compare it to the Kinki Audio Ex-1m+? Both seem to be more on the clarity side. Thanks

[@patrickmeylemans9627]

Have you had a look at the Eversolo DMP8, and more precise the PEQ / FIRR filters? I’m using miniDSP/Dirac and was wondering if the Eversolo with EQ could be an upgrade…

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

I havent yet no but just know PEQ is not the same as advanced room correction like Dirac Live, that I do know for 100% certainty

[@patrickmeylemans9627]

@@PursuitPerfectSystem I know, since I use the miniDSP DDRC24 (smallest unit) I can not listen without it in the chain (B&W 802d3 / Accuphase / …) I was wondering if there exists an upgraded version or device or streamer with Dirac built-in. You mentioned it and can’t agree more with that. Imagine the Audiolab or Hifi-Rose had that build-in… I would be a potential candidate. For the moment I was looking at the M33 / Lybgdorf TDAI-3400 but I don’t need an amp… Any suggestions on that?

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

This is a very real problem, all the dirac enabled products are streaming dacs which sucks really because they close out our options. But there will be more options coming I hope, I will keep asking as its a useful feature. I think still the best stand alone option is to feed into a minidsp DDRC 22D so you go digital in and out. I have wanted a stand alone high end usb in and out Dirac solution for sometime but none exist that I know of. Thats why using a computer and using the software only version of Dirac can be still be a good way to go just depends.

[@patrickmeylemans9627]

@@PursuitPerfectSystem I was looking for an SHD or SHD Studio, the latter having an good DAC (see measurements Audiosciencereview) but I really don´t like the interface of Volumio and we have digital out but NO USB. If I choose a good separate DAC It must be used via the USB input so the clock of the DAC is used (not the case for optical or coaxial). I hope there will be a good USB -> Dirac -> USB box which is build for quality of music with no gadgets. The current used DDRC24 has no display which is a handicap, you don´t see what is selected... We will keep on searching. Any experience with Room Perfect from Lyngdorf also used in de MEN220 (McTosch) ?

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

I had an SHD Studio for this very reason, Iit has its advantages but dont believe measurements = guaranteed good sound or a sound your going to like because its not that simple despite how much your told it is, its just not.

[@MrRonnmaui]

Great and honest review! How about a comparison between the Audiolab 9000 and the Buchardt i150. Who would be the winner there with not just specs but "enjoyment of listening" scale.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

The Buchardt is an integrated amplifier so it’s not really a like for like comparison

[@benliu0528]

How about a review on DMP-A8, compare it with Audiolab 9000N?

[@mrpmj00]

But the 9000N only has Apple Airplay2, not native Apple Music app like the Eversolo DMP-A6. The 9000N is $3k. I upgraded the $860 Eversolo DMP-A6 with a $300 LPS by Beatechnik=$1200 which leaves $1800 for a R2R dac by Denafrips Ares II 12th and a Parasound 2125v2 amp. I have both the $900 Denafrips Ares and $1800 Pontus and the Pontus is worth the upgrade. source=Apple Music lossless

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

There is 100 different ways to spend your money in HiFi, everyone thinks the way they spent their money is the best, its only natural. One way would be swopping streaming services for Tidal, getting access to high resolution music and then not being limited by the streaming gear you can buy and use. I am an Apple fan boy but it offers nothing over and above other services available so I don't understand why any audiophile would use it personally.

[@mrpmj00]

@@PursuitPerfectSystem Apple Music offers spatial audio for Home Theaters with Dolby Atmos, as well as being able to play in my car's Apple Carplay.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Tidal has dolby atmos music on it as well, and I am pretty sure it will work in your car exactly the same

[@mrpmj00]

I’ve just checked my iphone’s Apple Carplay apps, but there’s no Tidal. i have the latest iphone 15 pro max.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Do you have the Tidal app installed? I thought Apple car play mirrors whats on your phone?

[@elderinmoi1571]

I would expect a 2500,- device sounding better than a 800,- option but it does not help me making that buying decision. If I am about to spend up to 3 or 4 k I would rather like to know what is the best option.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Then you would need to spend more time researching the topic and going to listen for yourself. You cant expect to get all that info from one video - but you can expect to get some very useful and important information from my video to help you decide

[@Kami84]

If you have the 9000a and use the dac in the 9000a won't you get the same sound quality if you use the dirt cheap wiim pro at a literal fraction of the cost 🤔??

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Dont know about the same but you could go that way for sure

[@stephenyoud6125]

Terry - have you tried any of the upgraded Audiolab 8000 amps by Kevin Green?. I just ordered two of his TAG McLaren 100x4R upgraded / modified amps or my Linn Keltiks. He specializes in repair and upgrading of Audiolab and TAG amps

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

I haven’t no, a calibration customer of mine has all tag amps with bowers 800 speakers, the originals ones with an arcam AV40 processor - his system sounds awesome

[@stephenyoud6125]

@@PursuitPerfectSystem I have it oin good autohhority from a few guys with active Keltiks and Keilidhs that the TAG's will be awesome. expected in January. when they arrive I can also compare them with the two Akurate 4200\B's currently in use and four Klouts which they replaced. should be fun..

[@konstantinantonov3065]

Terry, спасибо за Вашу работу! Не пожалейте £30 купите Real el 735. Потом поделитесь впечатлениями...

[@truman4956]

Is the volume control in the analog or digital domain?

[@HungryEatNow]

Stick to the plan, all is well, 2024 is our year!

[@jondu-sud274]

Hello Rerry, is the 9000N useable with an integrated amp, or is it only useful plugged directly into a poweramp ?

[@jondu-sud274]

....oops Terry😮

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

@@jondu-sud274 haha yes it is, you can feed digital out to another dac, analogue out with a fixed volume for an integrated or with a variable volume for a power amplifier

[@stevencalvert9454]

Great vedio thanks so much, I'm going to be buying the 9000n, 9000a to pair to my wharfedale 4.4 and sub however I don't want to remortgage my house to get the speaker cables do you have any recommendations on some that are not 9m plus vat, looking about £400 for the pair at 3m each. Thanks

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

I can only suggest what I have tried and that would be Tellurium Q Ultra Blue II - but get a set on demo first to make sure you are happy and if you can try using all the same cables rather than mixing and matching even if only just for your demo so you can hear what the whole system sounds like - by this I mean all the same analogue cables.

[@tyleryosef9862]

I am currently using a 9000A but I'm thinking with going with a nad C399. Is that a good idea?

[@Linnjazzy-93]

Why?

[@ElkTheHammer]

Just upgraded from WiiM pro to DMP A6 Master Edition into Chord via USB I am actually really impressed. One thing was it needed good burn in time, which it smoothed out. I am running into a Burmester 082 amp witj Wharfedale Evo 4.4 speakers. The other massive difference is the ability to add the hard drive and use the Eversolo that way gaining back the space taken up by my 800 or so cds.

[@jamesrevell6475]

Audiolab is pricing itself out of the market. I was considering the Audiolab 9000 series because they use to be high quality at a mid price. I'm very disappointed. I've been shopping for over a year and finally settled on Audiolab. Unfortunately the price puts Audiolab out of reach. Audiolab was an iconic brand that has now relegated itself into the unobtainable market place. Good luck with the new business model. I'm sure there are enough lottery winners to keep Audiolab alive. I thought the Eversolo or the Rose were expensive but Audiolab makes them seem affordable. I only wish I had figured this out a year ago and I'd have the Eversolo DMP-8 in my rack already. Farewell Audiolab!

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

If you are looking to buy Audiolabs best products well then there will be a price tag to match that, I dont know what else you would expect. They sell much more affordable ranges too 6000 and 7000 so its not a brand aiming at rich people far from it

[@cmessi]

Any EQ option?

[@amb3cog]

“No Dirac Live” And because it only has USB in. I can’t use it with my MiniDSP SHD Studio either. Why no coaxial in? 🤦🏻 ✌️

[@patrickmeylemans9627]

Indeed no Dirac, and if no USB out it’s a no go for me….

[@timemonte5]

I still love my Naim HE

[@konstantinantonov3065]

Terry, я посмотрел сюжет, Аудиолаб всегда был хорош...но моя система другая - 3 усилителя Ouad 99, предварительный моноблоки в классе д, электростаты Quad, транспорт Ротел, цап МF и вертушка Проджект Экп имеем с картридж Рега Эксакт

[@patrickmeylemans9627]

USB out to DAC also as far as I can see, this would always my preference…

[@chebrubin]

But no company other than Eversolo has a native Apple Music app. Why does no reviewer mention that. Just as a transport. Apple AirPlay is not the same as Apple Music 2 channel losless. DTS Playi. Denon Marantz HEOS is garbage. And the Eversolo playback of native DSD is amazing. But reveiwers cant say that.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Yes that can be good for some and is an advantage, but only if you use it. Probably it shows you most reviewers dont use apple music

[@chebrubin]

@@PursuitPerfectSystem Agreed. Neither do I. But can we redefine Audiophile in a more straight forward manner. I think there is a lot of backlash against Zidoo for being so disruptive and low price. I never advocated the Eversolo as a DAC or pre amp. But when you look at the industry's efforts for the last 10 years AKA Blue Sound Node we can all agree the tech and purpose was below average. And I think that's the point Blue Sound Node has paid the creator community for marketing over price stuff.

[@nikosmanetas3261]

Congratulations on your opinion. The advantage of eversolo is exactly that. That the apple music application can be installed on eversolo. My opinion is that it is a better stream in sound quality than tidal. And I say this having made a direct comparison to both. Apple music is clearly better! It is also completely wrong to make a comparison between the basic version of the eversolo and the Audiolab 9000N. The fair comparison would be with the A8. Of course, I consider the A8 much better in terms of sound, convenience and connectivity.

[@HungryEatNow]

Ditching play fi is long overdue…

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

They are still using it in the 6 and 7 but yes I preferred this system

[@longplayer8600]

A bit too audio 'purist' & limiting (for this buyer at least). No hdmi. No room correction. No sub-out.

[@metalunleashed]

first? :O

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

hahaha

[@go2mac]

I hate to see those lags on screen.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Dont forget I am super zoomed in and doing things to trigger things happening to put it on camera, in the real world, when your sitting and listening you dont ever even look at the screen, why would you

[@TheNightPortal]

Chromecast !!!!!!!! ????????

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

I dont see the appeal in chromecast any more besides streaming netflix to tv. You have connects for music instead

[@TheNightPortal]

​@@PursuitPerfectSystem That's fine but you are forgetting about the absolute millions of people that subscribe to KZbin premium. They/We all get "KZbin Music" for free. For the millions of us, if it doesn't have Chromecast it's a chocolate fireguard.

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Interesting I didnt know that, thanks

[@TheNightPortal]

@@PursuitPerfectSystem Yeah there are loads of other benefits too. Like using Google Home to sync all the Chromecast devices in the house to the same music stream. Like "stats for Nerds" showing you the exact bitrates you are streaming. Like having shared playlists so folks can add tunes to the queue as it plays over all devices. It's a party animal. As well as the obvious control from google assistant turning stuff on and off where ever you are in the house. I don't use that but I know some folks like that sort of thing. And the sound quality I have a bit of a beef with too. I also have Spotify. Compared to KZbin Music I find them completely different. Why is that. The Spotify seems more detailed. But KZbin is warmer, sweeter as you put it. Have to slap myself sometimes but I just find myself going back to KZbin Music for my desired listening. I would like to see more folks comparing these things for sound difference and preference as the difference to my ears is stark. Hope this helps....:)

[@PursuitPerfectSystem]

Pretty sure both Spotify and KZbin music are heavily compressed music services so it stands to reason there will be a difference as the compression is likely very different. For sound quality the non compressed services will be better so I would drop Spotify and use tidal or Qobuz instead for serious listening

[@johnratcliffe6438]

ESS puts me off - shame.

[@steven2809]

Me too.....👍

[@18yearsoldnot]

Amplification technology in the dac box is to blame far more than the dac chip. Ess is fantastic. I used to think ess was too sharp too, I had a smsl su8 and it sounded harsh with digital glare. I replaced it with a denafrips ares 2 and thought problem solved! But then I got a more expensive product with an ess chip and it beat the ares 2! It was smooth and easy to listen to while having the dynamics and bass extension the su-8 and ares 2 didn’t have.