Audiolab's Omnia all-in-one system
Billed as: “The ideal system for every music source”, the Omnia offers hi-res network streaming supported over dual-band wi-fi and Ethernet, alongside Bluetooth for wireless reception from smartphones, tablets and so on, plus an integrated CD player incorporating a high-precision optical system and low-friction loading tray, with an electronic data buffer and sturdy aluminium base and chassis to tackle vibration.
For vinyl lovers, the integrated moving-magnet phono stage features a high-quality, low-noise, JFET-based circuit with precise RIAA equalisation and external sources can be connected via a range of digital (asynchronous USB and optical) and line-level analogue inputs, utilising the Omnia’s high-performance DAC, analogue preamp and power amp stages. Further versatility is provided by the ability to bypass the separate amp stages, giving the option to connect an external preor power amplifier.
Inlaid in the centre of the Omnia’s aluminium front panel is a 4.3in full-colour screen to display system settings, format data and track details. It can also be set to display a VU meter, showing real-time decibel levels for the left and right channels. At the centre of its digital circuitry is a Sabre ES9038Q2M chipset. This is accompanied by what Audiolab says is: “proprietary circuitry to make the most of ESS Technology’s HyperStream II architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator for ultra-low noise and high dynamic range.”
PCM audio is supported to 32-bit/768kHz, alongside DSD512. Every significant hi-res and lossless audio format is catered for, including FLAC, ALAC, AIFF and WAV, as well as MQA decoding. Network streaming is powered by DTS Play-Fi. The Omnia is Bluetooth 5 compliant and includes decoding for aptX, aptX LL, AAC and SBC. It is also officially ‘Roon Tested’.
The Omnia’s preamp and power amplifier stages incorporate short, direct signal paths and high-quality components designed to preserve sonic purity. Volume is adjusted in the analogue domain under microprocessor control, outputting directly to the Class AB output stage. This delivers a claimed 50W per channel into 8ohm.
The Omnia offers a selection of cable inputs for analogue and digital sources. Two USB inputs, Type A and Type B, cater for connection to PCs, Macs, smartphones, tablets and digital storage devices, complemented by two coaxial and two optical digital inputs. Four stereo RCA analogue inputs are supplied – three line-level, plus the aforementioned MM phono input. Headphones are served by a front-mounted 6.3mm output fed by a dedicated amp. Other outputs include a stereo RCA pre-out option, as well as coaxial and optical digital outputs.
The Audiolab Omnia measures in at 440 x 156 x 327mm (WxHxD), weighs 9.1kg and comes in a choice of black or silver finishes.
Available to buy now for £1,600, you can find out more about the Audiolab Omnia here.
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