Astell&Kern ACRO CA1000 Transportable Headphone Amplifier - Ex Demo

Astell&Kern ACRO CA1000 Transportable Headphone Amplifier - Ex Demo

 

The Astell&Kern CA1000 Transportable Headphone Amp is the perfect choice for anyone looking for an all-in-one audio solution. With its powerful and clear sound, multiple inputs and outputs, and its array of features, this amp is a great choice for anyone who cares about sound quality.

The ESS ES9068AS Quad-DAC provides detailed and balanced sound, while the support for 32bit/384kHz PCM and Native DSD512 playback means you can get the highest quality sound from your headphones. The built-in battery also makes this amp easily portable and can operate without external power supply. The TERATON ALPHA technology and the Silver Plating Shield minimise noise and interference, while the Crossfeed feature and support for Bluetooth 5.0 and wireless codecs provide a natural acoustic experience.

 

Features

• Perfectly drive any headphone/IEM with 4 levels of gain and up to 15Vrms output
• Multiple inputs and outputs provide maximum options and compatibility with all of your audio equipment
• Equipped with ESS ES9068AS Quad-DAC for detailed and balanced sound
• Support for 32bit/384kHz PCM and Native DSD512 playback
• Built-in Battery- Portable amplifier can operate without external power supply
• TERATON ALPHA, the epitome of Astell&Kern audio technology
• Crossfeed support for a more natural acoustic experience with headphones
• Support for the latest Bluetooth 5.0 and wireless 24-bit codecs (Qualcomm® aptX™ HD, LDAC)
• Dual-Band Wi-Fi support for greater wireless connectivity
• ReplayGain that automatically adjusts sound levels across different music tracks
• Silver Plating Shield to minimize noise and interference
• View you screen anywhere with a display adjustable up to 60 degrees

 

Perfectly drive any headphone/IEM with 4 levels of gain and up to 15Vrms output

In order to perfectly drive the most sophisticated headphones, a device must be able to fully deliver output that matches the characteristics of the headphone. ACRO CA1000 supports 4 levels of gain settings so that almost any existing headphones can be driven to an optimal state.

The gain setting circuitry implemented in the CA1000 can drive even high-impedance headphones without degrading the sound quality using a max output of 15Vrms.

The ACRO CA1000 unlocks the potential of headphones for a fully immersive experience.

 

Supports a wide range of inputs/outputs

ACRO CA1000 features a variety of outputs that can be used by everyone from general users to audiophiles.

3.5mm, 6.35mm Unbalanced, 2.5mm and 4.4mm Balanced output jacks are available to accommodate a variety of headphones/earphones.

The ACRO CA1000 can be used as a Hi-Fi audio system by connecting devices using a variety of digital inputs/output (Optical, Coaxial, Type-C USB) and analog inputs/outputs (RCA).

All Input/output settings can be easily and conveniently selected using the CA1000 touch screen.

* When using with headphones/earphones, there may be a risk of headphone/earphone and hearing damage from high volumes, so set the gain level before use.
* When two or more earphones/headphones are connected to the output terminal, sound is outputted to the earphone/headphone connected last.

 

Quad-DAC with high output and noise-free sound

The ACRO CA1000 is equipped with four ES9068AS DACs, providing perfect decoding capabilities with Astell&Kern's amplifier circuit technology. The clear and overwhelming output expresses the original sound without distortion. 2.5mm, 3.5mm, 4.4mm and 6.35mm output circuits are physically separated by applying tiny, independent relay components.

If the signal from each output stage of a high-power headphone amplifier is not blocked properly, this can cause noise interference. ACRO CA1000 boasts a noise-free output with an independent circuit structure by using relays to completely block connectors that are not in use.

 

32bit/384kHz, Native DSD512 Support

ACRO CA1000 features premium sound using Astell&Kern’s proven technology.

You can enjoy your favorite music to your heart's content with support for native DSD512 and 32bit/384kHz PCM playback.

Bit-to-bit playback is possible up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM and 22.4MHz native DSD, so even the smallest details the artist wanted to express in the music can be heard without distortion.

 

Premium Sound Anywhere

ACRO CA1000 features powerful output with various input and output options that can only be found in a stationary headphone amplifier.

A portable amplifier that can operate without an external power source adds utility beyond existing products.

A headphone amp should be able to deliver perfectly noise-free sound for an extended period of time.

The ACRO CA1000 is equipped with an 8,400mAh large-capacity battery to provide clear, distortion-free premium sound without the need for a separate power connection.

In order to solve the problem of relatively reduced playback time due to the small size and powerful output, all power-related parts were examined and the power circuit was redesigned several times. The result is continuous playback for more than 10 hours.

With the Astell&Kern ACRO CA1000’s excellent sound reproduction ability, you can hear the full, original sound of your music anywhere.

* MUSIC: FLAC, 16bit, 44.1kHz, Unbalanced, Vol.40, LCD Off, Low Gain
* Playback time may vary depending on user environment.

 

Faster charging with USB-PD 2.0 support

The ACRO CA1000 features USB-PD 2.0 charging that supports 9V/3A for faster charging.

When used with a USB-C adapter that supports USB-PD 2.0 fast charging, the ACRO CA1000 can charge to 50% in one hour,
and fully charge in about 2 hours and 30 minutes.

* Charging times measured using a 9V, 3A adapter while the CA1000 is powered off.

 

Astell&Kern Audio Technology Forms the TERATON ALPHA Sound Solution

TERATON ALPHA is AK's ultimate Sound Solution to produce audio playback that is close to the original sound through the audio output interface by use of effective power noise removal, efficient power management and amplification with minimal distortion.

TERATON ALPHA features Astell&Kern's patented technologies, which are the result of tens of thousands of hours of continuous research and development to produce sound close to the original sound the artist and producer intended.

 

Speaker effect when listening through headphones - Crossfeed

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.

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.

 

Equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 and Support for Wireless 24-bit aptX™-HD, LDAC Codecs

The latest Bluetooth version provides high sound quality with the convenience of wireless playback to headphones and IEMs. Bluetooth 5.0 features faster transmission speed, greater range and a more stable wireless connection when compared to Bluetooth 4.2. Both LDAC and aptX™ HD is supported to provide audiophiles with the best wireless sound possible.

Wireless Hi-Fi Sound Through BT Sink

The newly introduced BT Sink function connects the CA1000 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 CA1000 using the BT Sink function.

 

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 CA1000. ReplayGain supports up to 24bit/192 kHz sound sources.

 

Silver Plating Shield Can

Astell&Kern products apply shield cans so that noise and elec-tromagnetic interference, which occur when the countless parts are in operation, do not affect the audio block. The CA1000 has taken it a step further by applying highly con-ductive, hyper-pure silver plating on the existing shield cans for perfect shielding that provides excellent audio performance.

 

AK File Drop to enjoy wireless transfers

The new AK File Drop function in the CA1000 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.

Design

The ACRO CA1000 was designed to be inspired by a powerful rover truck to break through the harsh and dangerous Mars environment. An exploration truck with strong power to break through meteorites and move forward resembles the CA1000's powerful output and various performances and is reinterpreted using Astell&Kern’s existing brand identity. The aluminum body and wheels produced with CNC precision represent Astell&Kern's cohesive technology, and is hard and delicately finished.

In the ACRO CA1000, Astell&Kern's unique atypical triangle cutting and strong wheel design are merged with both portability and intuitive usability as well as harmonious design. As a portable AMP, the curved surface and design pattern of the side prevents the product from being pushed by the hand when holding it in one hand. We wanted to provide not only the special beauty found in Astell&Kern products, but also convenient usability that allows you to feel the emotion of music.

ACRO CA1000 has a tilting display that can be adjusted to an optimal position depending on where it is placed on a desk or table. The display can be freely adjusted up to 60 degrees to suit your environment. The volume wheel design unique to Astell&Kern is expressed as a metal wheel that may be found on an exploration truck that can pass over any obstacles. It is designed to sensibly and accurately adjust the volume.

 

Specification

• Model: ACRO CA1000
• Body Color: Moon Silver
• 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 ~ 384kHz (8/16/24/32bits per Sample) / DSD Native: DSD64(1bit 2.8MHz), Stereo / DSD128(1bit 5.6MHz), Stereo / DSD256(1bit 11.2MHz), DSD512(1bit, 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)
• CPU: Quad-core
• DAC: ESS ES9068AS x4 (Quad-DAC)
• Decoding: Support up to 32bit / 384kHz Bit-to-Bit playback
• Headphone Outputs: Unbalanced (3.5mm, 6.35mm) / Balanced (2.5mm, 4.4mm)
• Analog Inputs Outputs:
  
  • RCA (Stereo pair) x1
  • RCA (Stereo pair) x1
• Digital Inputs Outputs:
  
  • Coaxial x1, Optical x1, USB(Type-C) x1
  • Optical(3.5mm) x1, USB(Type-C) x1
  • Wi-Fi: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4/5GHz)
  • Bluetooth: V5.0 (A2DP, AVRCP, Qualcomm® aptX™ HD, LDAC)
• Dimensions: 4.12"(104.9mm)[W] x 1.77"(45mm)[H] x 5.85"(148.8mm)[D]
• Weight: about 32.41oz (919g)
• Feature Enhancements: Firmware upgrade supported (OTA)
• Operating Temperature: 0℃ ~ + 40℃ (32℉~ 104℉)

Audio Performance

• Frequency Response:
  
  • ±0.024dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz) Unbalanced / ±0.018dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz) Balanced /
  • ±0.048dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz) RCA
  • ±0.059dB (Condition : 20Hz~70kHz) Unbalanced / ±0.056dB (Condition : 20Hz~70kHz) Balanced /
  • ±0.048dB (Condition : 20Hz~70kHz) RCA
• S/N: 107dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced / 115dB @ 1kHz, Balanced / 119dB @ 1kHz, RCA
• Crosstalk: -105dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced / -124dB @ 1kHz, Balanced / -121dB @ 1kHz, RCA
• THD+N: 0.005% @ 1kHz, Unbalanced / 0.002% @ 1kHz, Balanced / 0.0004% @ 1kHz, RCA
• IMD SMPTE: 0.0008% 800Hz 10kHz (4:1) Unbalanced / 0.0004% 800Hz 10kHz (4:1) Balanced / 0.0003% 800Hz 10kHz (4:1) RCA
• Output Impedance: 3.5mm, 6.35mm (1ohm), 2.5mm, 4.4mm (2ohm), RCA (2ohm)
• Clock Jitter: 25ps (Typ)
• Reference Clock Jitter: 70ps

Memory

• Built-in Memory: 256GB [NAND]
• External Memory: microSD x1 (Max. 1TB)

Battery

• Capacity: 8,400mAh 3.8V Li-Polymer
• Charge Time: about 2.5 hours (9V / 3A PD2.0 Fast Charging) | 7 hours (5V 2A General Charging)
• Playback Time: about 10.5 hours (Standard : FLAC, 16bit, 44.1kHz, Unbalanced, Vol.40, LCD Off, Low Gain)

 

About Astell&Kern

Astell&Kern is the ultimate digital music source that brings you Mastering Quality Sound or MQS. Astell means ‘Stars’ in Latin and Kern means ‘Center’ in German. We believe Astell&Kern is the center of music.

Today, original music performances can be captured in digital almost exactly as they were performed due to new, advanced recording technology currently available. However, these high quality recordings are mainly listened to through inferior sound formats, such as MP3 or through streaming services. With the debut of the MP3 format, music lovers sacrificed sound quality for the convenience of being able to carry their music collection wherever they went. Because the MP3 format heavily compresses files for the sake of convenience, the vocals and instruments you hear are only an inferior version of the original. The soundstage and the ambience of the original performance often disappears when listening to compressed MP3 music. After pondering these issues, Astell&Kern was our solution to poor sound quality for the sake of portability, and our way in reviving the original sound quality of music, MQS, for music artists, recording engineers, and professionals.

Astell&Kern's pursuit is to provide natural and original sound without distortion. It showcases the presence of the original recording with miniscule details you may not have noticed from other music systems, while playing back high-resolution music bit by bit, exactly as it was recorded. The ability to play back the exact recording of any live performance is what Astell&Kern is known for.

The power of true sound from Astell&Kern can now be experienced and has been part of many famous audio exhibitions around the world. Astell&Kern is now admired by music lovers from many countries, including the USA, China, Japan, UK, France, and many more around the world.