Astell&Kern CA1000T Desktop Audio System - Rich Grey

Fantastic sound quality. Absolutely outstanding clarity.

As the headline says, I found this to be a true improvement over the previous version of the ACRO, the CA1000, which I owned for about 6 months.The largest improvement is in the addition of tubes and the unusual ability to set how much effect they will have over the solid state version: this proves to be very effective for users, such as myself, who own a lot of headphones with widely different frequency responses. Overall the tube effect is noticeable especially in vocals and they also seem to add some mid bass. Notably, the tube effect applies also to the 2 analog the line out connectors, and now also balanced out is available.I liked the previous version but was never entirely convicned of the sound: the CA1000T changed my perspective.So what can you drive with this? Well, everything I have (which includes a DT880 600 Ohm). I suppose it may lack power for the ususal 2 Hifiman, HE-6 and Susvara, and possibly for the new Modhouse Tungsten. With my ELite, HE1000SE and Stealth, Edition X, DCA Aeon 2 Noire, Liric, DT1990 Pro, Fostex T60 RP it performs admirably, and in some cases I prefer to my destktop all in one solution, Hifiman Serenade.

My third and best Astell and Kern DAPSounds amazing using Hifi Man HE1000SE and have had to relegate my Hugo2 to CD dutiesThe Chord DAC does sound amazing also but fatiguing for longer listening unlike the smoother richer sound of the CA1000tMoving between the micro sd card and Tidal service is effortless although a little fiddlyI did purchase this new for £999 before this Christmas though and now has returned to its £2299 price

With a decent pair of headphones, you could listen all day. Absolutely superb sound quality.Menues a little fiddly, but that's about it for the downside.

Nothing to dislike it’s fantastic sound quality absolutely love it 😃

I’ve used many DACs and DAPs now with or without AMPs and even the sp3000T with integral tubes and I’ve found a few models for separate use cases. I’ve had THE NAIM Unity Atom and Pathos units.Using HIBY RS8 with Luxury and Precision tube amp with variable AB-A control and tube integration options, I’ve had success but not optimal sound quality, power yes but not outcome.I’ve been the owner of mobile DAPs; AK’s P1, SP3000m and now the SR35 with an SP3000T as a backup, currently on order. For home office and to drive both Novus IEMs and final d3000 pro Ltd Headpones, the ACRO is THE choice. It’s made my Novus and Finals sing with rich tonal body and heft.Everyone hears differently so user tweaking enables adaptation to suit. I found super gain with equaliser on in full tube mode gives me that special something and for the Novus IEMs it’s mid gain again with AKs preset equaliser active.I stream music and download favourites as a backup for offline listening. I listen my loft office to help me work (ADHD). The screen is better than the p1 and SR35/slightly quicker processor wise. The P1 is fastest but screen size it’s too small for my hands and doesn’t have the SR35 heft.Can’t praise the ACRO enough, I’m selling my L&P and HIBY DAP which served the desk case. As the ACRO has battery charge limiting, is a single unit and I can leave it plugged in up to 80% with no overheating.I’ll happily move the ACRO to other rooms at home (kitchen desk or leather workstation) or would happily take it away for work trips as a surveyor. Easily handles hungry headphones, so it’s a one stop shop. I don’t use the protective film as the screen is not in danger but a carry bag is recommend if it’s for portable working options.So with workstation sorted I’m SR35 with Campfire Clara for walking and a backup of the sp3000T for Novus use (switching them over to the ACRO when the weather goes warm mode for loft office).Incredible service from AK and their network. A pleasure to meet Stephan at the Bristol Hi-Fi show with his broad knowledge and outstanding customer service support.