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Astell & Kern ACRO L1000
The first Desktop Headphone Amplifier from Astell&Kern.
Astell&Kern introduces a new sub-brand of desktop audio products called ACRO. Astell&Kern has taken their expertise in designing best-selling, world-class portable audio devices and put that knowledge in to the first desktop audio product, the ACRO L1000. The ACRO L1000 is the first Desktop Headphone Amplifier from Astell&Kern.
- Dual High-End AK4490 DACs Built-in
- PCM playback up to 32bit/384kHz, Native DSD 256 playback supported
- Support for various audio output options for Hi-Fi Audiophiles
- 15W Audio Output per Channel for Stereo Speakers
- Filters for Different Audio Preferences (Bass-boost, High-Gain)
- Optimal design for both usability and sound playback
Dual High-End AK4490 DACs Built-in
The ACRO L1000 features two AK4490 DAC chips, the same proven performance DACs found in the popular and successful Astell&Kern AK380 players.
The Dual DACs deliver proven consistent and high performance digital music playback.
With the Dual DAC configuration, the ACRO L1000 delivers superb resolution and rich spatial sound.
The Dual-DAC implementation is re-designed to perform at its best efficiency with the new AMP circuit design in the L1000.
This new design allows the ACRO L1000 to deliver master-quality sound with minimal distortion.
PCM playback up to 32bit/384kHz, Native DSD 256 playback supported
The L1000 plays back bit-to-bit high-resolution PCM digital audio up to 32bits. A 32-bit CPU has also been added for the most accurate processing of digital audio playback, without compromising audio quality.
As a result, the ACRO L1000 can reproduce up to 32bit/384kHz PCM as originally recorded, with no down-sampling. The L1000 also supports native DSD playback up to 11.2MHz, without conversion.
* The maximum audio output would be limited based on the output capacity of your source device.
Support for various audio output options for Hi-Fi Audiophiles
The ACRO L1000 provides multiple audio output options to fit your needs.
It can be connected to a universal 3.5mm/6.3mm jack, or to a headphone or earphone with a 2.5mm/4-pole XLR balanced jack.
Unlike other headphone amplifiers, the ACRO L1000 features speaker binding posts offering a maximum audio output of up to 15W per channel at 4 ohms.
* Please note. You must lower the volume to zero before connecting any sensitive In-Ear-Monitors or headphones to protect your hearing and your equipment.
* When connecting more than two earphones/headphones, the sound is output to the earphones/headphones of the last connected terminal.
* When connecting to the XLR balanced terminal, all earphone/headphone jacks on the side of the product should not be connected.
Easy Connection to Computers and other Digital Music Sources
The ACRO L1000 can be connected to your PC or MAC via Micro USB cable.
Using an Astell&Kern portable player as a source device will give you more powerful audio experience with your L1000.
* When connecting with a PC or a MAC, you may be required to download a USB DAC driver for your OS.
* Sound output will be available through ‘Audio-Output’ option in your sound settings. * An OTG USB cable is not included in the package.
* Please check the capability of Astell&Kern portable players before using it as a source device: The L1000 will be compatible with: AK380, AK320, AK300, KANN, AK70, AK70 MKⅡ, or SP1000
Filters for Different Audio Preferences
The ACRO L1000 provides three sound settings: Neutral, Bass-Boost, and High-Gain filters to suit your preferences.
The Bass-Boost filter brings you deeper bass. The High-Gain filter provides more power output.
You can switch the different sound filters by simple pressing a button of L1000. The color of the LED light changes with the mode selected.
*Default Setting
- Blue LED for Neutral and default sound,
- Green LED for Bass-Boost filter
- Red LED for High-Gain filter.
DESIGN
The design of the ACRO L1000 resembles the 'Golden Ratio' of the Parthenon of Athens. Like the Golden Ratio
stays consistent and never changes, Astell&Kern has designed the L1000 to serve the never-changing value of
music. Its design signifies something that should never be changed – the original sound, and provides
distortion-free sound.
Therefore, the image of the historical building is the motif, and the L1000 represents a
distortion-free sound. The composed geometrics of the cylinder and the square reaffirms the
everlasting meaning of great music paired with modern technologies to provide the best
listening experience. The entire body is made of aluminum, which maximizes sound clarity,
adds aesthetics, and allows for an ergonomic volume control.
As it sits on a desk, the 30-degree angle will naturally fit your everyday use.
The size of volume wheel is designed to fit for your hand, and the knurled pattern allows
the perfect feel of being in control of your music. The accent of the LED rim lights around
the volume wheel adds a subtle, yet comfortable music listening ambience, and the 12 dots of
LED shows the status of music playback volume.
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Professional Reviews 91/100
Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
93/100
Build Quality
91/100
Features Usability
91/100
Value for Money
88/100
With powerful drive and crisp, spacious imaging, the ACRO L1000 brings headphones to life with an engaging, non-fatiguing balance. HomeTheaterHifi praised its authority and separation, while Audiophilepure highlighted its refined tuning, versatility, and striking design. Its balanced outputs and speaker terminals make it a standout all-in-one desktop hub.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Delivers powerful, authoritative headphone drive with strong detail and instrument separation.
Offers an engaging, refined tuning that stays enjoyable and non-fatiguing over long sessions.
Provides unusual versatility with multiple headphone outputs plus passive speaker output.
Built to a premium standard with an all-aluminum enclosure and standout industrial design.
&
Cons
The large volume knob requires many turns for big level changes, so quick adjustments can feel cumbersome.
The filter options are subtle, offering little dramatic change in sound.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 93/100
Reviewers consistently describe the L1000 as powerful, engaging, and highly resolving. They praise its extension at both ends, separation, and the way it adds sweetness and intimacy without becoming fatiguing, while one reviewer even prefers it strongly over a much pricier competitor.
Transparency Resolution
94/100
Reviewers call out strong separation, no audible blurring, and a highly revealing presentation. The sound is described as clear and compelling, with instruments and cymbals rendered with a strong sense of space and definition.
Tonal Balance Musicality
92/100
The L1000 is repeatedly described as having an enjoyable, non-fatiguing balance with a touch of sweetness and an engaging, high-end tuning. One reviewer specifically notes that the AKM-based presentation avoids the darker character they associate with some ESS implementations.
Dynamics
95/100
Dynamic drive is a clear strength, with reviewers saying it is powerful and drives headphones with authority. Notes about strong snap on drums and a lively, attentive listening experience support the sense of real punch and momentum.
Noise Floor
89/100
The unit is described as very quiet in use, with only the faintest pop on power on or off. Reviewers do not report hiss or background noise during listening, suggesting a clean black background for normal headphone use.
Headphone Compatibility
94/100
Reviewers say it drives any of the headphones they tried with authority, and the multiple output options give it broad practical flexibility. The comments suggest strong control with a wide range of cans rather than a specialist pairing amp.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
91/100
Reviewers praise the all-aluminum enclosure and the generally premium feel of the unit. The knob is described as heavy and well damped, and the amplifier also runs warm in use, which seems to be part of the design rather than a complaint.
Features Usability
91/100
This is a very versatile desktop unit, with multiple headphone outputs including balanced options and a speaker output for passive speakers. Reviewers also highlight the practical range of connections, making it useful as more than just a basic headphone amp.
Value for Money
88/100
At $899, reviewers treat it as a premium piece, but the language is generally favorable rather than price-shocked. The strong praise for its performance and versatility suggests the asking price is broadly justified for buyers who want both a headphone amp and speaker-driving flexibility.
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