Audiolab D9 & D7 DACs
High-Fidelity Just Got Smarter
In 2011, Audiolab’s original M-DAC reshaped the affordable DAC landscape—winning five consecutive What Hi-Fi? Product of the Year awards before bowing out in 2016, undefeated.
Nearly a decade later, Audiolab returns with two specialist DACs: the entry-level D7 and the reference-grade D9. But what exactly do they offer? Who are they for? And most importantly—could one of these be your next must-have component?
Let’s take a closer look.
Meet the Lineup: D7 and D9
D7: Compact, Clean, and Capable
The D7 mirrors the minimalist aesthetic of Audiolab’s 6000 and 7000 Series. It features the ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M chip, Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD, full MQA decoding, and a host of high-spec digital and analogue connections.
Think of it as a clever, compact digital hub with serious trickle-down tech.
D9: Flagship Ambitions
The D9, on the other hand, is cut from the 9000 Series cloth. It incorporates the flagship ES9038PRO DAC, adds LDAC support over Bluetooth, pro-grade AES/EBU input, and a 2.8" IPS color display.
This is a reference DAC for listeners who want the cleanest signal path and the deepest digital detail.
DACs, Demystified
If you’re not quite sure why DACs matter: every device that plays digital audio has one. Your phone. Your TV. Maybe even your fridge.
But not all DACs are created equal. When you separate the DAC from your amp—and specialize—you raise the ceiling on what your system can reveal: better detail, bigger dynamics, lower noise.
That said, the rest of your setup matters. Even the best DAC can’t work miracles in a poorly treated room or on a budget soundbar.
Inside the D7
The D7 uses the same DAC chip found in Audiolab’s 6000A MkII and 7000A. It supports:
- PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz
- DSD512
- Full MQA decoding
Inputs: USB-B, USB-A, Coaxial, Optical, Bluetooth 5.1
Outputs: Balanced XLR, RCA, Optical/Coax Digital Out, High-power Headphone Out
It also includes five selectable DAC filters and optional MQA upsampling.
Why Choose the D7?
While amps often last for years, DAC tech moves fast. The D7 is an affordable upgrade path that breathes new life into older systems—especially for digital-first listeners.
Pair it with a 6000A (or any amp with power-amp mode), bypass the internal preamp, and you’ll unlock cleaner, more dynamic sound with better imaging and reduced noise.
And thanks to its high-grade headphone amp, D7 doubles as a serious desktop DAC. Whether you’re streaming high-res or gaming—this little box delivers.
Bit Perfect Playback
When using the D7 with macOS, system-wide sample rate can be fixed via Audio MIDI Setup, but that may cause upsampling. Software like Roon or Audirvana helps pass the native resolution directly.
Interestingly, iPad passed bit-perfect audio natively. In blind tests, differences were subtle—but if you’re chasing perfection, bit-accurate software may be worth the dive.
Enter the D9
Now for the serious stuff. D9 is Audiolab’s flagship DAC—and it shows.
- DAC Chip: ESS Sabre ES9038PRO
- Formats: PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz, DSD512, Full MQA decoding
- Inputs: AES/EBU, 2x Optical, 2x Coaxial, USB-B, USB-A, Bluetooth 5.1 (aptX HD + LDAC)
- Outputs: Balanced XLR, RCA, Optical/Coax Digital Out
- Extras: Five DAC filters, MQA upsampling, current-feedback headphone amp
Physically, it’s a stunner—full metal body, embossed logo, oversized dials, and that sleek IPS screen. Measuring 315 x 277 x 88mm, it’s over half the size of a full-width 9000 Series component.
Who Is D9 For?
D9 is made for audiophiles upgrading from older or built-in DACs—particularly those with high-end systems that can actually reveal its benefits.
Even 9000 Series owners might consider it for its incremental improvements. True, all 9000 units use the same DAC chip, but D9’s design helps peel away more of the sonic veil.
The Law of Diminishing Returns
Think of it this way: if listening to an MP3 on a Bluetooth speaker is like viewing the Mona Lisa through a thousand layers of muslin, a DAC like D9 removes a few more sheets—bringing clarity to subtle details.
On Banks’ track “Alibi,” for example, switching to the D9 brought forward quiet hi-hat clicks that had previously been buried in the mix—turning them into essential mood-setters.
Tested: Three System Setups
The D9 was tested in three setups using the 9000 CDT and 9000N streamer:
- 9000A Pre–Power combo (no D9)
- D9 added into the chain
- D9 directly into 9000P (bypassing preamp)
Results?
System 2 brought the biggest improvement. System 3 added finer refinements—lower noise, deeper blacks, more etched details.
These are fine margins, yes—but for detail-obsessed listeners, they matter.
Final Thoughts
- D7 is a brilliant all-rounder: affordable, clean, headphone-ready, and desktop-friendly.
- D9 is a serious reference DAC with stunning build, expanded I/O, and a touch more magic for revealing systems.
Would I buy the D9 for a 9000 Series system?
Yes—because I’m a madman who chases every sonic improvement possible.
But even if you’re only halfway down the rabbit hole, both D7 and D9 deserve a place on your shortlist.
Want to know more? Browse the full specs and availability at Audiolab D9 DAC and Audiolab D7 DAC or leave us a comment below.