Audiolab is stepping back into the standalone DAC scene with the launch of two new models: the compact D7 and the more premium D9. If you’ve been around hi-fi long enough, you might remember the original M-DAC from 2011—a big hit at the time that helped shape what many expected from a desktop DAC. Now, Audiolab is bringing that concept into the modern era with fresh designs, upgraded internals, and a focus on flexibility for both desktop and full-size hi-fi systems.
The D7 comes in at $600, while the D9 is priced at $1,460. That puts them in two very different brackets—one more approachable for everyday setups, the other geared toward higher-end systems with more demanding needs.
Let’s start with the D7. It’s the smaller and more affordable of the two, but don’t let its size fool you. This is a fully featured DAC, headphone amp, and preamp all in one tidy box. Inside, it’s built around the ES9038Q2M chip from ESS Technology—the same one used in Audiolab’s 6000A MkII and 7000A amplifiers.
It offers a wide range of input options. There’s USB Type-B for computers, USB Type-A for flash drives, and four digital inputs (two coaxial, two optical). Bluetooth 5.1 is also onboard, with support for the aptX HD codec for high-quality wireless streaming. And yes, it’s Roon Tested and supports MQA decoding if that’s still part of your listening routine.
When it comes to formats, the D7 can handle PCM files up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD up to DSD512 over USB. With optical and coaxial, you’re looking at PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz. It also includes five digital filter options and lets you upsample digital audio to 352.8kHz or 384kHz, which could come in handy when you’re dealing with older or lower-resolution files.
On the output side, you get balanced XLR and single-ended RCA analog connections, plus optical and coaxial digital outs. There’s also a full-size 6.35mm headphone jack, powered by a high-speed amplifier designed to work with a wide range of headphones.
The D7 can be used in either fixed or variable output mode. That means it can slot into a system as just a DAC (with your amp handling the volume), or you can use its internal volume control if you’re connecting it directly to powered speakers or a power amp.
The internal layout is designed to minimize noise and interference, and all the critical sections get their power from low-noise regulators. Power comes from an external supply to help keep things clean.
Now for the D9. This is the flagship of the pair, and it builds on what the D7 offers with higher-grade components, more advanced circuitry, and a few thoughtful extras.
At the heart of the D9 is the ES9038PRO DAC chip. Unlike the D7’s two-channel chip, this one has eight channels, which allows for a balanced stereo configuration with more headroom and improved channel separation.
Audiolab has paired that chip with a more robust internal power supply that uses a toroidal transformer and a set of discrete voltage regulators for each section of the circuit—something that’s generally reserved for higher-end gear.
The D9 supports the same wide range of digital formats as the D7 (PCM up to 768kHz, DSD512, MQA, and more), and it shares features like digital filters and upsampling. It also supports Bluetooth with Sony’s LDAC codec, which allows for higher-resolution wireless streaming than aptX HD. There’s even an extra AES3/EBU digital input for people using studio-level gear or professional audio sources.
One of the more visible differences is the D9’s 2.8-inch color display. It shows input selection, playback details, and even real-time audio meters. You can change display modes or turn it off entirely if you prefer a cleaner look. The D7, by comparison, has a more basic monochrome display.
The D9 includes the same headphone amplifier circuit as the D7, with current-feedback architecture and enough power to drive anything from everyday headphones to planar magnetic models. Output options also match: balanced XLR and RCA with fixed or variable modes.
So, who are these DACs for?
The D7 is aimed at people looking for a simple, well-rounded DAC to elevate their digital audio, whether it’s through a desktop headphone setup, a basic hi-fi system, or even just a way to add Bluetooth and USB support to existing gear. It’s compact, capable, and relatively affordable.
The D9, on the other hand, is for users who want more refinement—whether that’s better performance from the DAC chip, cleaner power delivery, or extra input options. The display, LDAC support, and AES input are also things that might appeal to those with more complex or high-end systems.
In a market where all-in-one streamers and wireless gear often dominate the conversation, it’s interesting to see Audiolab revisit the standalone DAC—and offer two different takes on what that should look like today.
Both models will be available in silver or black and are expected to begin shipping in mid-May. If you’re attending High End Munich 2025, you’ll be able to see them on display and try them out firsthand.
