In this article, we will review the popular Audiolab 7000A integrated amplifier. This amplifier falls in between Audiolab’s entry-level 6000 series and the flagship 9000 series. The Audiolab 7000A improves on the 6000A with a genuine 70W per channel output, a new DAC, a new full-color IPS LCD screen, and more.
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Audiolab 7000A Review
The Audiolab 7000A is a Class A/B stereo integrated amplifier that produces 70 watts per channel at 8 ohms and 110 watts per channel at 4 ohms. This amplifier can be configured in three ways, as an integrated amplifier, a preamp (disables the built-in amplifiers), and as a standalone amplifier. This device, for US$1449, is a good option that can play a lot of roles in your speaker system.
The 7000A has a full steel case, and it comes in two finishes, Black and Silver. On the front panel, there is a 2.8-inch IPS screen that displays some cool graphics along with the settings and inputs. There are three knobs on the front for input selection, modes, and volume, and a headphone jack right next to them.
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On the back panel, there are optical inputs, coaxial inputs, a USB input, and a HDMI ARC input. You also have a phono preamp input for turntables, there is a subwoofer out port and there are connections for a third-party amplifier if you need more power.
Image Credit: Audiolab
This amplifier also has a built-in DAC (Digital To Analog Converter) and uses an ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip. As with the 9000A, the Audiolab 7000A uses a post-DAC filter based upon Class A topology and proprietary DC-coupled high-gain electronic amp designs to deliver ultra-low noise and high dynamic range for the digital audio connoisseur.
The Audiolab 7000A also delivers full decoding of MQA, the hi-res streaming technology from a custom-engineered MQA-certified DAC solution. This means that the complete ‘three unfold’ decoding process is performed internally, as opposed to just the final unfold in the manner of an MQA ‘renderer’, which makes the 7000A an excellent system choice for subscribers to Tidal’s ‘HiFi Plus’ tier where Tidal Masters (MQA) content can be found.
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The Audiolab 7000A is also Roon Tested. Roon transforms the experience of browsing music. Artist photos, credits, bios, reviews, lyrics, tour dates, and composers are located automatically and then interconnected by links to build a surfable, searchable digital magazine about your collection. Roon can also find all the same links between your files and the millions of tracks available on TIDAL, so you can start with the music you know, and then explore and discover new music from the world beyond your collection.
In addition to music browsing, Roon is a multi-room, multi-user networked audio platform built to the exacting standards of audiophiles. It offers features like bit-perfect playback, DSD and PCM upsampling, multichannel playback, and signal path display.
The Audiolab 7000A delivers a consistently neutral sound signature, staying true to the brand’s reputation for sonic transparency. During extensive listening sessions, the amplifier demonstrated remarkable versatility across various musical genres. What immediately stands out is the amplifier’s ability to drive even challenging speaker loads with authority, thanks to its robust 70W per channel output (increasing to 110W at 4 ohms).
The midrange reproduction deserves special mention for its clarity and articulation. Vocal performances are rendered with exceptional precision, allowing for nuanced emotional expression to come through uncolored. The amplifier’s neutral character ensures that recordings are presented as intended by the artists and producers, without imposing any particular tonal coloration.
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When connected via HDMI ARC for movie playback, the 7000A provides an engaging stereo experience that surpasses typical home theater setups in terms of fidelity. Dialog remains intelligible while soundtrack elements are reproduced with appropriate dynamics.
Perhaps most impressive is the amplifier’s ability to create a spacious, three-dimensional soundstage. Instruments are precisely placed within this acoustic space, allowing listeners to perceive depth and width in well-recorded material. This spatial quality, combined with the amplifier’s power reserves, results in a presentation that feels both expansive and controlled, even during complex musical passages.
Verdict
The Audiolab 7000A represents exceptional value at its $1,449 price point, successfully bridging the gap between the company’s entry-level and flagship offerings. Its versatile configuration options (integrated amplifier, preamp, or power amp), comprehensive connectivity including HDMI ARC, and MQA decoding capability make it a future-proof investment for discerning audio enthusiasts. The neutral sound signature, robust power delivery, and refined digital section featuring the ESS ES9038Q2M DAC elevate this amplifier above many competitors in its class. While dedicated audiophiles with significantly higher budgets might find more specialized options, the 7000A strikes an impressive balance of performance, features, and build quality that will satisfy the vast majority of music lovers seeking a transparent and versatile centerpiece for their audio system.