Audiolab D7 and Audiolab D9

It was the 1990s when Audiolab debuted its first separate digital-to-analog converter, it was called the 8000DAC, but it was with the M-DAC in 2011 that the company consolidated its expertise in the field. After 14 years two new products: the Audiolab D7 and Audiolab D9, which follow in the footsteps of the older models, confirming the high value for money that has always distinguished the brand. D7 is an extremely versatile DAC both in a hi-fi system and in a desktop solution. Despite its small size and low price, the references to the design and functionality of the M-DAC are evident. Audiolab did not skimp on connectivity for this entry-level, including four S/PDIF inputs, (two coaxial and two optical), a USB HDD input for playback from external flash drives, and a USB-B input for PC, Mac, smartphone or tablet. It also offers a choice of coaxial, optical or fully balanced RCA and XLR analog outputs, making it an extremely versatile digital audio hub. Bluetooth reception is also included, with support for several codecs, including aptX HD, and Bluetooth 5.1 compatibility. At the heart of the D7 is Sabre’s ES9038Q2M DAC, which provides compatibility with DSD up to 22.5792 MHz (DSD512) and 32-bit/768 kHz PCM via USB, or 24-bit/192 kHz PCM via S/PDIF (optical and coaxial). The D7 is also a full MQA decoder, ensuring the entire “three-step” decoding process, rather than just the final step as is the case with most DACs that are MQA renderers only. Very low noise is guaranteed thanks to the ESS HyperStream II architecture and Time Domain Jitter. Also available is 352.8 kHz or 384 kHz oversampling, as well as five selectable output filters to tailor D7’s sound to one’s taste. Another interesting feature is the headphone output and excludable volume control, as well as compatibility with Roon. The cabinet is made of aluminum and is available in silver or black; on the front panel is the small OLED display that displays key information or assists the user in setting up the machine. Included is a compact remote control from which to fully govern the machine. The Audiolab D7 sets a new standard for entry-level DACs, proving that convenience does not always mean compromise.

The Audiolab D9 is the premium version of the D7, is larger in size, and is equipped with the ES9038PRO, eight-channel DAC that allows it to handle the signal fully balanced. A DAC, in short, suitable for a HiFi system with strong ambitions. The most interesting features include an internal linear power supply with a low-noise toroidal transformer, 2.8-inch IPS LCD display, Bluetooth LDAC support, AES/EBU input, and significantly superior sound performance.

Technical characteristics:

Digital inputs: 2XSPDIF (coax, optical), 1 USB-B, 1 USB-A HDD, 1X BT (aptx-aptx HD)
Supported sampling frequencies: up to 768kHz, DSD512
Output voltage: 2.05V RCA, 4.1V XLR
Distortion THD: <0.001%
Frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz (+/-0.2dB)
Output impedance: 120Ω
Headphone amplifier:
Distortion THD: <0.001%, 50mW
Output impedance: 2.35Ω
Load impedance: 20-600Ω
Power consumption: <0.5W
Weight: 1.42 kg
Dimensions: 180X56X208

Digital inputs: 2XSPDIF (coax, optical), 1 USB-B, 1 USB-A HDD, 1X BT (aptx-aptx HD)
Supported sampling frequencies: up to 768kHz, DSD512
Output voltage: 2.05V RCA, 4.1V XLR
Distortion THD: <0.001%
Frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz (+/-0.1dB)
Headphone amplifier:
Distortion THD: <0.001%, 50mW
Output impedance: 2.35Ω
Load impedance: 20-600Ω
Power consumption: <0.5W
Weight: 4.2 kg
Dimensions: 277X88.3X315

Manufacturer: Audiolab 13/14 Glebe Road, PE29 7DL (+44)(0)1480 452561

Distributor: TECNOFUTURO SRL, Via Rodi 6 Brescia +39 0302452475

Audiolab D7 price 649.00 Euro

Audiolab D9 price 1,399.00 Euro