Positioned between the 6000 and 9000, the 7000 combines high-quality features in a price bracket that follows the standard of class-leading performance.
Externally resembling the sequential series and therefore offering an identical visual aesthetic identity, the audiolab 7000A improves upon the 6000A with a true 70W output per channel, a new DAC, a new IPS LCD color display and more! Smaller in size than the 9000 series, it retains sharp ergonomics, high-quality engineering, a useful range of features and excellent overall acoustic performance and connectivity.
Classes of A and B
audiolab makes no effort with the actual dimension of its power rating. The 7000A’s discrete Class AB power amplifier stage delivers 70W per channel into 8 ohms, with a maximum current delivery of 9A (amps) into demanding loads. A new standard in audiolab amplifiers, the output stage of the discrete power amplifier circuits uses a CFB (Complementary Feedback) topology, ensuring superior linearity and excellent thermal stability, as the quiescent current is maintained independent of the temperature of the output transistors. Critically specified by Jan Ertner (head engineer of audiolab brand) the newly developed power supply features a powerful 250VA toroidal transformer, followed by 4x15000uF capacitors (60000uF in total), helping the amplifier to maintain control of the music while allowing excellent dynamic range range.
Name Your Source
Whatever the input source – analog, digital, wireless or TV – the 7000A has been built with the same level of detail you’ve come to expect from audiolab, all with the latest technology, so it’s fully equipped to meet many needs , yet maintaining a price point that keeps the audiolab brand at the forefront of quality home audio. Dual analog inputs cover CD playback and line-level sources, dual Coax and SPDIF inputs extend this for digital sources, while an aptX Bluetooth receiver offers a solution for wireless audio playback and smart devices. Following the growing trend for high-quality audio electronics to be integrated directly into the living room and there for more harmony as the center of your home audio system, the 7000A takes connectivity to a new dimension with its built-in Audio Return Channel (ARC) connection for use with televisions – thus bringing the dynamics of audiolab to music playback via TV applications and home theater. And let’s not forget the direct connection to the computer via USB.
Flagship DAC
As usual with audiolab integrated amplifiers, the 7000A brings back natural integration and synergy with an ESS ES9038Q2M chip. Improving on the 6000A with this latest version and learning from the 9000A, the 7000A uses ESS Technology’s 32-bit HyperStream architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator system. As with the 9000A, the 7000A uses a post-DAC filter based on Class A topology and a proprietary DC-coupled high-gain electronic amplifier design to deliver ultra-low noise and high dynamic range for the digital audio connoisseur.
Flow Technology
In addition, the 7000A also provides full decoding of MQA, high-resolution streaming technology from a purpose-built MQA-certified DAC solution. This means that the full “three-deployment” decoding process is performed internally, as opposed to final development in the manner of an MQA “renderer”, which makes the 7000A an excellent system choice for Tidal “HiFi Plus” subscribers, where they can to find Tidal Masters (MQA) content.
Tables are Turning
The 6000A is applauded for its ability to offer an integrated phono preamp solution. The 7000A builds on this with a further improved phono stage for Moving Magnet (MM) Phono heads – using an improved version of the high-quality, low-noise MM Phono circuit and precise RIAA equalization that sets the benchmark for “on-board” phono preamplifier solutions. The same goes for the dedicated headphone output. Enhancing the 7000 series’ claims of versatility, the separate headphone amplifier with current feedback circuit covers the head-fi hidden in the audiophile! Its wide gain bandwidth and high gain rate ensure a dynamic, detailed and engaging performance with all types of headphones – more points to add to this most comprehensive of integrated amplifiers…
Improved Interface
As the engineers in the audiolab camp have learned with every model and series – greatness can be improved upon. Taking the 6000A as a model, audiolab knew that the average audiophile’s thirst for specificity and features would mean that the much-anticipated linear upgrade from the 6000A would instinctively also include an improved display and more general user interface (GUI) – hence the vivid and visually informative 2.8″ (48 x 64mm) IPS display. The detailed yet simple-to-use GUI also carries over a general theme of information and structure from the 9000A, just in a more condensed style. The GUI includes settings for the digital phase-locked loop of the D/C converter.
More than enough graphics
(DPLL), brightness and modes. It can even be set to display a VU meter in ‘analog’ or ‘digital’ form – showing real-time decibel levels for the left and right channels – a satisfying graphical representation of the music as it plays. As with all audiolab electronic hi-fi components, the audiolab 7000A again offers remarkable sonic consistency, plenty of source and connectivity options and clean styling. Regardless of the source material and format, the 7000A is vibrant and charming, but also never loses focus on musicality and detail. The breadth, depth and pace that reaches audiences is assured. The benchmark in this price category has been raised – it is now in the 7000 series sector!
