Editor’s Note: There are no limits to the distance an audiophile can travel. In that case, if you are a serious enthusiast who would not compromise, the Astell&Kern ACRO CA1000 Headphone DAC Amplifier with Digital Audio Player may be the gadget to get. You can’t confuse the ACRO CA1000 with any other competing product – it’s got the design like no other. The seller’s statement is below.
Astell&Kern ACRO CA1000 redefines the headphone amplifier with digital audio player capabilities
SINGAPORE, @mcgallen #microwireinfo, February 10, 2022 – Astell&Kern, the world leader in high-end high-resolution audio devices, has redefined the headphone amplifier with the introduction of the ACRO CA1000. Expertly combining high-performance amplifiers with digital audio player (DAP) capabilities in an incredibly compact desktop and portable form factor, the powerful ACRO CA1000 delivers optimum performance from any type of wired headset. A range of digital/analog inputs and outputs also ensure that the ACRO CA1000 can be the heart of any hi-fi setup and become the ultimate system for head-fi fans. This system represents Astell&Kern’s fundamental philosophy of delivering sound as close as possible to the original sound and enriching the listening experience.
Headphone amplifier
To realize any hidden potential and power the most sophisticated and power-hungry headphones, a dedicated amplifier is essential. The ACRO CA1000 supports a four-step gain level adjustment that can drive high-impedance headphones with an output level of 15 Vrms (no-load condition) – without sound quality deterioration.
Equipped with balanced 2.5mm and 4.4mm and unbalanced 3.5mm and 6.35mm outputs, the ACRO CA1000 can accommodate a wide variety of headphones. By using ultra-small relay parts, the circuits of each output are physically separated from each other to minimize any internal noise interference that can adversely affect signal and sound quality.
DAC magic
A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) primarily contributes to the closeness to the original recording that the listener will feel. With a design and engineering pedigree of award-winning premium DAPs, Astell&Kern’s knowledge of DAC technology is unparalleled. The ACRO CA1000 comes with a high-quality, high-performance Quad ES9068AS DAC that delivers clear, detailed and balanced sound without distortion. The Quad-DAC also supports Hi-Res Audio playback up to native DSD512 and 32-bit/384kHz, allowing the music fan to get even closer to original studio sound, while revealing musical detail never before seen. heard before.
First introduced in the A&futura SE180 DAP, the ACRO CA1000 incorporates Astell&Kern’s patented TERATON ALPHA technology. The result of extensive research and development, this sound solution is designed to deliver audio playback close to the original sound through the audio output interface using effective power noise suppression, efficient noise management power and amplification with minimal distortion.
The speaker effect with headphones
In a headphone environment where the left and right channels are clearly separated, ear fatigue may increase during prolonged listening. Activate the Crossfeed function and a more comfortable listening experience is revealed. This mode has the effect of blending the left and right channels, relieving ear fatigue by creating a more natural sound close to listening through the speakers. In this setting, Shelf Cutoff, Shelf Gain and Mixer Levels are adjustable to suit listening tastes.
DAP identifiers
More than just a powerful headphone amp, the ACRO CA1000 also features DAP capabilities, making it a must-have system for head fi aficionados. A 4.1-inch tilting touchscreen (up to 60 degrees) allows for easy control of player and amp settings with an intuitive Android operating system and feature set taken from its award-winning portable DAPs.
Although not fully mobile like an Astell&Kern DAP, this hybrid amp player system is compact and portable. Equipped with a large capacity 8400mAh battery, the ACRO CA1000 can provide up to 10.5 hours of playtime without a separate power supply. As the CA1000 supports USB-PD 2.0 (9V/3A), anyone with a fast charger that supports USB Power Delivery (USB PD) can benefit from fast charging. – a one hour charge provides 50% of the battery, while it takes 2.5 hours for a full charge. A set of inputs and outputs allow connection of digital and analog sources to expand system capabilities. These include optical, coaxial, USB Type-C digital I/O, and RCA (RCA) analog I/O.
The ACRO CA1000 houses 256GB of onboard memory which can be expanded up to 1TB via a microSD card slot, meaning users can store thousands of high resolution albums. Elsewhere, the Replay Gain feature automatically and evenly adjusts playback volume from sound sources up to 24-bit/192kHz so playlists can be enjoyed throughout without hitting the volume.
Connectivity
A BT Sink function connects the ACRO CA1000 to an external device, such as a smartphone, via Bluetooth, allowing high quality music to be played through the headphone amp. Elsewhere, the ACRO CA1000 features Bluetooth® 5.0, offering greater range and a more stable wireless connection to the headphones and, with support for 24-bit aptX™ HD and LDAC codecs, delivers the best sound quality without thread possible.
In addition to dual-band Wi-Fi support, the ACRO CA1000 features AK File Drop for easy wireless file transfers. Users can wirelessly transfer files via PC, smartphone or FTP program located on the same network to make music management even more convenient.
Out of this world design
The ACRO CA1000’s beautifully crafted aluminum body shape and prominent, tactile volume wheel design are inspired by rugged space-age exploration vehicles that propel across planetary terrain. The system still retains Astell&Kern’s signature angular light and shadow pattern to fit seamlessly into the company’s bold and ambitious design language.
Astell&Kern ACRO CA1000 key features at a glance include:
- Powerful headphone amplifier with digital audio player capabilities.
- Features a four-step gain level that drives high-impedance headphones with an output of 15 Vrms or less.
- Features an unbalanced 3.5mm, 6.35mm and balanced 2.5mm 4.4mm headphone output to handle a wide variety of headphones.
- An array of digital/analog inputs and outputs ensures it can be the heart of any hi-fi setup.
- The built-in ESS ES9068AS Quad-DAC delivers clear, detailed and balanced sound.
- Supports Hi-Res audio playback up to native DSD512 and 32-bit/384kHz.
- Cross-feeding reduces listening fatigue by creating a more natural sound similar to listening through speakers.
- Benefits from Astell&Kern’s patented TERATON ALPHA Sound Solution technology
- A 4.1 inch, 720 x 1280px touchscreen tilts up to 60 degrees for easy control
- Bluetooth® 5.0 support provides greater range and a more stable wireless connection
- Support for aptX™ HD and 24-bit LDAC codecs deliver the best possible wireless sound quality.
- The built-in battery provides up to 10.5 hours of playtime.
Price and availability:
The Astell&Kern ACRO CA1000 Headphone Amplifier will be available in Singapore immediately at a retail price of S$3,199 (including GST), and can be found exclusively at AV One (https://av1group.com.sg).
About Astell&Kern
Astell&Kern is the ultimate digital music source that gives you mastered quality sound or MQS. Astell means “stars” in Latin and Kern means “center” in German. Founded in October 2013, Astell&Kern is a South Korean consumer electronics company that manufactures media players, CD players, headphones and home theater products. Astell&Kern’s goal is to provide natural, original sound without distortion. The power of real Astell&Kern sound can now be experienced and has been part of many famous audio exhibitions around the world. Astell&Kern is now admired by music lovers in many countries including USA, China, Japan, UK, France and many more around the world.
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