This time last year, Astell&Kern launched the Acro CA1000, combining a digital audio player and desktop headphone amplifier into one device. Built around a dual-tube triple amp system and the first to feature ESS’s latest flagship DAC, a new model joins the family.
Astell&Kern first introduced a triple amplifier system with the A&ultima SP2000T digital audio player, but with the CA100T it has gone even further, employing dual dual triode Korg Nutubes for a “unique warm and mellow tone”.
Listeners can switch between tube mode or op amp mode, or choose a hybrid of the two for the best sound quality in both worlds. All three modes are available, each with balanced/unbalanced headphone outputs, as well as XLR, RCA, optical and coaxial connections.
Desktop audio system reportedly capable of driving even the most demanding high impedance headphones without affecting sound delivery, tube and op amp modes output up to 15 Vrms with 4 levels of gain adjustment am. And, like his CA1000 before it, the new model features the company’s Teraton Alpha technology, which reduces bud distortion at all volume levels.
Astell & Khan
CA1000T is the world’s first device with ES9039MPRO D/A converter, two of which are actually dual DAC configurations, up to 32-bit/384 kHz resolution, native DSD512 (22.4 MHz) and built-in MQA decoding of .
It also has Bluetooth 5.0 built-in, allowing users to wirelessly pair with BT headphones and speakers. LDAC and aptX HD codec support also enables high-definition wireless playback from smartphones, and dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi enables streaming. It has 256 GB of internal storage with up to 1 TB of microSD expansion, and the integrated battery should be good for 11 hours of continuous playback on a single charge.
The Acro CA1000T will be available for pre-order starting January 20th for US$2,299, with general availability starting February 13th.
Product page: ACRO CA1000T
