Audiolab 7000A Integrated Amplifier at Vinyl Sound Buffalo, NY

The Audiolab 7000A is a mid-range integrated amplifier from Audiolab (Cambridge, United Kingdom), available at Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, New York. Positioned between the 6000 and 9000 Series and designed by lead engineer Jan Ertner, the 7000A delivers 2 x 70 watts into 8 ohms (2 x 110 watts into 4 ohms) via a discrete Class AB circuit with CFB topology, built around the ESS ES9038Q2M 32-bit DAC with full MQA decoding, a dedicated MM phono stage, HDMI ARC connectivity, Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX, and a current-feedback headphone amplifier — all managed through a 2.8-inch full-color IPS LCD display. The 7000A's combination of audiophile-grade amplification, comprehensive digital and analog inputs, and three operating modes (Integrated, Pre-Power, and Pre-only) makes it one of the most fully featured integrated amplifiers available at its price point.

Class AB Power Amplification with CFB Topology and Substantial Power Supply

The 7000A's discrete Class AB power amplifier stage delivers a genuine 70 watts per channel into 8 ohms, rising to 110 watts per channel into 4 ohms, with a maximum output current of 9A into difficult loads. The circuit employs Audiolab's proprietary CFB (Complementary Feedback) topology — introduced as a new standard across the Audiolab amplifier range with the 7000A — which achieves superior linearity and consistent thermal stability by keeping idle current independent of output transistor temperature. Underpinning the amplifier is a substantial 250VA toroidal transformer followed by 60,000uF of total reservoir capacitance (four capacitors of 15,000uF each), a power supply specification shared in total reservoir capacity with the flagship 9000A. This combination supports tight dynamic control, wide headroom, and the kind of authority over challenging speaker loads that the 7000A's power rating alone does not fully communicate. The preamp section routes line-level signals through a precision analog volume stage, kept as simple as possible to minimize noise and coloration in the signal path.

ESS ES9038Q2M DAC, Full MQA Decoding, HDMI ARC, and Versatile Connectivity

The 7000A's digital section is built around the ESS ES9038Q2M, a 32-bit DAC chip using ESS Technology's HyperStream architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator, implemented with a post-DAC filter based on Class A topology and proprietary DC-coupled high-gain circuitry for ultra-low noise and high dynamic range. The four S/PDIF digital inputs — two coaxial and two optical — handle PCM data up to 24-bit/192kHz. The USB-B PC input extends this to 32-bit/768kHz PCM and native DSD64 through DSD512. A certified full MQA decoder performs the complete three-stage unfolding process internally, making the 7000A well suited for Tidal HiFi Plus subscribers streaming Tidal Masters content. A standout feature at this price point is the HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) input, which allows direct connection to a television's HDMI ARC port, routing TV audio — including streaming service playback — through the 7000A's DAC and amplification without a separate optical or coaxial cable. Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX and aptX Low Latency provides wireless connectivity from smartphones, tablets, and laptops. The 7000A's high-performance MM phono stage uses an improved version of the low-noise circuit and precise RIAA equalization found in the 6000A, now with increased gain of 55dB and a lower noise floor. The current-feedback headphone amplifier with wide bandwidth and high slew rate drives loads from 20 to 600 ohms with a 4.7-ohm output impedance.

Key Features

• 70W Per Channel Class AB Power: Genuine 2 x 70W into 8 ohms and 2 x 110W into 4 ohms via a discrete Class AB stage with CFB (Complementary Feedback) topology, 250VA toroidal transformer, and 60,000uF total reservoir capacitance.
• ESS ES9038Q2M 32-Bit DAC: HyperStream architecture with Time Domain Jitter Eliminator, implemented with a Class A post-DAC filter and proprietary DC-coupled high-gain design for ultra-low noise and high dynamic range.
• Full Certified MQA Decoding: Complete three-stage internal MQA decoder for Tidal Masters content, with no need for an external renderer.
• HDMI ARC Input: Dedicated HDMI Audio Return Channel input for direct TV integration, enabling hi-fi-quality playback of television and streaming service audio through the 7000A.
• Hi-Res PCM to 32-Bit/768kHz and DSD512: USB-B input supports full PCM hi-res playback alongside native DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, and DSD512.
• Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX and aptX Low Latency: Wireless streaming from mobile devices and computers, with aptX Low Latency support minimizing lip-sync delay for video use cases.
• Dedicated MM Phono Stage: Improved low-noise moving magnet phono preamplifier with precise RIAA equalization, 55dB of gain, and standard 47K/100pF input impedance.
• Current-Feedback Headphone Amplifier: Wide-bandwidth, high-slew-rate headphone output accommodating loads from 20 to 600 ohms with a 4.7-ohm output impedance.
• Three Operating Modes: Integrated, Pre-Power, and Pre-only modes enable the 7000A to serve as a conventional integrated amplifier, a standalone power amplifier, or a standalone DAC/preamplifier.
• 2.8-Inch Full-Color IPS LCD Display: 480 x 640 resolution display with source information, VU metering (analog and digital modes), DPLL settings, and brightness controls — shared GUI design language with the 9000 Series.
• CFB Topology as Standard: Complementary Feedback power amp circuit topology introduced as a new Audiolab standard with the 7000A, ensuring superior linearity and thermal stability across the range.

Technical Specifications

Connections at a Glance

• 3 x Analog RCA Line Inputs
• 1 x MM Phono Input (RCA)
• 2 x S/PDIF Coaxial Digital Inputs
• 2 x S/PDIF Optical (TOSLINK) Digital Inputs
• 1 x HDMI ARC Input
• 1 x USB-B PC Input (PCM to 768kHz / DSD512)
• 1 x Bluetooth 5.0 (aptX / aptX Low Latency)
• 1 x Power Amplifier Input (pre-amp bypass)
• 1 x Preamp Output (RCA)
• 1 x Stereo Speaker Output (binding posts)
• 1 x Headphone Output (6.35mm, 20-600 ohm compatible)
• 1 x 12V Trigger Input + 1 x 12V Trigger Output

What's in the Box

• Audiolab 7000A Integrated Amplifier
• Remote Control
• Power Cord
• Bluetooth Antenna(s)
• User Manual

Awards and Critical Recognition

• StereoNET Applause Award, 2023 — Awarded by StereoNET International following the publication's full review
• AVForums Best Buy Award, 2023 — Awarded by AVForums following Ed Selley's review, May 2023

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Audiolab 7000A?

The Audiolab 7000A is a mid-range integrated stereo amplifier from Audiolab (Cambridge, UK), positioned between the entry-level 6000A and the flagship 9000A. It delivers 70 watts per channel into 8 ohms via a discrete Class AB circuit with CFB topology, built around the ESS ES9038Q2M 32-bit DAC with full MQA decoding, a low-noise MM phono stage, HDMI ARC input, Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX, a current-feedback headphone amplifier, and three operating modes — all controlled through a 2.8-inch full-color IPS LCD display.

How does the Audiolab 7000A compare to the Arcam A15, Cambridge Audio CXA81 MkII, and Rega Elex Mk4?

The Audiolab 7000A stands out among mid-range integrated amplifiers through its feature density and digital capability. Against the Arcam A15 (50W, no MQA, no HDMI ARC, no DSD), the 7000A offers more output power, a full MQA decoder, native DSD512 via USB, and the HDMI ARC input — a meaningful advantage for anyone using a television as a secondary source. Compared to the Cambridge Audio CXA81 MkII (80W, no phono stage, no MQA), the 7000A adds a built-in MM phono stage, full MQA decoding, and HDMI ARC at a competitive price point. Against the Rega Elex Mk4 (90W, no DAC, no Bluetooth, no phono), the 7000A brings a comprehensive digital front end and wireless connectivity alongside analog amplification, making it a more self-contained system hub for those who want a single chassis to handle multiple sources.

Does the Audiolab 7000A support HDMI ARC and how does it work with a television?

Yes. The 7000A includes a dedicated HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) input — a feature uncommon at this price among pure hi-fi integrated amplifiers. When connected via an HDMI cable to a television's ARC-compatible HDMI port, the 7000A receives the TV's audio output digitally, allowing the audio from all TV-connected sources (including streaming apps, Blu-ray players, and set-top boxes) to be routed through the 7000A's DAC stage and amplified through the connected speakers. This eliminates the need for a separate optical or coaxial connection and simplifies home theater integration without requiring a dedicated AV receiver.

What is the difference between the Audiolab 7000A and 9000A?

The 9000A is Audiolab's flagship integrated amplifier and sits above the 7000A in every measurable specification. The 9000A delivers 100W per channel (vs. 70W), uses the higher-tier ESS ES9038PRO DAC (vs. the ES9038Q2M in the 7000A), adds a balanced XLR analog input, a more powerful 320VA toroidal transformer (vs. 250VA), and increases maximum output current to 15A (vs. 9A). The 9000A also features a larger 4.3-inch display (vs. 2.8 inches), adds Bluetooth 5.1 with LDAC support (vs. Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX only on the 7000A), and omits the HDMI ARC input that the 7000A includes. Both share the same 60,000uF reservoir capacitance, CFB power amp topology, three operating modes, full MQA decoding, and MM phono stage.

Is the Audiolab 7000A compatible with moving coil (MC) cartridges?

No. The 7000A's onboard phono stage is designed exclusively for moving magnet (MM) cartridges. It provides 55dB of gain and a standard 47K ohm input impedance, which matches the requirements of MM cartridges but is not suited to the low-output, low-impedance characteristics of moving coil designs. Users with an MC cartridge would need an external MC-capable phono preamplifier or step-up transformer connected to one of the 7000A's line-level RCA inputs.

Can the Audiolab 7000A be used as a standalone DAC and preamplifier?

Yes. In Pre-only mode, the 7000A's power amplifier stage is disabled entirely, and the unit operates as a high-performance standalone DAC and preamplifier. In this configuration, the 7000A's full suite of digital and analog inputs — including the USB-B, HDMI ARC, coaxial and optical S/PDIF inputs, phono stage, and Bluetooth receiver — remains available, with the preamp output providing a line-level signal to a connected external power amplifier. This operating mode effectively provides an upgrade path for users who later wish to add a dedicated power amplifier without replacing the 7000A.

Where can I buy the Audiolab 7000A in Buffalo, NY or the United States?

The Audiolab 7000A is available at Vinyl Sound, an authorized Audiolab dealer in Buffalo, New York. Buying from an authorized dealer ensures full manufacturer warranty coverage, genuine product, and access to expert guidance from the Vinyl Sound team for system matching and setup.