Audiolab has long been a name here at Peter Tyson associated with accessible, high-performance hi-fi, and with the release of the all-new D7 and D9 standalone DACs, they’ve returned to their roots – and raised the bar in the process... and we love it.
Direct descendants of the legendary M-DAC, these two digital-to-analogue converters are designed to slot seamlessly into your existing system and breathe new life into your digital sources.
Whether you’re building a compact desktop headphone setup or upgrading a full-size hi-fi stack, these DACs deliver the performance, precision, and personality you expect from a brand like Audiolab.
The Legacy of the M-DAC Continues
When Audiolab launched the M-DAC in 2011, it changed the game. One of the first products to utilise ESS Technology’s Sabre DAC chips, the M-DAC and subsequent models such as the M-DAC+ became a benchmark in digital audio performance.
The D7 and D9 carry that torch forward. Both use ESS Sabre chips and proprietary Audiolab circuitry to deliver stunning clarity and dynamics, while eliminating the common pitfalls of poor DAC implementation. If you’re looking for faithful sound with maximum detail, these are DACs built by experts who know exactly how to get the best from their components.
Audiolab D7: Compact, Capable, Clever
The D7 is the more compact of the two, but it punches well above its weight. At the heart is an ES9038Q2M DAC chip, used in other Audiolab favourites like the 6000A MkII and 7000A amps. Combine that with custom power circuitry, a Class A post-DAC filter, and advanced jitter elimination, and you get superb performance from a very modest footprint.
• Hi-Res Support: PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz, DSD512, full MQA decoding
• Roon Tested: Seamless integration with Roon audio environments
• Bluetooth 5.1: With aptX HD and USB drive playback
• Inputs: USB-B, USB-A, 2 optical, 2 coaxial
• Outputs: Balanced XLR, RCA, headphone, optical, coaxial
With five digital filter settings and upsampling available to 352.8 or 384kHz, the D7 is designed to adapt to your source material and personal taste.
It’s ideal for:
• Desktop hi-fi or headphone setups
• Streamer or CD player upgrades
• Compact systems where space matters
Audiolab D9: Bigger Build, Bolder Sound
The D9 takes everything great about the D7 and pushes it to the next level. It features the top-tier ES9038PRO DAC chip from ESS, using all eight channels to deliver a truly balanced stereo signal with ultra-low distortion.
• Upscale Build: Aluminium chassis, large rotary dials, 2.8" colour display
• Premium Power: Linear power supply with a 40VA toroidal transformer
• Expanded Inputs: Adds AES3/EBU to the D7’s input set
• Bluetooth LDAC: Alongside aptX HD, AAC, and more
• Performance Focused: Discrete ultra-low noise regulators, balanced architecture, Class A filtering
With its precision clocking, audiophile-grade components, and rich connectivity, the D9 fits perfectly into higher-end hi-fi systems, either as a central DAC hub or a luxury headphone front end.
Heavenly with Headphones
Both DACs share the same impressive headphone amplifier, capable of delivering:
• 500mW into 33 ohms
• Output voltage up to 4.8Vrms
• Max current output of 180mA
This means you can drive almost any headphone, from low-impedance earbuds to difficult planar magnetic designs, with ease and authority. Whether you're a critical listener or just want to unwind with your favourite tracks, you won’t need to compromise on sound.
The Verdict: Built on Experience, Designed for Now
The Audiolab D7 and D9 are more than just updates – they’re a continuation of a story that helped define a generation of digital hi-fi. With their blend of precision, usability, and versatility, these DACs deliver the detail, depth, and character that today’s music demands.
The D7 is your compact upgrade champion, and the D9 your high-end digital centrepiece. Both are available in black or silver and built to integrate into your system beautifully.
Discover them now at Peter Tyson, where expert advice, demos and exceptional service are all part of the package.