Audiolab 9000N Network Streamer and DAC - Tidal, Spotify, Qobuz - ESS Sabre DAC

General:
The 9000N is a high-quality music streamer from Audiolab, supporting all of your favorite streaming services, including built-in support for TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect, Qobuz Connect, Apple AirPlay 2, and full Roon Ready certification. It is also one of the rare streamers to natively support Plexamp headless endpoint playback.

Key features include the use of the flagship ESS Sabre ES9038PRO 32-bit DAC chip — one of ESS Technology’s top-tier DACs — delivering exceptional detail, clarity, and dynamic range. The 9000N also offers a wide range of digital and analog connectivity options, including optical and coaxial digital outputs, as well as both RCA and balanced XLR analog outputs.

Another feature worth mentioning is its sharp and clear front display. It has good viewing angles and overall adds to this players premium feel.

Included in the sale is everything originally supplied when new, including the original box, remote control, power cable, and manual.

SkyFi Cosmetic Notes:
This streamer is in excellent condition, with only some minor wear shown on the rear panel. Very good overall.

SkyFi Technical Notes:
Firmware updated to latest available version V1.17. Tested and working as new.

Brand Background:
Audiolab is a well-known audio company that has been producing top-quality audio equipment since the 1980s. With a strong focus on precise engineering, Audiolab designs and manufactures a variety of audio components such as amplifiers, digital-to-analog converters (DACs), CD players, and network audio players. Their products are highly regarded for their exceptional sound quality, reliability, and user-friendly features.

Audiolab's unwavering dedication to audio excellence is evident in their meticulous attention to detail throughout the design and manufacturing processes. Their amplifiers are acclaimed for their clean and transparent sound reproduction, delivering an accurate and faithful rendition of the original audio signal. The company's DACs have earned a reputation for their ability to convert digital audio into rich and intricate analog sound, enhancing the overall listening experience. With their range of high-performance components, Audiolab continues to be a trusted brand for audio enthusiasts and music lovers who seek premium audio equipment that seamlessly combines technical expertise with musicality.

Ownership:
Single Owner

Connections:
XLR, RCA, Optical digital, USB, Ethernet, 12v trigger in/out, IEC power input

General Sound:
Accurate to the recording

Cosmetic Condition:
8/10 = Very Good. Excellent front faceplate, one minor flaw on chassis side or top. See our detailed rating description here.

Working Condition:
Working perfectly and tested on our bench with both CD and DVD. XLR and RCA working as they should.

Included:
Unit, box, remote, manual, power cord

Packing:
Original Manufacturers Packing

Original MSRP:
$3,499.00

Specs:
Technical Specifications
- DAC Chip: ESS Sabre ES9038Pro (32-bit, 8-channel).
- Processor: Quad-core Arm Cortex-A53 (1.8GHz per core).
- Display: 4.3-inch color IPS LCD.
- Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz (±0.5dB).
- Total Harmonic Distortion: Less than 0.001% (1kHz at 2.0V).
- Max Sampling Rate: 32-bit / 768kHz (USB-B).
- DSD Support: DSD512 (Native / DoP).
- MQA Decoding: Full decoding (Core & Renderer).
Connectivity & Control
- Digital Inputs: 1 x USB-B, 1 x USB-A.
- Digital Outputs: 1 x Coaxial, 1 x Optical.
- Analog Outputs: 1 x Balanced XLR pair, 1 x RCA pair.
- Network: Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac), Gigabit Ethernet.
- Wireless Protocols: Apple AirPlay 2 (No Bluetooth).
- Control App: Audiolab 9000N App (Powered by Lumin).

Dimensions:
Width: 444 mm (17.48 inches).Height: 89 mm (3.5 inches).Depth: 333 mm (13.11 inches)

Weight:
13.66 lbs.

Approximate Age:
2023

Link to Manual:
Click Here

Recommended Cables:
Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Better

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Best

Kimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors - Better

Kimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors - Best

Kimber Kable - Coaxial Digital Interconnect

Kimber Kable - Optical Digital Interconnect

Kimber Kable - Select Series Reference USB Cable

Kimber Kable - Power Cords - Good

Kimber Kable - Power Cords - Better


Testing Process:
We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure that there are no signs of heat stress or damage. Capacitors are checked for telltale signs of predictive failure including bulging, shrunken wrappers, or physical leakage. We also inspect resistors and other passive components for signs of overheating. 

After the visual inspection we connect the DAC's RCA outputs to our Sencore PA81 Power Analyzer which simulates a real world input impedance and allows us to monitor the output on an oscilloscope. We are equipped to test optical, coaxial, and USB inputs at Redbook CD Quality.

We start with a test signal to verify signal lock and proper output on both channels. If the DAC has balanced outputs these are also tested at this time. If the DAC has multiple Optical and Coaxial inputs they are all checked for proper lock. USB inputs are tested with a MacBook Pro. 

After proper function is verified, we setup the DAC for a listening test to evaluate general audio reproduction quality and monitor for clicks, pops, or any other audible signs of issues related to dropped signal lock or failing audio output stages. We often connect the DAC under evaluation to our long term test rig for a long test stint to verify stability under real world operating conditions.