Astell&Kern ACRO CA1000T Headphone Amplifier

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.

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.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Roon Ready network players from our partners have Roon’s high-resolution streaming technology built right in. They combine simple setup, daily reliability, and support for the highest level of digital audio performance in the industry. Every Roon Ready player is certified by Roon to guarantee the same stellar experience, regardless of its manufacturer, its price, or its features.