Astell&KernCA1000T Desktop Audio System - Rich Grey

The Astell & Kern CA1000T is an astonishing piece of equipment! Was extremely simple to set up straight out the box, the touch screen works brilliantly, menu is easy to navigate, Extremely easy to link your streaming services. The built in battery has hours of usage, when your not plugged into electricity supply. The build quality is outstanding, The ability to switch between 3 amp modes & adjust Gain to your preference and listening taste, is brilliant. The tubes heat up quickly, at the beginning I used Bowers & Wilkins PX8 headphones ( wired ) as had issues connecting them over bluetooth ( PX8 issue, not CA1000T ) The sound quility was exceptional, however, I now use the Sony MDR-Z1R high resolution headphones, the sound quility is out of this world with this combination. if your looking for a desktop audio system, then this is the 1 you want, can't recommend the CA1000T enough.

Surely the CA1000T sounds great. As i own a CA1000 which i love, CA1000T can only be superior, because of the tube upgrade.But ATTENTION for Customers from EU: Recently (2025) Amazon stopped deducting VAT (UK taxes). So you will pay ca. 20% more than costumers from UK. I did verify it with a VPN via London...For it is my 4th purchase with Amazon.uk, i was surprised receiving a call from FedEx and realizing, that VAT has not been removed on the invoice. That means for Costumers from UK open box costs 799 incl. VAT and for costumers from EU it costs 799 excl. VAT. I had to accept and did refuse the delivery at the costums. I am sorry for the great seller HEA.

Ok, I am still pretty new to this high end audiophile stuff, but i know what sounds good, and this DAP is phenomenal.As others have said, I have the original CA1000 which is amazing in itself, but this upgraded version with tube amp just pushes the performance even further.It drives my 7hz timeless 2 planar IEMs with ease, and the more I listen, the better they both get as both the IEM and DAP burn in.As others have said, soundstage is impressively wide, separation of instruments, vocals are incredible. I love 80s synth, and as I write this I am streaming The Best Of Yazoo, words can’t explain how amazing this sounds on this player. Alison Moyets voice is soo smooth and clear, and Vince Clarkes synths shine with amazing sparkle and detail.One thing to note on this unit over the original CA1000 is the battery life, because of the tubes this unit will drain the battery far quicker than just on op amp. I tested the unit over a couple weeks and I was getting about 9-10 hours on op amp only and about 6-7hrs on tube setting. This isn’t really an issue to be honest, as I have the DAP plugged in whilst in use and if you have battery protection switched on, it will only charge the battery to 85% and keep it there, so no degradation.I also want to add, that after sales support from Astell and Kern was exceptional, answering any issues I had with the player.If you are thinking of upgrading over the original CA1000 or just want a do it all player that sounds incredible, that will drive the most demanding headphones/IEMs, don’t hesitate, yes it’s expensive, but get what you pay for. This is One of the best investments I’ve made in this hobby, and will give me many years of pleasure.

Unbelievable quality and clarity of the soundstage from this device. The build quality is excellent. Very happy woth my purchase

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.

Fantastic sound quality. Absolutely outstanding clarity.

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.