A desktop Head-Fi system with a dual-valve output stage
Astell&Kern ACRO CA1000T combines DAC, streamer and headphone amplifier functions in one unit, adding two vacuum tubes to its analogue signal path.
It directly develops the CA1000 concept: four gain levels and output up to 15 Vrms remain, while conversion moves to dual ESS ES9039MPRO DACs and the Triple Amp System adds valve operation. Users can therefore select op-amp, tube or a blend of both without changing source or amplifier hardware.
Key features
- Dual ESS ES9039MPRO DAC configuration.
- Triple Amp System with OP AMP, TUBE AMP and HYBRID AMP.
- Twin vacuum tubes for TUBE and hybrid operation.
- Four gain levels, with up to 15 Vrms balanced output.
- 3.5 mm, 6.35 mm, 2.5 mm and 4.4 mm headphone connections.
- RCA analogue I/O plus optical, coaxial and USB digital connections.
- Built-in battery for operation without a permanent mains connection.
- Dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth with aptX HD and LDAC, Crossfeed and Roon Ready.
Three amplifier paths for the same source
The Triple Amp System switches between solid-state amplification, the valve circuit or a hybrid blend of both. CA1000T therefore suits listeners who want to alter the amplifier character directly from a desktop system while keeping the same DAC platform, library and connections.
Up to 15 Vrms for demanding headphones
Low, Mid, High and Super gain settings cover both sensitive IEMs and high-impedance or planar headphones. Maximum output reaches 8 Vrms unbalanced and 15 Vrms balanced under no-load conditions, with dedicated circuits serving the different headphone connections.
More flexible than CA1000
Compared with CA1000, the T version does not raise maximum voltage but changes the audio section substantially: Quad ES9068AS conversion gives way to dual ES9039MPRO and valves are added. It is therefore the stronger fit when power must be combined with selectable tonal character and wider desktop-system flexibility.
