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Audiolab’s 9000A integrated amplifier is the product behind the headline about bringing vinyl into the modern listening age. It combines an all-new moving-magnet (MM) phono preamp with Class AB speaker amplification, a dedicated headphone amplifier, Bluetooth and high-resolution computer audio in one system hub. It can accept an MM turntable, digital sources or a Bluetooth device, then drive passive speakers or wired headphones.
What the 9000A’s new phono stage does
The phono section is designed for moving-magnet cartridges rather than moving-coil cartridges. Audiolab describes it as a JFET-based circuit with precise RIAA equalisation. RIAA equalisation applies the standard playback curve used by records, restoring the tonal balance that is intentionally altered when a disc is cut.
That means a turntable with an MM cartridge can connect directly to the 9000A’s phono input without a separate phono preamp. A turntable fitted with an MC cartridge would need an external MC-compatible phono stage connected to a line-level input; the published 9000A specification does not claim MC support.
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Connectivity and supported formats
| Function | Published specification | What it means in a system |
|---|---|---|
| Phono | MM cartridge input; JFET circuit; precise RIAA equalisation | Direct connection for a turntable using an MM cartridge |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX, aptX HD, AAC and LDAC | Wireless playback from compatible phones, tablets and computers |
| PC USB | USB-B input; PCM 44.1 kHz–768 kHz; DSD64–DSD512 | Computer audio playback through the 9000A’s DAC |
| DAC | ESS ES9038PRO, 32-bit | Converts supported digital audio for the amplifier section |
| Speaker output | Class AB, 2 × 100 W into 8 ohms; 2 × 160 W into 4 ohms | Drives a wide range of passive loudspeakers, subject to their impedance and sensitivity |
| Headphone output | Dedicated current-feedback amplifier for 20–600 ohm loads | Supports many portable, studio and high-impedance wired headphones |
Does it really record vinyl over USB?
Not according to the published input and output tables. Audiolab lists the PC USB connection as a USB-B input for computer audio. The listed outputs are preamplifier, stereo speaker, headphone and 12V trigger connections; no USB audio output or analogue-to-digital recording function is specified.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Therefore, the 9000A should be treated as a computer-playback device over USB, not as a confirmed vinyl-to-computer recorder. To digitise records, you would need a separate analogue-to-digital interface or phono stage that explicitly provides a USB output, unless Audiolab documents recording support in a current manual or later product statement.
How to connect a turntable, speakers and headphones
- Check the cartridge. Confirm that the turntable uses an MM cartridge. Do not connect an MC cartridge directly to the 9000A’s phono input.
- Connect the turntable. Plug the turntable’s left and right RCA leads into the 9000A’s phono input and attach the turntable’s ground wire to the amplifier’s ground terminal if one is provided.
- Connect passive speakers. Wire the left and right speaker terminals with the amplifier switched off, observing polarity. The published power figures are 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 160 watts per channel into 4 ohms.
- Select the phono source. Choose the phono input on the 9000A, start the record and set the volume gradually.
- Add headphones when needed. Plug wired headphones into the headphone output. Audiolab specifies compatibility with loads from 20 to 600 ohms, but sensitivity and listening level still affect the practical result.
- Use digital sources. Connect a computer to the USB-B input for PCM or DSD playback within the published ranges, or pair a Bluetooth device and select the Bluetooth source.
Where the 9000A fits among all-in-one amplifiers
The useful comparison is not simply “which amplifier has a phono input.” Check the cartridge type first, then the direction of USB audio. A USB input for computer playback is different from an ADC and USB output for recording. Also compare Bluetooth codec support, speaker power at the speaker’s nominal impedance, headphone load range, and whether network or streaming functions are built in.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Audiolab’s Omnia is an adjacent model with MM phono, Bluetooth, USB, network playback and a dedicated headphone amplifier, but it is a separate product. Its feature set should not be assumed to apply to the 9000A.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What is and is not established about the product
- The 9000A is an integrated amplifier with MM phono, Bluetooth, PC USB audio and headphone amplification.
- Its digital section uses an ESS ES9038PRO 32-bit DAC and supports the published PCM and DSD rates over USB.
- Audiolab specifies Bluetooth 5.1 and aptX, aptX HD, AAC and LDAC codecs.
- Audiolab rates the Class AB amplifier at 2 × 100 W into 8 ohms and 2 × 160 W into 4 ohms.
- The headphone amplifier is specified for 20–600 ohm loads.
- No launch price, current street price, sales territory or independent listening test is established by the available manufacturer information.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
