Product Information
Get the maximum performance from your headphones, with the Astell&Kern ACRO CA1000T desktop headphone amp.
Desktop music – at its very best
The Astell & Kern ACRO CA1000T delivers the very best in desktop audio. Connect a wide range of inputs – wired or wireless – and listen on your headphones. Packed with A&K’s premium audio technology, including high power amplification, the CA1000T maximises your headphone’s potential – no matter how current hungry. With optimal battery power, you can even use it on the move.
Dual ES9039MPRO DACs built in for the highest resolution
Equipped with the latest ES9039MPRO DACs (Digital to Analogue Convertors), the ACRO CA1000T not only offers the highest quality sound but is also compatible with files right up to Native DSD512 and 32 bit/768kHz. By using one DAC for the left channel and another for the right, the CA1000T offers reference channel precision and stereo imaging.
Fully balanced circuitry with dual-tubes, for natural sound
Using tubes gives the CA1000T a fluid sound and natural sound that’s hard to replicate without valves. As the amp uses dual DACs, fitting dual tubes makes it easier to achieve a true balanced output, meaning you get fully independent right and left channels for the widest stereo imaging.
Triple amp system
Select the type of amp you prefer with each type of music. As well as the Tube Amp, you can also select more conventional Op Amp mode or Hybrid Amp mode for a combination of the two. Op Amp mode delivers the crispest, most dynamic sound. Tube Amp is warmer and more like an analogue signal in its depth. Hybrid combines the two for a balance that might just be the ideal for the type of music you’re listening to at the time.
Powerful output, with 4-step gain control
Featuring a 4-step gain control with an ultra-high output of up to 15Vrms, the CA1000T has the power to drive almost any headphones. Low/Mid/High output levels are also available, giving you the ideal match for your headphones.
Wide range of headphone outputs
As well as delivering the power to drive your headphones, the CA1000T also has the connectivity. For balanced headphones, the amp has a top quality, 4.4mm, 5-pole balanced output. Alongside the 2.5mm, 4-pole balanced output, this gives wide-ranging compatibility with the highest quality headphones. Using a balanced signal between the amp and headphones reduces noise and interference and is especially handy on the move. Regular, unbalanced, 3.5mm and 6.35mm sockets are also standard.
TERATON Alpha – A&K’s ultimate sound solution
The result of tens of thousands of hours of research and featuring A&K’s patented technologies, the Teraton Alpha Ultimate Sound Solution circuit is at the heart of this amp. By using highly efficient power management with effective power noise removal it helps produce the lowest levels of distortion while maintaining a powerful, dynamic sound.
MQA 16X playback
Compatible with Meridian's MQA 16X (Master Quality Authenticated) technology, the CA1000T offers the choice of using this ingenious system to save on storage space. Although studio master quality, the beauty of MQA is that files are small enough to easily stream and they don't take up so much space – giving the best of both worlds.
BT sink for wireless music transfer
With the BT sink function, you can now wirelessly stream music to the amp, similar to the way the player streams to your wireless headphones or Bluetooth speaker. Simply pair with your music device, such as a smartphone, tablet or laptop and stream the music across – wirelessly.
Powerful Bluetooth 5.0 with LDAC and aptX HD support
For the best connection with your wireless headphones or Bluetooth speaker, the CA1000T uses Bluetooth V5.0. Compatible with aptX HD, aptX, LDAC, A2DP and AVRCP codecs, this headphone amp ensures you get a high-resolution signal to your headphones to match.
256GB built-in memory
With an impressive 256GB of internal memory, the CA1000T stores around 2500 tracks (24 bit/96kHz, 4 minute-long, 90MB) - ample for a substantial HiRes music library. Add an optional 1TB microSD card and this extends to 1.25TB, putting a lifetime’s music collection on your desktop.
Rechargeable battery
With its high capacity, rechargeable battery, the CA1000T is ideal for music on the move. With up to 11 hours playback time, there’s ample power for a day’s music.
Optimise your headphones’ sound quality, with the versatile Astell&Kern ARCO CA1000T headphone amplifier.
Specifications
Reviews
Desktop music – at its very best
The Astell & Kern ACRO CA1000T delivers the very best in desktop audio. Connect a wide range of inputs – wired or wireless – and listen on your headphones. Packed with A&K’s premium audio technology, including high power amplification, the CA1000T maximises your headphone’s potential – no matter how current hungry. With optimal battery power, you can even use it on the move.
Dual ES9039MPRO DACs built in for the highest resolution
Equipped with the latest ES9039MPRO DACs (Digital to Analogue Convertors), the ACRO CA1000T not only offers the highest quality sound but is also compatible with files right up to Native DSD512 and 32 bit/768kHz. By using one DAC for the left channel and another for the right, the CA1000T offers reference channel precision and stereo imaging.
Fully balanced circuitry with dual-tubes, for natural sound
Using tubes gives the CA1000T a fluid sound and natural sound that’s hard to replicate without valves. As the amp uses dual DACs, fitting dual tubes makes it easier to achieve a true balanced output, meaning you get fully independent right and left channels for the widest stereo imaging.
Triple amp system
Select the type of amp you prefer with each type of music. As well as the Tube Amp, you can also select more conventional Op Amp mode or Hybrid Amp mode for a combination of the two. Op Amp mode delivers the crispest, most dynamic sound. Tube Amp is warmer and more like an analogue signal in its depth. Hybrid combines the two for a balance that might just be the ideal for the type of music you’re listening to at the time.
Powerful output, with 4-step gain control
Featuring a 4-step gain control with an ultra-high output of up to 15Vrms, the CA1000T has the power to drive almost any headphones. Low/Mid/High output levels are also available, giving you the ideal match for your headphones.
Wide range of headphone outputs
As well as delivering the power to drive your headphones, the CA1000T also has the connectivity. For balanced headphones, the amp has a top quality, 4.4mm, 5-pole balanced output. Alongside the 2.5mm, 4-pole balanced output, this gives wide-ranging compatibility with the highest quality headphones. Using a balanced signal between the amp and headphones reduces noise and interference and is especially handy on the move. Regular, unbalanced, 3.5mm and 6.35mm sockets are also standard.
TERATON Alpha – A&K’s ultimate sound solution
The result of tens of thousands of hours of research and featuring A&K’s patented technologies, the Teraton Alpha Ultimate Sound Solution circuit is at the heart of this amp. By using highly efficient power management with effective power noise removal it helps produce the lowest levels of distortion while maintaining a powerful, dynamic sound.
MQA 16X playback
Compatible with Meridian's MQA 16X (Master Quality Authenticated) technology, the CA1000T offers the choice of using this ingenious system to save on storage space. Although studio master quality, the beauty of MQA is that files are small enough to easily stream and they don't take up so much space – giving the best of both worlds.
BT sink for wireless music transfer
With the BT sink function, you can now wirelessly stream music to the amp, similar to the way the player streams to your wireless headphones or Bluetooth speaker. Simply pair with your music device, such as a smartphone, tablet or laptop and stream the music across – wirelessly.
Powerful Bluetooth 5.0 with LDAC and aptX HD support
For the best connection with your wireless headphones or Bluetooth speaker, the CA1000T uses Bluetooth V5.0. Compatible with aptX HD, aptX, LDAC, A2DP and AVRCP codecs, this headphone amp ensures you get a high-resolution signal to your headphones to match.
256GB built-in memory
With an impressive 256GB of internal memory, the CA1000T stores around 2500 tracks (24 bit/96kHz, 4 minute-long, 90MB) - ample for a substantial HiRes music library. Add an optional 1TB microSD card and this extends to 1.25TB, putting a lifetime’s music collection on your desktop.
Rechargeable battery
With its high capacity, rechargeable battery, the CA1000T is ideal for music on the move. With up to 11 hours playback time, there’s ample power for a day’s music.
Optimise your headphones’ sound quality, with the versatile Astell&Kern ARCO CA1000T headphone amplifier.