Astell&Kern CA1000 Headphone Amplifier - Open Box

The Astell and Kern CA1000 is a carryable headphone amplifier and network audio player that brings desktop level power and flexibility into a compact chassis. It combines a quad DAC architecture, powerful headphone outputs up to 15 Vrms, and a full Android based streaming interface with Wi Fi and Bluetooth. Whether you are driving demanding full size headphones at your desk or using it as a USB DAC and preamp in a hi fi system, the CA1000 is built to handle it.

Four ESS ES9068AS DAC chips provide detailed and balanced conversion up to 32 bit and 384 kHz PCM and native DSD512. A large 8,400 mAh battery keeps the CA1000 running for long sessions without external power, while USB PD 2.0 support makes recharging quick and practical. With multiple digital and analog inputs and outputs and both balanced and unbalanced headphone jacks, the CA1000 can anchor an entire headphone or desktop system.

Desktop grade power you can carry

To get the best from higher end headphones, an amplifier needs both voltage swing and current delivery. The CA1000 offers four gain levels and up to 15 Vrms from its balanced outputs, so it can properly drive many low sensitivity and high impedance designs. You can match gain to your headphone or in ear monitors to keep noise low and headroom high.

Two unbalanced headphone jacks in 3.5 mm and 6.35 mm and two balanced jacks in 2.5 mm and 4.4 mm give you flexibility across your collection of headphones and IEMs. Output stages are carefully laid out and relay isolated to keep crosstalk and noise as low as possible.

Streaming player and DAC in one box

Inside the CA1000 is a complete Astell and Kern player platform with a 4.1 inch touch screen and 256 GB of internal storage plus microSD expansion. You can load your own music library, use streaming apps over Wi Fi, or play from USB storage. Supported file types include WAV, FLAC, ALAC, AIFF, MP3, AAC, OGG, APE, MQA, DFF, and DSF.

The CA1000 works as a standalone USB DAC and preamp for a computer or network transport, or as a digital source feeding an external DAC over USB or optical. For wireless listening, Bluetooth 5.0 with LDAC and aptX HD support lets you use compatible wireless headphones or speakers.

Quad DAC design and TERATON ALPHA

Astell and Kern builds the CA1000 around four ESS ES9068AS DAC chips in a quad configuration. Each channel gets its own DAC resources for better separation, dynamic range, and control. Bit perfect playback is supported up to 32 bit and 384 kHz PCM and up to DSD512 natively.

The TERATON ALPHA design approach focuses on clean power delivery, noise suppression, and low distortion amplification. Careful power regulation, silver plated shielding cans, and highly optimized clocking help keep jitter and noise out of the signal path so the DACs can perform at their best.

Battery powered with fast charging

A built in 8,400 mAh lithium polymer battery gives the CA1000 more than 10 hours of playback under typical conditions. Because the outputs are powerful, Astell and Kern redesigned the power circuitry to maintain long runtimes even at higher gain settings.

When it is time to charge, USB PD 2.0 support with up to 9 V and 3 A allows a suitable USB C charger to bring the battery to about 50 percent in roughly one hour and fully charge it in about two and a half hours. You can also run the unit from external power while listening.

Crossfeed and listening features

For long listening sessions, the CA1000 includes a configurable crossfeed circuit designed to make headphone listening feel more like using speakers. By blending and time shifting small amounts of left and right channel information, it can help center the stereo image and reduce listening fatigue. Shelf cutoff, shelf gain, and mixer level controls let you dial in the effect.

ReplayGain is available to even out perceived loudness between tracks. AK File Drop lets you transfer music over your network from a computer or phone without cables. A tilting screen that can be set up to 60 degrees makes it easy to see and control the player on a desk or shelf.

Connections and system integration

Beyond the headphone outputs, the CA1000 can function as the heart of a desktop or speaker system. A stereo RCA analog output lets you feed a power amplifier or powered speakers. For digital integration, you can use coaxial, optical, or USB C inputs and outputs.

Bluetooth Sink mode allows you to stream audio from a phone or tablet to the CA1000 over Bluetooth and then out to wired headphones or a hi fi system. Dual band Wi Fi provides network access for streaming apps and firmware updates.

Technical Specifications

What is in the box

• Astell and Kern ACRO CA1000 device
• USB C cable
• Two LCD protective films
• Quick start guide
• Warranty card

FAQ