Astell&Kern ACRO CA1000T
High-End Head-Fi System for Desktop and On-the-Go
The Astell&Kern ACRO CA1000T is far more than a classic headphone amplifier. This device combines a DAC, a powerful headphone amplifier, and versatile connectivity options in one compact desktop system. Thanks to its integrated battery, the CA1000T can also operate independently of a fixed power supply – ideal for use at home, in the office, or anywhere where first-class sound is desired.
With Astell&Kern's proprietary TERATON ALPHA technology, a powerful amplifier design, and a state-of-the-art dual DAC based on the ESS ES9039MPRO, the CA1000T delivers exceptionally precise and detailed sound reproduction. The features are complemented by an innovative Triple Amp System with two KORG Nutube tubes, which enables different sound characteristics.
The ACRO CA1000T thus forms the heart of an uncompromising Head-Fi system.
The Complete Head-Fi Solution
The CA1000T combines cutting-edge audio technology with exceptional flexibility.
Key features include:
- Dual-DAC with ESS ES9039MPRO for ultimate sound precision
- Four gain levels for optimal adaptation to sensitive in-ears and demanding headphones
- Up to 15 Vrms output power for powerful headphone drive
- Triple Amp System with Dual-Nutube tubes for different sound characteristics
- Extensive inputs and outputs for maximum connectivity variety
- Integrated battery for mobile use without a power outlet
High-End Sound Without Limitations
The ACRO CA1000T overcomes the typical limitations of classic desktop headphone amplifiers. Thanks to the integrated battery, the device can operate independently of a fixed power source, offering maximum flexibility in use.
The powerful integrated headphone amplifier delivers particularly detailed and dynamic reproduction without the need for additional components. At the same time, the variety of connectivity options allows for easy integration into existing audio systems – for example, with external players, active speakers, or network sources.
This makes the CA1000T a versatile all-in-one solution for demanding headphone enthusiasts.
Extensive Connectivity Options
The ACRO CA1000T offers a wide selection of inputs and outputs, enabling flexible integration into various audio setups.
Operation remains convenient: inputs and outputs can be quickly selected via the touchscreen on the top – even when multiple devices are connected simultaneously.
TERATON ALPHA – The Essence of Astell&Kern Audio Technology
TERATON ALPHA forms the technological foundation of the current generation of Astell&Kern devices. This specially developed signal processing combines various key technologies to enable particularly precise and natural sound reproduction.
The goal of TERATON ALPHA is to extract even more detail, clarity, and dynamics from high-quality audio files. The technology optimizes signal processing along the entire audio path while simultaneously reducing distortion and interference.
The result is particularly realistic and immersive music playback – a central characteristic of the distinctive Astell&Kern sound.
Four Gain Levels and Up to 15 Vrms Output Power
The ACRO CA1000T offers four selectable gain levels to optimally adapt the output power to different headphone types.
This allows for perfect tuning to:
- sensitive in-ear monitors
- low-impedance headphones
- power-hungry high-end models
With a maximum output voltage of up to 15 Vrms, the CA1000T confidently drives even demanding headphones.
Separate volume controls for balanced and unbalanced outputs optimize current flow and reduce noise. At the same time, improved electrical stability of the output stages ensures reliable performance at different impedances.
Fully Balanced Design with Dual Tubes
The ACRO CA1000T employs two twin-triode KORG Nutube tubes – a technology first used in the award-winning Astell&Kern SP2000T.
Many devices with dual DACs and only a single tube must first convert the signal from unbalanced to balanced before output. This additional processing step can cause unwanted noise.
The CA1000T, on the other hand, uses a fully balanced circuit with two tubes, where the left and right channels are processed completely separately. The result is a particularly natural, harmonious, and spacious sound.
Regardless of whether the Tube-AMP mode or the OP-AMP mode is used, the full output power of 15 Vrms is available.
Triple Amp System – Three Sound Characters
The Triple Amp System offers three different amplifier modes:
OP AMP Mode Utilize Astell&Kern's precise and dynamic amplifier technology for maximum clarity and resolution.
TUBE AMP Mode The Nutube tubes provide a warm, musical sound character with classic tube aesthetics.
HYBRID AMP Mode This innovative mode combines the advantages of both technologies. The result is particularly detailed reproduction with the warmth of analog tube technology and the precision of modern amplifier designs.
This allows the sound of the CA1000T to be flexibly adapted to musical style and personal preferences.
Optimized Design for Microphony Reduction
Tube amplifiers can be sensitive to shocks and vibrations, which can cause so-called microphonic disturbances.
Astell&Kern has therefore developed a special construction to minimize these effects. The Nutube tubes are embedded on both sides in flexible silicone holders that effectively absorb shocks. In addition, magnetic decoupling provides physical isolation from the main board.
This design increases the stability of the system and enables disturbance-free tube reproduction even under real operating conditions.
Technical data
General Specifications
| Model | ACRO CA1000T |
| Color | Rich Gray |
| Body Material | Aluminum |
| Display | 4.1-inch Touch Display (720 × 1280) |
| CPU | Quad-Core |
| DAC | ESS ES9039MPRO ×2 (Dual-DAC) |
| Tubes | KORG Nutube 6P1 ×2 |
| Audio Formats Supported | WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF, MQA |
| Decoding | Up to 32 Bit / 768 kHz Bit-to-Bit Playback |
| Sample Rate | PCM: 8 kHz – 768 kHz (8 / 16 / 24 / 32 Bit) |
| DSD Support | DSD64 / DSD128 / DSD256 / DSD512 |
| Recommended Headphone Impedance | 32 Ω – 600 Ω |
| Dimensions | 104.9 × 45 × 155.8 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 980 g |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C – 40 °C |
| Firmware Upgrades | Supported (OTA) |
Connectivity
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 6.35 mm (Unbalanced) / 2.5 mm, 4.4 mm (Balanced) |
| Analog Inputs | 4.4 mm ×1 |
| Analog Outputs | XLR (Stereo Pair) ×1, RCA (Stereo Pair) ×1 |
| Digital Inputs | Coaxial ×1, Optical ×1, USB-C ×1 |
| Digital Outputs | Optical (3.5 mm) ×1, USB-C ×1 |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 / 5 GHz) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 (A2DP, AVRCP, aptX HD, LDAC) |
Output Level
| Low Gain | 2 Vrms (Unbalanced) / 4 Vrms (Balanced) |
| Mid Gain | 4 Vrms (Unbalanced) / 8 Vrms (Balanced) |
| High Gain | 6 Vrms (Unbalanced) / 12 Vrms (Balanced) |
| Super Gain | 8 Vrms (Unbalanced) / 15 Vrms (Balanced) |
| RCA Output | 2 Vrms |
| XLR Output | 4 Vrms |
Audio Specifications
| Frequency Response (20 Hz – 20 kHz) | ±0.031 dB (Unbal) / ±0.029 dB (Bal) / ±0.033 dB (RCA) / ±0.002 dB (XLR) |
| Frequency Response (20 Hz – 70 kHz) | ±0.079 dB (Unbal) / ±0.029 dB (Bal) / ±0.080 dB (RCA) / ±0.008 dB (XLR) |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 108 dB (Unbal) / 112 dB (Bal) / 121 dB (RCA) / 128 dB (XLR) |
| Crosstalk | -115 dB (Unbal) / -112 dB (Bal) / -138 dB (RCA) / -145 dB (XLR) |
| THD+N | 0.004 % (Unbal) / 0.002 % (Bal) / 0.0005 % (RCA) / 0.0003 % (XLR) |
| IMD (SMPTE) | 0.0007 % (All Outputs) |
| Output Impedance | 1 Ω (3.5 / 6.35 mm) / 2 Ω (2.5 / 4.4 mm) / 4 Ω (RCA) / 9 Ω (XLR) |
Clock Jitter
| Clock Jitter | 25 ps (Typ.) |
| Reference Clock Jitter | 70 ps |
Storage
| Internal Memory | 256 GB (NAND) |
| External Memory | microSD ×1 (Max 1 TB) |
Battery
| Capacity | 10,100 mAh 3.8 V Li-Polymer |
| Charge Time | Approx. 5 hours (9 V / 3 A PD2.0 Fast Charging) |
| Playback Time | Approx. 11 hours (FLAC 16 Bit / 44.1 kHz, Unbalanced, Volume 40, Display Off, OP-AMP, Low Gain) |
