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 multi-functional 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 main 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.

Features

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

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 touchscreen on top of the product while multiple cables and devices are connected.

1. 3.5mm & 6.35mm Unbalanced, 2.5mm & 4.4mm Balanced Outputs

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 device and use them with the convenient integrated CA1000T system.

4. USB Input, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi

ACRO CA1000T supports USB Type-C 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 though 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 paths 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 as it 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. HEXA-Audio Circuitry structure and independent dual audio circuit, implemented for the first time in the SP3000, are paired together with TERATON ALPHA's sound solution to create the purest original sound.

4-Levels of Gain and up to 15Vrms Output for the Perfect Head-Fi Setup

To run the most detailed IEMs and the 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 at 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 15Vrms 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 ES9039MRO 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 as well as clearer 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 DAC filters.

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 OP AMP provide a powerful 15Vrms 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 shock 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 silicone 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 out 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 closely 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.

Optimize 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

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 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.

AK File Drop to Enjoy Wireless Transfers

The new AK File Drop function in the CA1000T makes files 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.

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.

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: Hardware rendering of the primary unfold signal of the connected output device*Output: CA1000T outputs signal after MQA primary unfold

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 the ACRO CA1000T.

*ReplayGain supports up to 24bit/192kHz sound sources.

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.

MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) is an award-winning British technology that delivers the sound of the original master recording. The master MQA file is fully authenticated and is small enough to stream or download. Visit mqa.co.uk for more information. Astell&Kern CA1000T includes MQA technology, which enables you to play back MQA audio files and streams, delivering the sound of the original master recording. The MQA logo is a trademark of MQA Limited. © MQA Limited 2018

Qualcomm aptX is a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. Qualcomm is a trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated, registered in the United States and other countries. aptX is a trademark of Qualcomm Technologies International, Ltd., registered in the United States and other countries.

LDAC and LDAC logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation.

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.

Specifications

General Specifications

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 (8/16/24/32-bits per Sample) DSD Native: DSD64 (1-bit, 2.8MHz), Stereo / DSD128 (1-bit, 5.6MHz), Stereo / DSD256 (1-bit, 11.2MHz), Stereo / DSD512 (1-bit, 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	32ohm – 600ohm
CPU	Quad-Core
DAC	ESS ES9039MPRO x 2 (Dual-DAC)
Vacuum Tube	KORG Nutube 6P1 x 2
Decoding	Support up to 32-bit / 768kHz Bit-to-Bit Playback
Headphone Outputs	Unbalanced (3.5mm, 6.35mm) / Balanced (2.5mm, 4.4mm)
Analog Inputs	4.4mm x 1
Analog Outputs	XLR (Stereo pair) x 1 , RCA (Stereo pair) x 1
Digital Inputs	Coaxial x 1, Optical x 1, USB (Type-C) x 1
Digital Outputs	Optical (3.5mm) x 1, USB (Type-C) x 1
Wi-Fi	802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4/5GHz)
Bluetooth	V5.0 (A2DP, AVRCP, Qualcomm^â 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°C - +40°C (32°F - 104°F)

Audio Specifications

Frequency Response	Condition 20Hz~20kHz: ±0.031dB Unbalanced / ±0.029dB Balanced / ±0.033dB RCA / ±0.002dB XLR Condition 20Hz~70kHz: ±0.079dB Unbalanced / ±0.029dB Balanced / ±0.080dB RCA / ±0.008dB XLR
Signal to Noise Ratio	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 (Max. 1TB) x 1

Battery

Capacity	10,100mAh 3.8V Li-Polymer Battery
Playback Time	About 11 hours (Standard: FLAC, 16-bit/44.1kHz, Unbalanced, Vol. 40, LCD off, OP AMP Mode, Low Gain)
Charge Time	About 5 hours - 9V/3A PD2.0 Fast Charging

Operating System

Supported OS

Windows 10, 11 (32/64 bit), MAC OS X 10.7 and up

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