Description
Astell & Kern ACRO CA1000T Headphone Amplifier
All-In-One Head-Fi Audio System, ACRO CA1000T
ACRO CA1000T is an all-in-one Head-Fi audio system created for those who want to enjoy the best sound wherever they are.
ACRO CA1000T is a multifunctional device that can play ultra-high quality sound sources and provide diverse input/output options for the perfect desktop companion. Complete with a powerful headphone amplifier and Astell&Kern’s proprietary TERATON ALPHA technology making it a versatile option for the home or office. It offers ultra-high quality sound anywhere using optimal battery power, with no need for a mains power supply connection.
Complete the Head-Fi audio system of your dreams using just an ACRO CA1000T to provide true Astell&Kern sound thanks to its dual-tube applied Triple Amp System, 4-levels of gain that can operate the most detailed IEMs and hard to drive headphones, and ESS Technology’s flagship ES9039MPRO Dual-DAC.
- Equipped with a ES9039MPRO Dual-DAC for the first time ever
- Perfectly drive any headphone/IEM with 4 levels of gain and up to 15Vrms output
- Triple Amp System with a dual-vacuum tube for Hybrid sound options
- Multiple inputs and outputs provide maximum options and compatibility
- Built-in battery for portability and optimum power delivery
- Overwhelming Output 15 Vrms
- ES9039MPRO Dual-DAC
- Dual Vacuum Tube
- Powerful Connections
- Crossfeed
- Dual-Band Wi-Fi
- aptX™ HD LDAC
- Roon Ready
Convenient, High-Quality Head-Fi Sound
The ACRO CA1000T goes beyond the limitations of a fixed headphone amp with its ideal Head-Fi audio system that can be setup anywhere you want and can run independently from its internal battery supply.
The ACRO CA1000T offers detailed headphone sound thanks to its built-in high-power headphone amp that does not require a connection to other devices. It’s an all-in-one Head-Fi audio system that provides great connectivity with external audio devices and speakers thanks to its diverse range of input/output ports, allowing you to easily enjoy network audio playback and music streaming.
Extensive Input/Output Options
The ACRO CA1000T offers an extensive range of input/output options that can meet the needs of audiophiles looking to build their ideal Head-Fi system with maximum utility. For greater ease of use, you can change the input/output settings using the touch screen on top of the product while multiple cables and devices are connected.
1. 3.5mm, 6.35mm Unbalanced, 2.5mm 4.4mm Balanced Output
The output port located on the front side of the product is compatible with a range of sizes so that various headphones and IEMs can be connected, including both low-impedance and high-impedance varieties. The 3.5mm port may also be used as an optical output. Enjoy the powerful output and dual-tube sound with any device of your choice.
2. Mini XLR, RCA Output
Balanced Mini XLR and Unbalanced RCA output with circuits that minimize noise and distortion offers the best sound to the amp and external audio devices through lineout, so that it can effortlessly support active speakers as well as a desktop Head-Fi sound environment.
3. 4.4mm, Coaxial, Optical Input
ACRO CA1000T can receive signals from various external devices via its coaxial and optical digital inputs as well as a 4.4mm analog input, so that users can build their perfect audio system. Receive digital and analog signals from an external DAC, interface, and external source devices and use them with the convenient integrated CA1000T system.
4. USB Input, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
ACRO CA1000T supports Type-C USB DAC functionality. Enjoy perfect sound from both Mac and Windows PCs, as the CA1000T can play ultra-high quality sound sources. In addition to this, it supports network play such as AK Connect and Roon Ready, as well as various streaming apps through high-quality Bluetooth and Dual-Band Wi-Fi, completing a perfect all-in-one Head-Fi audio system for audiophiles.
* Roon Ready function will be released through a firmware update.
TERATON ALPHA, The Essence of A&K Audio Technologies
It would have been impossible to realize the powerful output from the most detailed headphones and the complicated signal path of a dual tube and triple amp system with minimal noise without TERATON ALPHA, AK’s Ultimate Sound Solution. Astell&Kern further improved TERATON ALPHA using knowledge learned from the design of the Hybrid Tube System found in our SP2000T and the noise removal from the CA1000.
TERATON ALPHA, engineered through endless research, is Astell&Kern’s unique technology that has been designed to produce audio playback that is as close to the original sound through effective power noise removal, efficient power management and unwavering amplification, and a fully converted audio output interface.
4-levels of gain and up to 15Vrms output for the Perfect Head-Fi Setup
To run the most detailed IEMs and most demanding headphones perfectly, an output that matches the characteristic of the receiving device is required. The ACRO CA1000T supports 4 gain level settings so that almost any headphones can be driven to an optimal state. The 4-levels of gain setting can create the ideal output for a device’s characteristics and sound, allowing users to fine tune and dial in their desired volume output. And with up to 15 Vrms output, it can run high-impedance headphones with ease.
The output ports’ electrical capacity has been raised to add stability when operating devices with different impedances at the gain level setting, and the separate balanced and unbalanced volume controllers optimize electricity flow and reduce noise for the best sound.
With the ACRO CA1000T, you can enjoy optimal device performance and pure sound that touches your heart.
Upgraded Sound The world’s first Use of the Newest ESS Flagship DAC
The ACRO CA1000T is designed with dual ES9039MPRO, using the newest flagship DAC from ESS for the first time ever to offer more vivid and voluminous sounds that surpass your imagination.
The ES9039MPRO is an additional ES9039PRO model that has a built-in stereo hardware MQA renderer. It has even more advanced modulation than the existing flagship DAC to reduce power consumption, noise and distortions inside the DAC for enhanced audio performance.
Astell&Kern invented and optimized a new design of amp block to heighten the performance of the ES9039MPRO, allowing it to offer more balanced and intense sounds with deeper and richer bass sounds and clear highs.
Sound Design by DAC Filter
With the ACRO CA1000T, you can pick and choose from seven DAC filters to create your own sound style. Design your own sound with the seven DAC filters.
- Minimum phase (Default) Low latency, Minimal pre ringing and low passband ripple
- Linear Phase Apodizing Full Image rejection by FS/2 to avoid any aliasing, with smooth roll-off starting before 20k
- Linear Phase Fast Roll-Off Most Common filter with clean suppression and high rejection, best for music with high transients. Provides crisp clean highs
- Linear Phase Slow Roll-Off Low group delay and symmetrical inputs response. Less ringing then Linear phase fast roll off. Punchier bass than LPFR, with clean highs
- Minimum Phase Fast Roll-Off Minimal Pre Ringing, preferred for Imaging and soundstage. No aliasing in frequency domain. Stronger bass than Linear Phase, clean highs
- Minimum Phase Slow Roll-Off Non Symetrical filter designed to minimize pre ringing. Strong punchy bass with good transient attacks
- Minimum Phase Slow Roll-Off Low Dispersion Provides a nice balance of the low latency of Minimum phase filters and the Low Dispersion of Linear Phase filters. Minimal pre-ringing is added to achieve the low dispersion in the audio band
Full Balanced Circuit with Dual-Tube
The ACRO CA1000T has dual Twin Triode KORG Nutube tubes, which were implemented for the first time in our award winning SP2000T, offering advanced tube sounds.
When a product is equipped with a Dual DAC, and one vacuum tube there must be a separate circuit to convert the signal to Balanced right before the output terminal. This structure requires a process to convert an unbalanced signal to a balanced signal, during which, noise gets amplified in the process. The CA1000T, however, offers a complete balanced circuit that separates left and right channels with two vacuum tubes, creating even more natural and softer sounds.
Both Tube AMP mode and OPAMP provide a powerful 15 Vrms output, and the headphone ports allow you to enjoy the unique sounds of vacuum tubes without any limitations.
TRIPLE AMP SYSTEM is the Next Generation of AMP Technology
The ACRO CA1000T exceeds the standard approach to AMP Mode selection, based on the type of music you are listening to. Select between TUBE AMP mode, OP AMP mode, or the brand-new HYBRID AMP mode.
OP AMP mode puts Astell&Kern’s AMP technology expertise to use, delivering extreme clarity and dynamic sound, while TUBE AMP mode provides a uniquely warm and musical sound.
HYBRID AMP mode – a first for digital audio players – enhances the resolution and clarity of the existing TUBE AMP mode to express more musical detail. HYBRID AMP mode, combines the advantages of retro analog performance and high-resolution output, giving you the pleasure of a brand new tonal characteristic.
Experience the unique sound enhancements that this AMP technology has to offer.
[ OP AMP Mode ] Extreme clarity and dynamic
[ TUBE AMP Mode ] Uniquely warm and musical
[ HYBRID AMP Mode ] A fresh combination of retro vibes and high-resolution output.
Custom design to minimize microphonic noise
A special custom design minimizes microphonic noise that may be caused by external shocks and vibrations.
To address the structural issue of vacuum tubes, where microphonic noise is created even by the smallest shocks or vibrations, we repeatedly developed new designs and conducted thorough reviews and testing during prototyping. Both sides of the vacuum tube are fixed with flexible silicon covers to minimize shocks and a magnetic force is used to physically separate it from the PCB, offering greater stability and isolation when the tube is operational.
Astell&Kern is committed to designing these small elements and aspects that create the unrivaled differences between our products and the sound of competitors.
* A patent application has been made for this technology
Crossfeed, Speaker effect when listening through headphones
In a headphone environment in which the left and right channels are clearly separated, ear fatigue may increase during prolonged listening. The moment you turn on Crossfeed, the experience of crisp, but comfortable sound begins.
Crossfeed mixes parts of the original signal from one channel and sends that signal to the opposite channel with a time difference to center the sound image.
Through the use of detailed settings such as Shelf Cutoff, Shelf Gain, and Mixer Level, you can set the level of crossfeed according to your listening preferences.
Optimized device care with USB-PD 2.0 charging and battery protection mode
The ACRO CA1000T supports USB-PD 2.0 charging with 9V/3A and provides 11 hours of continuous playback when fully charged.
Due to the long-term connection to the power supply while connected to various audio devices, long-term charging can shorten battery life.
The ACRO CA1000T has a battery protection mode feature that helps extend battery life. When battery protection mode is enabled, the battery is charged up to 85%, and then the charge stops. If the battery drops below 80%, the battery will start charging again and charge up to 85%.
Enjoy the ACRO CA1000T’s powerful sound while being optimized for longer with the ACRO CA1000T’s battery protection mode.
* Battery protection mode will be supported through a firmware update.
Real-time information using light
The LED light reminiscent of the vacuum tube light allows you to check bit depth information of currently playing music or the amp mode being used.
[ Playback mode ] 16bit : red, 24bit : green, 32bit : blue, DSD : purple
[ Amp mode ] OP AMP : red, Tube Amp : orange, Hybrid Amp: blue green
Other Features
Silver Plating Shield Can
A shield can is applied to prevent various noise and electromagnetic interference from affecting the audio block. The ACRO CA1000T takes it a step further to achieve excellent audio performance and perfect shielding by applying highly conductive, high-purity silver on the existing shield can, and physically separating digital and analog signals.
MQA 16X Full Decoder and Optical In/Out Support
The ACRO CA1000T supports the MQA 16X Full Decoder via the hardware renderer. In addition, MQA sound sources can be input and output through Optical In/Out.
*Input: HW rendering of the primary unfolded signal of the connected output device
*Output: CA1000T outputs signal after MQA primary unfold
AK File Drop to enjoy wireless transfers
The new AK File Drop function in the ACRO CA1000T makes file transfers easier and more convenient. Using AK File Drop, you can freely transfer files wirelessly through a PC, smartphone, or FTP program located on the same network. Music file management is now possible with a cableless, wireless solution.
ReplayGain Automatically and Uniformly Adjusts Playback Volume
ReplayGain, which adjusts sound sources with different volumes to an identical level, has been applied. Now, enjoy your own playlists seamlessly through the ReplayGain feature on ACRO CA1000T.
* ReplayGain supports up to 24-bit/192 kHz sound sources.
Supports Native DSD512, 32bit/768kHz
ACRO CA1000T supports Native DSD512 and up to 32bit/768kHz with Astell&Kern’s excellent audio technology, allowing you to fully enjoy your favorite music.
Wireless Hi-Fi Sound Through BT Sink
BT Sink function connects the ACRO CA1000T to an external device via Bluetooth, similar to connecting a smartphone with a BT speaker. Music from an external device, such as a smartphone can now be played back in high-quality on the ACRO CA1000T using the BT Sink function.
DESIGN
The ACRO CA1000T inherits its form and style from the previous model, the CA1000, with subtle redesigns to better represent its improved powerful performance. We chose a darker color to tone down the increased complexity of the parts such as the amp button and the upper lighting glass, giving it a more impactful design aesthetic compared to the CA1000.
The upper lighting glass shows an image of the amp gleaming through the vacuum glass when the vacuum amp is in operation in an etched pattern, while simultaneously allowing users to easily understand the amp mode’s current status. The volume wheel design, which is the key AK interface and has a gently widening diameter, expressing a powerful burst of output that has been compressed through the vacuum amp. The golden-colored accent ring was changed from aluminum to stainless steel to add a hint of luxury to the design, while also allowing it to have a more intense reflection that juxtaposes it against the dark color of the rich gray body.
We aim to deliver the unique and beautiful design identity of Astell&Kern along with convenient utility that conveys the sheer joy of sound. The ACRO CA1000T has a tilted display that can be adjusted with just a gentle touch, but is still heavy enough to stand firmly on a desk or a table. You may adjust it by up to 60 degrees to suit your environment and preferred viewing angle.
Specifications
General
- Model ACRO CA1000T
- Body Color Rich Gray
- Body Material Aluminum
- Display 4.1 inch 720 x 1280 touch screen
- Supported Audio Formats WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF, MQA
-
Sample rate
PCM : 8kHz ~ 768kHz (8/16/24/32bits per Sample)
DSD Native: DSD64(1bit 2.8MHz), Stereo / DSD128(1bit 5.6MHz), Stereo / DSD256(1bit 11.2MHz), DSD512(1bit, 22.4MHz) Stereo -
Output Level (Headphone Out)
[Low] Unbalanced 2Vrms / Balanced 4Vrms (Condition No Load),
[Mid] Unbalanced 4Vrms / Balanced 8Vrms (Condition No Load),
[High] Unbalanced 6Vrms / Balanced 12Vrms (Condition No Load),
[Super] Unbalanced 8Vrms / Balanced 15Vrms (Condition No Load) - Output Level (RCA Out) 2Vrms (Condition No Load)
- Output Level (XLR Out) 4Vrms (Condition No Load)
- Recommended headphone impedance 32 ohm – 600 ohm
- CPU Quad-Core
- DAC ESS ES9039MPRO x2 (Dual-DAC)
- Vacuum Tube KORG Nutube 6P1 x2
- Decoding Support up to 32bit / 768kHz Bit to Bit playback
- Headphone Outputs Unbalanced (3.5mm, 6.35mm) / Balanced (2.5mm, 4.4mm)
- Analog Inputs 4.4mm x1
- Analog Outputs XLR (Stereo pair) x1, RCA (Stereo pair) x1
- Digital Inputs Coaxial x1, Optical x1, USB(Type-C) x1
- Digital Outputs Optical(3.5mm) x1, USB(Type-C) x1
- Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4/5GHz)
- Bluetooth V5.0 (A2DP, AVRCP, Qualcomm® aptX™ HD, LDAC)
- Dimensions 4.12″(104.9mm)[W] x 1.77″(45mm)[H] x 6.13″(155.8mm)[D]
- Weight about 34.56oz (980g)
- Feature Enhancements Firmware upgrade supported (OTA)
- Operating Temperature 0℃ ~ + 40℃ (32℉~ 104℉)
Audio Specifications
-
Frequency Response
±0.031dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz) Unbalanced
±0.029dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz) Balanced
±0.033dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz) RCA
±0.002dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz) XLR
±0.079dB (Condition : 20Hz~70kHz) Unbalanced
±0.029dB (Condition : 20Hz~70kHz) Balanced
±0.080dB (Condition : 20Hz~70kHz) RCA
±0.008dB (Condition : 20Hz~70kHz) XLR - S/N 108dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced / 112dB @ 1kHz, Balanced / 121dB @ 1kHz, RCA / 128dB @ 1kHz, XLR
- Crosstalk -115dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced / -112dB @ 1kHz, Balanced / -138dB @ 1kHz, RCA / -145dB @ 1kHz, XLR
- THD+N 0.004% @ 1kHz, Unbalanced / 0.002% @ 1kHz, Balanced / 0.0005% @ 1kHz, RCA / 0.0003% @ 1kHz, XLR
- IMD SMPTE 0.0007% 800Hz 10kHz (4:1) Unbalanced / 0.0007% 800Hz 10kHz (4:1) Balanced /0.0007% 800Hz 10kHz (4:1) RCA / /0.0007% 800Hz 10kHz (4:1) XLR
- Output Impedance 3.5mm, 6.35mm (1ohm) / 2.5mm, 4.4mm (2ohm) / RCA (4ohm) / XLR (9ohm)
Clock Source
- Clock Jitter 25ps (Typ)
- Reference Clock Jitter 70ps
Storage Capacity
- Built-in Memory 256GB [NAND]
- External Memory microSD x1 (Max. 1TB)
Battery
- Capacity 10,100mAh 3.8V Li-Polymer
- Charge Time about 5hours (9V / 3A PD2.0 Fast Charging)
- Playback Time about 11hours (Standard : FLAC, 16bit, 44.1kHz, Unbalanced, Vol.40, LCD Off, OP AMP, Low Gain)
OS
- Supported OS Windows 10, 11(32/64bit), MAC OS X 10.7 and up
Etc.
- Audio specifications based on Low Gain and OP AMP.
- Audio was NOT muted during the measurement.
- The image/specification may be changed without notice to improve product performance and quality.
