Audiolab 9000A

Practicality, solid build and a strong performance, all in a neat single package

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We can see strong parallels between Audiolab's first product, the 1982-launched 8000A, and the 9000A we have here. Apart from slim proportions and clean aesthetics, both share a common ethos, one that aims to please most of the people, most of the time and in a wide range of systems. Both look smart but understated, though the 9000A's 4.3in colour LCD screen leaves no doubt that things have moved on.

The display provides a modern feel and easy access to the setup menu, where you can configure the product to taste. You can choose the digital filter setting, set the sensitivity for individual analogue inputs and adjust the balance between the speakers. The screen can be switched to show digital or analogue VU meters, the resolution of an incoming digital signal or just the volume. It also indicates in which mode the amplifier is operating.

This mode feature is one that harks back to some of Audiolab's earlier designs, where it was possible to separate the pre and power sections and use them independently. This could be useful if you want to upgrade your system with something beefier than the 9000A's builtin 100 watts per channel of power but still want to use the preamp section. Conversely, the 9000A's power amplifier can be partnered with an external preamp.