Astell&Kern launched the ACRO CA1000, its first carryable headphone amplifier under the brand’s ACRO desktop/home audio product line.
The ACRO CA1000 is a headphone amplifier that combines the functions of a high-performance amplifier and the portability of a Digital Audio Player (DAP). Equipped with an 8,400mAh large-capacity battery to provide clear, distortion-free premium sound without the need for a separate power connection. In addition, the headphone amplifier also features support for USB-PD 2.0 charging, allowing the battery to be fully charged in about 2 hours and 30 minutes, while an hour of charging time will bring the battery level to 50%. Furthermore, the headphone amplifier is fully operational when plugged into AC power while charging.
Sporting a Quad-DAC configuration, the ACRO CA1000 features four ESS ES9068AS DAC chips allowing bit-perfect decoding capabilities of up to 32-bit/384 kHz PCM and native DSD512 (22.4 MHz). In addition, the South Korean audio brand has also implemented its TERATON ALPHA Sound Solution which includes its in-house amplifier circuit technology, equipping the headphone amplifier with a selection of 4 levels of gain and a power output of up to 15 Vrms.
The latest offering of the ACRO also features a variety of output ports, including 3.5 mm and 6.35 mm for single-ended and 2.5 mm and 4.4 for balanced. This will accommodate the majority of earphones or headphones offerings in the market.
The ACRO CA1000 can also be used as a component of a Hi-Fi audio system by connecting devices via a variety of digital inputs/outputs (Optical, Coaxial, USB-C) and analogue inputs/outputs (RCA).
Bluetooth wise, the headphone amplifier supports up to Bluetooth 5.0 and features codec support for aptX HD and LDAC.
All input settings can be quickly and conveniently selected using the CA1000 touch screen.
The Astell&Kern ACRO CA1000 will be available in late January/early February 2022 at authorized Astell&Kern dealers worldwide. Pricing and additional product specifications are to be advised.
