Audiolab 7000A, 7000CDT, 7000N Play - New Hi-Fi Standards

Audiolab 7000 Series Electronics Overview:

In recent months, the British company A Audiolab has taken seriously updating its product line. After the release of the new top-end 9000 series, it was the turn of more affordable lines. The recently introduced 7000 series contains all the main types of current components - an integrated amplifier, a CD transport, and a network player. At the same time, the difference in price with the 6000th series turned out to be quite insignificant. Whether this means that the new products will gradually replace the proven budget line or not - time will tell, but for now, let's study carefully what Audiolab offers us in its new models.

Audiolab 7000A:

The integrated amplifier is enclosed in a flat stylish case with an oval color display in the center of the front panel, which displays not only all service information but also an output signal level indicator in the form of arrows or a color horizontal scale. The output power of the amplifier is 70 watts per channel in class AB, the discrete output stage is built on a complementary pair of transistors and is powered by a solid 250 VA toroidal transformer, supplemented by four filter capacitors with a capacity of 15,000 microfarads each. In a complex load, the amplifier can deliver a current of up to 9 amperes.

On board, there is a built-in phono stage for MM heads, as well as a digital-to-analog converter on the ES9038Q2M chip from ESS Technologies. It uses the proprietary ESS HyperStream architecture and effective jitter suppression, while the analog output stage operates in class A and uses current coupling. The digital part of the amplifier receives a signal through two coaxial and two optical inputs, HDMI and USB-B ports, as well as a Bluetooth adapter that supports aptX and aptX LL codecs. There is also a preamp output, and on the front panel, there is a 6.35 mm headphone output, served by a separate dedicated amplifier. Despite its thin profile, the Audiolab 7000A weighs an impressive 8.4 kg.

Audiolab 7000CDT:

As with all of the company's other new series, the Audiolab 7000CDT optical disc player is a pure transport and lacks a DAC unit. This is a completely natural decision, given that almost all modern integrated and pre-amplifiers of the middle class have a built-in digital-to-analog converter, so the manufacturer decided to spend the money saved on better mechanics. The transport is equipped with a loading tray, and the digital signal is output through optical and coaxial digital outputs. What's more, there's a USB-A port on the back for external drives, from which the built-in player can play WAV, AAC, and WMA files.

The display in the center of the front panel has a size of 2.8 inches and is very informative - you can see all the necessary information about the files being played on it. All data read from disks is buffered, where possible errors are corrected, and a high-quality clock generator provides vanishingly low jitter both at the optical and coaxial outputs. By the way, the latter is served by its own separate differential linear driver. The vehicle weighs 5.4 kg.

Audiolab 7000N Play:

Few modern systems do without a specialized network player, and the new 7000 series is no exception. With the Audiolab 7000N Play, you can build a multi-room installation thanks to DTS Play-Fi and Apple AirPlay 2 support, and all the necessary music services are protected in the Play-Fi application. Of course, the novelty can play files not only from streaming services but also via wireless and wired networks from home storage on a computer or NAS server, for this, it has a Wi-Fi adapter and an Ethernet port.

Signal output is possible, of course, both in analog form via a stereo RCA connector, and digitally via coaxial and optical outputs. The digital-to-analog converter in the streamer is built on the same chip as the DAC unit in the integrated amplifier - ES9038Q2M. The presence of an adjustable analog RCA output allows you to directly connect the device to an existing power amplifier or active speaker system.

System:

As part of the audition, organized in the office of the distributor of Audiolab products, the components were connected to the well-known Mission 700 speaker systems installed on branded racks. Switching was performed by digital and speaker cables AudioQuest.

We listen:

Let's say right away - there were no surprises in terms of compliance with Audiolab's signature sound signature. The 7000 series system still demonstrates the same recognizable character with slightly dark tones and excellent dynamics, conducive to long listening. A rare example of consistency these days is when a manufacturer's components demonstrate a commitment to a given sound setting over the years. Perhaps the most burning question that audiophiles interested in the new series can ask themselves is how does the sound of the system compare with the handwriting of the younger 6000 and older 9000 series? Which one is he closer to?

Well, once again we have to admire the ability of the developers (well, marketers) of the company to weigh the sound exactly for the amount paid by the buyer. It is unlikely that anyone will be surprised to learn that the 7000-series plays better than the 6000-series, but at the same time, it just falls short of the magnificent 9000-series. However, this is exactly the case - while maintaining common family features with the top components of the company, the new system is slightly inferior to them both in the field of aerodynamics and spatial resolution.

If we disregard comparisons with a more expensive series, then the increase against the background of the 6000th line is more than noticeable. And this applies not only to functionality but also to such matters as the transfer of fortissimo on Verdi's Requiem, the drawing of a drum set on Gamma Ray action films, and rhythmic accuracy on the provocative jazz pieces of the Oscar Peterson trio. And whether you choose the 7000CDT CD transport or the 7000N Play network player as your source, you'll get that signature sound that you can listen to for hours without any fatigue.

Passport data:

Type - CD transport | Name - Audiolab 7000CDT | Price, - 54 900 | File Format Support - Redbook CD, MP3, WMA | Output resistance, Ohm - 75 | Frequency response, Hz - 20 - 20,000 | Outputs - optical, coaxial | Input - USB-A | Dimensions, cm - 44.4 x 7.8 x 32.2 | Weight, kg - 5.4

Type - network player | Name - Audiolab 7000N Play | Price, - 54 900 | Output resistance, Ohm - 100 | Frequency response, Hz - 20 - 20,000 | SOI, % - 0.0005 | Signal-to-noise ratio, dB - more than 115 | Inputs - Wi-Fi, Ethernet | Outputs - Analog RCA, Digital Optical, Digital Coaxial | Dimensions, cm - 44.4 x 7.8 x 34.0 | Weight, kg - 5.0

Type - integrated amplifier | Name - Audiolab 7000A | Price, - 104,900 | Output resistance, Ohm - 120 | Output power, W - 2 x 70 (8 Ohm), 2 x 110 (4 Ohm) | Frequency response, Hz - 20 - 20,000 | THD, % - 0.003 | Signal-to-noise ratio, dB – 110 | Inputs - Analog RCA (4), Analog Phono (1), Analog XLR (1), Digital Optical (2), Digital Coaxial (2), HDMI ARC, Bluetooth | Outputs - Analog RCA (preamplifier), 6.35mm headphones | Dimensions, cm - 44.4 x 7.8 x 34.0 | Weight, kg - 8.4 Audiolab 7000A, 7000CDT, 7000N Play - New Hi-Fi Standards:

Ratings:

Pros: recognizable branded sound with excellent rhythm and comfortable delivery, improved streamer functionality, nice display with arrow indication

Cons: I would like ports for external drives in the streamer

• Design - 100
• Workmanship - 95
• Sound - 95
• Functions - 100
• Total - 95

Conclusion:

The logical development of the Audiolab line of components pleases not only with a commitment to branded sound but also by maintaining a very reasonable price. At the same time, the highest quality of workmanship and thoughtful functionality of the 7000-series components make them one of the most profitable purchases on the market today.