Astell & Kern has announced the availability of the ACRO L1000 in USA and UK. An amplifier and DAC (compact digital-analog converter) realized by Astell & Kern. The product has an unusual design: the upper side is dominated by a knob to adjust the volume, the device is tilted towards the front and has the appearance of an aluminum cube cut or set on the supporting surface. The measures are 11.2 x 16 x 11.2 mm.
The conversion is performed by a dual AK4490 DAC (each dedicated to a single channel), capable of supporting PCM files up to 32-bit / 384kHz and DSD256 (natively). The amplification section delivers 15W for 2 channels on 4 Ohms. The specifications report a signal to noise ratio of 115dB (at 1 kHz) and a total harmonic distortion of 0.003%. The ACRO L1000 also features a headphone amplifier and features unbalanced (3.5 mm and 6.3 mm) and balanced (2.5 mm and XLR) outputs. Through the micro-USB port you can connect the DAC to a PC or Mac.
Astell & Kern ACRO L1000 Specifications
- DAC: AKM AK4490 X 2
- Inputs: USB type B (PC & MAC data transfer)
- Outputs: 3.5mm headphone / balanced output 2.5mm headphone, only 4 pole or 4 XLR PIN, speakers
- Sample rate: PCM: 8kHz-384kHz ( 8/16/24/32 bits per sample), DSD64 (1bit 2.8 MHz), DSD128 (1bit 5.6 MHz), DSD256 (1bit 11.2 MHz)
- Headphone output level: 6V unbalanced, 8.5V balanced
- Bil / sbil frequency response: ± 0.73dB (10Hz ~ 70kHz) Bil / sbil signal / noise ratio: 115dB at 1kHz
- Distortion THD + N: 0.0003%
- Power: 2X15W 4 ohm
- Power supply: 12V
- Dimensions: 11.2x16x11.2 mm
- Weight: 920 grams
Astell & Kern ACRO L1000 price in USA has been set at $899 and £799 in UK; and it can be purchased through Amazon store.