Astell&Kern's ACRO BE100 promises room-filling, hi-fi stereo sound beyond its compact dimensions. Under the bonnet is a dedicated 32-bit DAC and Bluetooth 5.0 support for the latest 24-bit hi-res wireless streaming codecs, including aptX HD (48kHz) and LDAC (96kHz), which are output through a custom rear-ported 4-inch Kevlar woofer and two 1.5-in silk dome tweeters. The drivers are powered by the company's specially-developed class D amplifier delivering 55W total power and a claimed 50–20kHz frequency response.
Making the faux leather-wrapped ACRO BE100 instantly recognisable as coming from the house of Astell & Kern is its metal-grille mesh that sports a brutalist, angular aesthetic as enjoyed by Astell & Kern's Kann Alpha and A&norma SR25 MKII.
Although tipping the scales 3.2kg means you won't be slipping the ACRO BE100 into your pocket, more DAP DNA can be found on the top-right of the speaker in the form of an aluminium-hewn knurling-patterned knob for accurate fine-tuning of the volume. Around the knurled knob is a set of lights indicating the current mode of the speaker and volume level. Also, you get five-level treble and bass settings.
Additionally, dynamic range control (DRC) protects the speaker unit as it hits maximum output power. The Bluetooth chipset is equipped with a 50ps clock to minimise jitter, ensuring accurate sound, says A&K.
Finally, a 3.5mm AUX input allows the physical connection of Astell & Kern's portable digital audio players and similar devices.
The Astell&Kern ACRO BE100 is priced at £449 and is available from December.
Visit Astell&Kern for more information
Posted in: Lifestyle
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