Audiolab 9000P Stereo Power Amplifier at Vinyl Sound Buffalo, NY

The Audiolab 9000P is a flagship stereo power amplifier from Audiolab (Cambridge, United Kingdom), available at Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, New York. Completing the flagship 9000 Series alongside the 9000Q preamplifier, 9000A integrated amplifier, 9000N network streamer, and 9000CDT CD transport, the 9000P is engineered by lead designer Jan Ertner as a dedicated, no-compromise power amplification stage. It delivers 2 x 100 watts into 8 ohms (2 x 160 watts into 4 ohms) in stereo mode, rising to 300 watts into 8 ohms in bridged mono mode, via a dual-mono Class AB circuit with Audiolab's proprietary CFB (Complementary Feedback) topology, a custom 320VA toroidal transformer, and 60,000uF of total reservoir capacitance — achieving THD below 0.002% and an SNR exceeding 112dB (A-weighted). Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs, gold-plated binding posts, and a 12V trigger input complete a purposeful, performance-focused design with zero concessions to redundant features.

Dual-Mono Class AB Circuit, CFB Topology, and Power Supply

The 9000P shares its core amplification architecture with the 9000A integrated amplifier, but in the 9000P the power stage operates in a fully dedicated chassis with its own optimized power supply — a configuration that removes the compromises inherent in a shared power supply design. The dual-mono layout gives each channel its own independent signal path from input to speaker binding post, with limited capacitive coupling between channels delivering stereo separation measured at 71 to 93dB across the 20Hz to 20kHz range. The CFB (Complementary Feedback) topology ensures superior linearity and consistent thermal stability by keeping idle current independent of output transistor temperature, so the amplifier's distortion and gain characteristics remain stable from cold start through extended listening. A custom-specified 320VA toroidal transformer feeds four 15,000uF reservoir capacitors (60,000uF total), providing the sustained current delivery and dynamic headroom needed to maintain control of demanding speaker loads. Maximum output current is rated at 15A — matching the 9000A specification. A mild Zobel network ensures unconditional stability into any speaker impedance, with the resulting output impedance held between 0.03 and 0.08 ohms across the full audio bandwidth, a figure that directly supports tight low-frequency control regardless of speaker impedance fluctuations.

Stereo and Bridged Mono Operation, XLR and RCA Inputs, and System Integration

The 9000P offers two operating modes selectable from the rear panel. In standard stereo mode, both channels are active, driven independently from the RCA or XLR inputs. In bridged mono mode, the two amplifier channels are combined to drive a single speaker from a monoblock configuration, delivering 300 watts into 8 ohms or 380 watts into 4 ohms. Two 9000P units configured as monoblocks — one per channel — provide 300 watts per channel into 8 ohms, representing a high-power upgrade path for users with demanding or difficult-to-drive speakers. Both balanced XLR (23dB gain) and unbalanced RCA (29dB gain) inputs are provided on the rear panel, accepting 2Vrms and 1Vrms signals respectively, with a 10K ohm input impedance. A 12V trigger input enables automatic power-on and power-off synchronized with the connected 9000Q preamplifier or other 9000 Series components. Speaker connection is via a set of high-quality gold-plated binding posts. The 9000P's dimensions, aluminium chassis construction, and Black or Silver finish are identical to those of the 9000Q, 9000A, 9000N, and 9000CDT, making it a natural visual and technical match across a complete 9000 Series system stack.

Key Features

• Dual-Mono Class AB Circuit with CFB Topology: Independent left and right channel signal paths from input to output, with Complementary Feedback ensuring superior linearity, thermal stability, and 71-93dB stereo separation across the audio band.
• 100W Per Channel Stereo / 300W Bridged Mono: Genuine 2 x 100W into 8 ohms and 2 x 160W into 4 ohms in stereo; 300W into 8 ohms and 380W into 4 ohms in bridged mono mode (single unit).
• Bridgeable for Monoblock Operation: Two 9000P units can be configured as monoblocks — one per channel — for 300W per channel into 8 ohms in a high-power dual-chassis setup.
• 320VA Custom Toroidal Transformer and 60,000uF Reservoir Capacitance: Identical power supply specification to the 9000A, providing sustained current delivery and dynamic headroom under demanding conditions.
• 15A Maximum Output Current: High-current capability supports tight low-frequency control and dynamic transient response with low-impedance and otherwise difficult speaker loads.
• Balanced XLR and Unbalanced RCA Inputs: Both balanced and unbalanced inputs provided for maximum preamplifier compatibility, with separate gain settings (23dB XLR / 29dB RCA) to match the sensitivity requirements of connected source and preamp components.
• Ultra-Low Output Impedance: Measured output impedance of 0.03 to 0.08 ohms (20Hz to 20kHz) for strong damping and precise speaker control across the audio band.
• Gold-Plated Binding Posts: High-quality speaker terminals supporting bare wire, spade, and banana plug connections.
• 12V Trigger Input: For automatic power sequencing with the 9000Q preamplifier or other compatible components.
• Full 9000 Series Visual Match: Identical form factor (444mm wide, 90mm high), aluminium chassis, and Black or Silver finish matching every other 9000 Series component for a cohesive system stack.

Technical Specifications

Connections at a Glance

• 1 x RCA Unbalanced Stereo Input
• 1 x XLR Balanced Stereo Input
• 1 x 12V Trigger Input
• 1 x Stereo Speaker Output (gold-plated binding posts)

What's in the Box

• Audiolab 9000P Stereo Power Amplifier
• Power Cord
• User Manual

Awards and Critical Recognition

• The Audiophile Man Deeply Groovy Award, 2025 — awarded jointly to the 9000P and 9000Q by Paul Rigby, The Audiophile Man

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Audiolab 9000P?

The Audiolab 9000P is a flagship stereo power amplifier from Audiolab (Cambridge, UK), forming the dedicated power amplification component of the premium 9000 Series. It delivers 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms in stereo mode via a dual-mono Class AB circuit with CFB topology, rising to 300 watts into 8 ohms in bridged mono mode, with a 320VA toroidal transformer, 60,000uF total reservoir capacitance, 15A maximum output current, THD below 0.002%, and both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs.

How does the Audiolab 9000P compare to the Parasound Halo A 23+, Rotel RB-1582 MkII, and Cambridge Audio CXA81 MkII power stage?

The Audiolab 9000P stands out in its price bracket through its combination of bridgeable mono operation and dual-mono architecture. Against the Parasound Halo A 23+ (125W/8 ohms, Class AB, no XLR input, no trigger, no bridged mode), the 9000P offers equivalent or greater power, adds balanced XLR connectivity, bridged mono capability, and 12V trigger automation — at a comparable price point. The Rotel RB-1582 MkII (200W/8 ohms, Class AB, XLR and RCA inputs, no bridged mode) delivers more rated stereo power than the 9000P in stereo, but the 9000P's bridgeable design means a pair of 9000P monoblocks can match or exceed it per channel. The Cambridge Audio CXA81 MkII is an integrated amplifier rather than a dedicated power stage, with 80W per channel sharing a chassis with DAC and preamp circuitry; the 9000P as a dedicated power amplifier eliminates the shared power supply constraints inherent in an integrated design.

What is bridged mono mode and when should I use it?

In bridged mono mode, the 9000P's two amplifier channels are combined to drive a single loudspeaker, with one channel handling the positive signal phase and the other the negative. This effectively doubles the voltage swing available to the speaker, raising output power from 100 watts into 8 ohms (stereo) to 300 watts into 8 ohms (bridged mono). Bridged mono mode is useful in two scenarios: powering a single speaker with higher headroom than stereo mode allows, or — with two 9000P units — configuring a dedicated monoblock system where each amplifier drives one channel independently at 300 watts per channel. It is most relevant for users with power-hungry or inefficient speakers, or those seeking the sonic benefits of separate monoblock amplification.

Can the Audiolab 9000P be used without the 9000Q preamplifier?

Yes. The 9000P accepts a line-level signal from any preamplifier or source component with a preamp output via its RCA or XLR inputs. Suitable source connections include the Audiolab 9000Q preamplifier (the natural partner), the 9000A's preamp output, the 9000N network streamer's variable analog output, any outboard DAC or network player with a preamp-level output, or a turntable with a phono preamplifier providing a line-level output. The 12V trigger input allows automatic power-on synchronization with any component providing a 12V trigger output.

How does the Audiolab 9000P differ from the power amplifier stage inside the 9000A integrated amplifier?

The 9000P's power amplifier circuit shares the same Class AB topology, CFB design, 320VA toroidal transformer specification, 60,000uF reservoir capacitance, and 15A maximum output current as the 9000A's power stage — but benefits from operating in a dedicated chassis with no competing circuitry sharing its power supply. In the 9000A, the power supply services both the preamp section (including DAC, phono stage, headphone amp, and display) and the power amp stage simultaneously. In the 9000P, the full power supply is devoted exclusively to amplification. The 9000P also introduces bridged mono capability that the 9000A does not offer, and provides the measured improvements in channel separation and SNR that come from the dedicated chassis layout.

Is the Audiolab 9000P stable driving 4-ohm speakers?

Yes. The 9000P is rated at 2 x 160 watts into 4 ohms in stereo mode (380 watts into 4 ohms in bridged mono), and the Zobel network in the output stage ensures unconditional stability into any speaker impedance. The maximum output current of 15A provides the headroom needed to handle the current demands of low-impedance speakers without compression or instability. The output impedance measured at 0.03 to 0.08 ohms across the audio band results in a high damping factor that supports tight bass control with 4-ohm and lower-impedance loads.

Where can I buy the Audiolab 9000P in Buffalo, NY or the United States?

The Audiolab 9000P is available at Vinyl Sound, an authorized Audiolab dealer in Buffalo, New York. Purchasing through an authorized dealer ensures full manufacturer warranty coverage, genuine product, and access to expert guidance from the Vinyl Sound team for system configuration and power amplifier pairing advice.