Astell & Kern – ACRO CA1000T

The ACRO CA1000T is equipped to handle ultra-high-quality sound sources and offers a range of input/output options, making it an ideal desktop companion. With a robust headphone amplifier and Astell&Kern’s proprietary TERATON ALPHA technology, the ACRO CA1000T proves to be a versatile choice for both home and office use. What sets it apart is its ability to deliver ultra-high-quality sound on the go, thanks to optimal battery power, eliminating the need for a main power supply connection.

The ACRO CA1000T completes your dream head-fi audio system, providing an authentic Astell&Kern sound experience. Its features include a dual-tube applied Triple Amp System, four levels of gain suitable for detailed IEMs and demanding headphones, and ESS Technology’s flagship ES9039MPRO Dual-DAC for exceptional audio performance.

Comprehensive Head-Fi Audio Solution: ACRO CA1000T

• Featuring the groundbreaking ES9039MPRO Dual-DAC for the inaugural time
• Effortlessly power a wide range of headphones/IEMs with 4 selectable gain levels and a remarkable 15Vrms output
• Incorporating a Triple Amp System with a dual-vacuum tube to offer a Hybrid sound experience
• Diverse input and output options ensure extensive connectivity and compatibility
• Designed with a built-in battery, enhancing portability and delivering optimal power performance

Excellence in Head-Fi Sound

The ACRO CA1000T transcends the constraints of a conventional headphone amp by offering an ideal Head-Fi audio system that can be set up anywhere and operates autonomously through its internal battery supply.

Featuring a built-in high-power headphone amplifier, the ACRO CA1000T delivers intricate headphone sound without the need for external connections to other devices. As an all-in-one Head-Fi audio system, it ensures excellent connectivity with external audio devices and speakers through a versatile array of input/output ports. This enables seamless enjoyment of network audio playback and music streaming, providing a comprehensive and convenient audio solution.

Versatile Connectivity 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.

TERATON ALPHA, The Essence of AK Audio Technologies

TERATON ALPHA stands as the quintessence of Astell&Kern’s audio technologies, embodying the pinnacle of their audio engineering prowess.

This cutting-edge technology represents a significant advancement in audio processing. TERATON ALPHA aims to deliver an unparalleled audio experience, characterized by pristine sound reproduction, enhanced clarity, and a heightened sense of musical detail.

As the cornerstone of AK’s audio innovations, TERATON ALPHA reflects the brand’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of audio excellence. It is designed to extract the maximum potential from high-quality sound sources, providing audiophiles with an immersive and true-to-life listening experience. In essence, TERATON ALPHA represents the culmination of Astell&Kern’s dedication to advancing audio technologies and setting new standards in the world of high-fidelity sound.

4 Gain Stages And an output power of up to 15Vrms for the perfect Head-Fi Setup

The ACRO CA1000T sets the stage for the perfect Head-Fi setup with its 4-level gain options and an impressive up to 15Vrms output. Achieving an ideal match between the source and the receiving device is crucial for delivering impeccable sound, especially when dealing with intricate IEMs and demanding headphones.

This audio powerhouse supports four gain levels, enabling users to tailor the output to the specific characteristics and sound profiles of their headphones. The flexibility of these gain settings allows for precise adjustments, ensuring an optimal and customized volume output. With a robust up to 15 Vrms output, it effortlessly handles high-impedance headphones with grace.

Enhancements to the electrical capacity of the output ports add stability when accommodating devices with varying impedances at different gain levels. The separate controls for balanced and unbalanced volumes optimize electricity flow, effectively minimizing noise and maximizing sound quality.

In the realm of audio perfection, the ACRO CA1000T promises an immersive experience, delivering optimal device performance and pure, soul-stirring sound.

Complete Balanced Circuit with Dual-Tube Design

Incorporating dual Twin Triode KORG Nutube tubes, a technology initially introduced in AK’s award-winning SP2000T, the ACRO CA1000T delivers an advanced tube sound experience.

In cases where a product is equipped with a Dual DAC and a single vacuum tube, a distinct circuit becomes necessary to convert the signal to a balanced state just before reaching the output terminal. This configuration involves a process to transform an unbalanced signal into a balanced one, a step during which noise may be amplified.
In contrast, the CA1000T features a fully balanced circuit, utilizing two vacuum tubes to independently separate the left and right channels, resulting in more natural and smoother audio tones.

Whether in Tube AMP mode or OPAMP, both modes deliver a robust 15 Vrms output, while the headphone ports provide an opportunity to savor the distinctive tones of vacuum tubes without any restrictions.

TRIPLE AMP SYSTEM: The Evolution in AMP Technology

The ACRO CA1000T goes beyond conventional AMP Mode selection based on music genres. Choose from TUBE AMP mode, OP AMP mode, or the innovative HYBRID AMP mode.

OP AMP mode leverages Astell&Kern’s AMP technology expertise, delivering exceptional clarity and dynamic sound. TUBE AMP mode, on the other hand, imparts a distinctively warm and musical audio signature.

Introducing a pioneering feature for digital audio players, the HYBRID AMP mode elevates the resolution and clarity of the existing TUBE AMP mode, revealing intricate musical details. By blending the benefits of retro analog performance with high-resolution output, HYBRID AMP mode introduces a novel tonal characteristic, providing a unique auditory experience.

Explore the unparalleled sound enhancements offered by this advanced AMP technology. The TRIPLE AMP SYSTEM in the ACRO CA1000T sets a new standard for audio amplification, allowing you to tailor your listening experience to your preferences.

Tailored Design for Microphonic Noise Reduction

The ACRO CA1000T features a specialized custom design crafted to minimize microphonic noise originating from external shocks and vibrations.

In addressing the inherent structural challenge of vacuum tubes, susceptible to generating microphonic noise even from the slightest shocks or vibrations, AK has engaged in iterative design development. Rigorous testing and prototyping led to a solution where both sides of the vacuum tube are securely enveloped in flexible silicon covers. This design minimizes the impact of shocks, and a magnetic force is strategically employed to physically isolate the tube from the PCB. The result is enhanced stability and isolation, ensuring optimal performance when the tube is in operation.

Astell&Kern remains dedicated to meticulously designing these minute elements and nuances that sets their products apart, contributing to the unparalleled distinction in sound compared to competitors.

ASTELL & KERN ACRO CA1000 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 Jitter 25ps (Typ)
• Reference Clock Jitter 70ps
• Memory 256GB
• External Memory microSD x1 (Max. 1TB)