[Tex Irie]

I have always talked trash about the A&K UI, there are a handful of android music players out there that have far superior UI but I'm just happy that Astell&Kern has an actual "Favorites" section where it will show your favorite albums that you tag so you can quick access those albums everytime you want to test new headphones.
This feature is absent from iBasso's Mango player/OS and even android Neutron player app.

It's not the definitely not the worst UI, but the new UI on the SP3000 was what I would've hoped to see on the CA1000T.

 

[JasonNYC]

@JasonNYC can the CA1000T remain plugged into a charger when in use or indefinitely?

It can be left plugged in without affecting the battery.

 

[StevenR296]

It can be left plugged in without affecting the battery.

That would certainly affect it in the long run, hence the battery protection feature coming out, right?

 

[SteffSergeant]

It can be left plugged in without affecting the battery.

Hey Jason,

my first question is about the DAC-Modus, maybe you can help me out here. I use the CA1000T as a DAC and it's permanently plugged into both USB Ports. Because I never shut down my MacBook, it's always in StandBy. The light is always on and it's a bit warm all the time. The data-connection disconnects after a while, when the MacBook is in Sleep Mode, but not the charging-connection. So the CA1000T can't shut down. Is there any possibility to get the CA1000T shut down, without shutting the MacBook down, too?

My second question is about the color of the light in DAC-Mode - is it always be red? It does not change, when the sample-rate changes, but it does in streaming mode. Is there any explanation to this? It would be nice to see the sample-rate in DAC-Mode.

Thank you!

 

[DAPpower]

Hey Jason,

my first question is about the DAC-Modus, maybe you can help me out here. I use the CA1000T as a DAC and it's permanently plugged into both USB Ports. Because I never shut down my MacBook, it's always in StandBy. The light is always on and it's a bit warm all the time. The data-connection disconnects after a while, when the MacBook is in Sleep Mode, but not the charging-connection. So the CA1000T can't shut down. Is there any possibility to get the CA1000T shut down, without shutting the MacBook down, too?

My second question is about the color of the light in DAC-Mode - is it always be red? It does not change, when the sample-rate changes, but it does in streaming mode. Is there any explanation to this? It would be nice to see the sample-rate in DAC-Mode.

Thank you!

Are you using the correct original cable? When plugged to your MacBook?
Do you have the Astell&Kern drivers manager installed from the website?
You should be able to turn off the device separately while connected to the PC.

 

[SteffSergeant]

Are you using the correct original cable? When plugged to your MacBook?

I think, there is no such things as correct cable. I am actually using another cable, because the stock isn't C to C. I know there is a difference between charging cable and data cable, but does this affect the on/off function?

So for example, if I use a data cable for charging, it will work, the other way round not.

Do you have the Astell&Kern drivers manager installed from the website?
You should be able to turn off the device separately while connected to the PC.

I thought for the MAC system I don't need any drivers, it's plug and play. And btw I can turn it off manually, but I hoped, that it will switch off after my MacBook goes in sleep modus, but this isn't the case.

And unfortunately in DAC modus, the light color won't change, if the samplerate does.

 

[phiemon]

I think, there is no such things as correct cable. I am actually using another cable, because the stock isn't C to C. I know there is a difference between charging cable and data cable, but does this affect the on/off function?

So for example, if I use a data cable for charging, it will work, the other way round not.

I thought for the MAC system I don't need any drivers, it's plug and play. And btw I can turn it off manually, but I hoped, that it will switch off after my MacBook goes in sleep modus, but this isn't the case.

And unfortunately in DAC modus, the light color won't change, if the samplerate does.

As strange as it is, it seems that there really is such a thing as the "correct cable": Post #157 of 161

That being said, the CA1000T will not turn off until BOTH cables are removed.

Even if ONLY the charging cable OR data cable is connected, the CA1000T is in standby and consuming power. This means that the battery will be consumed even if ONLY the data cable is connected.

Yep, I find this all pretty strange too and should be fixed somehow.

 

[OneEyedHito]

@JasonNYC or anyone else

Needing to confirm that the current firmware (I think it’s .07) does support Roon Ready so the CA1000 can be used as a wireless Roon Endpoint on my Roon network today.

Thanks in advance

 

[StevenR296]

@JasonNYC or anyone else

Needing to confirm that the current firmware (I think it’s .07) does support Roon Ready so the CA1000 can be used as a wireless Roon Endpoint on my Roon network today.

Thanks in advance

Yes, Roon Ready is currently supported and works great

 

[Jeffyue]

Should I go for CA1000 at 2/3 of the cost compared to CA1000T?

 

[StevenR296]

Even with the price difference, I would say the CA1000T is worth it over its predecessor if it fits in your budget. It has a new circuit design for better sound quality, less noise, and lower power consumption. Finally mini-XLR outputs to connect to an external balanced amp, well-implemented dual vacuum tubes to tweak the sound to your liking, and better control at higher outputs. It drives my Caldera better than any other "portable" has. It's extremely versatile.

 

[JasonNYC]

@JasonNYC or anyone else

Needing to confirm that the current firmware (I think it’s .07) does support Roon Ready so the CA1000 can be used as a wireless Roon Endpoint on my Roon network today.

Thanks in advance

As someone already replied, yes, the CA1000 and CA1000T are both Roon Ready on current firmware.

 

[crazyhank]

Hi @JasonNYC , own both SP3000 and Sp2000...love them dearly. Do you think AK will make a desktop version with those DAC level chips? CA1000T looks amazing for the power...but I am thinking it will dissapoint me with the DAC chip.

Btw, I bought AK PA10...very nice unit. May be redundant to my DAPs, but still fun to try the flavors it adds. Great price point...if they make a more premium portable amp. will jump on it as well. Is it ok to use it while charging?

Thank you!

 

[JasonNYC]

Hi @JasonNYC , own both SP3000 and Sp2000...love them dearly. Do you think AK will make a desktop version with those DAC level chips? CA1000T looks amazing for the power...but I am thinking it will dissapoint me with the DAC chip.

Btw, I bought AK PA10...very nice unit. May be redundant to my DAPs, but still fun to try the flavors it adds. Great price point...if they make a more premium portable amp. will jump on it as well. Is it ok to use it while charging?

Thank you!

Not sure. Currently no plans to do a CA1000 type of device with AKM chips. It could possibly happen in the future, especially with AKM ramping up DAC chip production again after the factory fire completely wiped out their manufacturing and greater numbers of AKM chips being available for purchase.

 

[crazyhank]

gotcha, thanks @JasonNYC !

Can you tell me, for the PA10...is it ok to use while charging? Or recommend disconnecting from power during play? Thanks!