High-Resolution audio system with headphone amp

Model: CAS-1
RM 4,199.00
1

1. Prices indicated refer to Suggested Retail Price which includes VAT and may change from time to time without prior notice.

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  • Overview

    The CAS-1 High-Resolution Audio compatible tabletop system with built-in dual amps distinctively recreates original sound spaces through separate speakers or headphones with live performance richness.

  • Features
    High-Resolution Audio

    High-Resolution Audio

    From source to speaker, Sony has united an array of technologies for the ultimate audio experience. For High-Resolution Audio files, the digital amp and specialised tweeters reproduce every subtlety, so you can hear each note as the artist intended.

    DSEE HX upscales your music files

    DSEE HX upscales your music files

    Taking your audio experience beyond CD quality, DSEE HX builds on our proprietary DSEE technology, upscaling compressed audio files to a level closer to High-Resolution Audio. By restoring the subtleties of original recordings lost during the compression process, DSEE HX delivers a rich, studio-quality audio experience for all your music.

    Recreate original sound spaces on your tabletop

    Recreate original sound spaces on your tabletop

    CAS-1 recreates original sound spaces from recording studio or live performance venues, delivering the experience of listening to a live performance. Enjoy music playback that delivers the unfiltered sound artists intended you to hear.

    Dual amplifiers

    Dual amplifiers

    Two distinct amplification systems deliver outstanding High-Resolution Audio experiences, regardless of how you listen. The compact chassis houses two independent circuit boards for the speaker and headphone amps. Given the different power outputs and proximity to the drivers, headphones and speakers have distinct amplification requirements. The full digital S-Master HX amplifier drives the separate speakers, reproducing dynamic and powerful sound even within the confines of the compact design. The headphone amp and separate high-end digital-analogue converter better suits the more isolated headphone listening experience, driving headphone sound powerfully yet precisely.

    Chassis design

    Chassis design

    The CAS-1 boasts a reinforced chassis frame (outer surface and frame) and beams designed to prevent casing and circuit board kinks and enhance sound quality. Base structure adopts a combination of high-end series components and sheet metal, delivering high precision. The aluminium die-cast panel provides high rigidity and low resonance, placing no strain on the substrate when mounted, and optimizes heat flow away from components, enhancing both sound quality and miniaturization.

    Full Digital S-Master HX amplifier

    Full Digital S-Master HX amplifier

    This newly designed full digital amplifier is the product of over ten years of Sony digital amplifier technology development. Through a major overhaul of the noise shaper and power circuit, we realized significant noise reduction for high purity playback and delicate information detail unique to High-Resolution Audio.

    Pulse height volume

    Pulse height volume

    The CAS-1 maintains the original audio detail even at lower volumes for dynamic audio even in confined spaces. Common digital amplifiers (right) decimate the original music data when lowering volume. Pulse height volume (left) adjusts the power supply voltage to maintain high density sound data while lowering volume. Pulse height volume reduces power supply noise (dotted red line) created from lowering volume, producing a cleaner sound than common digital amplifiers.

    Low Volume Mode

    Low Volume Mode

    Conventional compact tabletop speakers tend to lose balance between the treble and bass of the original sound at lower volume. Low Volume Mode optimizes these properties, reproducing the auditory effect of faithful balance to the original sound at low volumes.

    Separated Speakers

    Separated Speakers

    Recording engineers position their left and right speakers to form an equilateral triangle for optimal audio monitoring. The CAS-1's near-field design lets you reproduce this layout at home for ideal stereo sound imaging.

    62 mm highly-rigid carbon fibre cone woofers

    62 mm highly-rigid carbon fibre cone woofers

    Harder and lighter than glass fibre, highly-rigid carbon fibre cones combine with a powerful magnetic circuit to generate tight, powerful bass. The CAS-1 main unit employs a moulded frame to lessen distortion, suppress unit vibrations and create high-quality sound.

    Bottom side bass reflex port

    Bottom side bass reflex port

    The wide flare on the bass reflex port reduces duct noise so that, even near the speakers, bass remains tight and free of distortion.

    14-mm Soft Dome Tweeter

    14-mm Soft Dome Tweeter

    The soft dome tweeters feature a wide-dispersion design especially developed for reproducing the ultra-high frequency audio in High Resolution Audio formats. Enjoy the added realism from reproducing subtle harmonics and sound textures not possible with conventional tabletop speakers.

    High-grade painted wooden enclosure

    High-grade painted wooden enclosure

    A 12 mm-thick MDF baffle board effectively stops vibrations, and birch plywood on the wrap board brings out beautiful controlled acoustic harmonic vibration. Braces reinforce the enclosure and sound absorbent material controls enclosure vibrations. Even the paint is specifically chosen to further suppress unwanted harmonic vibration in addition to providing a stunning gloss appearance.

    8º speaker angle

    8º speaker angle

    Adjusting the speakers to an 8º upward angle ensures sound quality when the listener is seated 75 to 200 cm away. By tilting the separate speakers into the optimal position CAS-1 speakers are designed to deliver better sound straight to the ears, without unwanted reflection or interference.

    Speaker base & Brass spikes

    Speaker base & Brass spikes

    The CAS-1 audio system includes exclusive speaker accessories specially designed to avoid interference and deliver High-Resolution Audio in the near field—the area between 75 to 200 cm from the separate speakers. Install the included brass spikes to elevate speakers to an ideal 8 ° upward angle to better deliver sound straight to your ears, and the included 5 mm thick steel speaker base attachments to mitigate excess reflection. These easy to install accessories allow you to achieve excellent acoustics in small spaces without troublesome adjustments. The CAS-1 includes everything you need to enjoy original sound space on your tabletop. Simply add your favourite music to create your own soundscapes.

    D/A converter (PCM1795)

    D/A converter (PCM1795)

    CAS-1 employs the same 32-bit high-precision digital to analogue converter (DAC) used in Sony's acclaimed HAP-Z1ES High-Resolution Audio player. This DAC extracts High-Resolution Audio detailed sound field information from sound sources in its entirety, producing fuller, richer sound that recreates the original space.

    Volume control (NJW1194)

    Volume control (NJW1194)

    For volume control, CAS-1 uses electronic volume (NJW1194 ) with high sound quality. NJW1194 minimizes noise and distortion when lowering volume, for less deterioration of sound quality. Enjoy high quality sound faithful to the original sound space, without unwanted distortion.

    Headphone amplifier (TA6120A)

    Headphone amplifier (TA6120A)

    The CAS-1 uses the same excellent headphone amplifier IC used in the high-precision Sony PHA-2 Portable High-Resolution Audio DAC/Headphone Amplifier to drive headphone sound powerfully and precisely. Boasting excellent drive compared to regular operational amplifiers (op-amp), this headphone amplifier can even easily drive high-impedance headphones to effectively reproduce high-quality sound.

    Toggle outputs on and off with a relay

    Every consideration was made in the quest for a pure audio experience on the CAS-1. Instead of a semiconductor switch, we implemented an output toggle circuit that uses a relay with little contact resistance and good sound.

    Ideal pattern design with four-layer circuit board

    Ideal pattern design with four-layer circuit board

    The CAS-1 main unit houses a four-layer circuit board that allows for ideal routings for earth and power supply patterns. Component layout is designed with a beautifully symmetrical pattern based on established high end models for cleaner sound with less noise.

    Gain toggle switch

    Gain toggle switch

    With adjustable gain control, you will enjoy the best possible sound using your favourite headphones. Gain on headphones amplifiers is the maximum amount the amplifier can increase a signal. The CAS-1 features a dedicated headphone gain toggle switch to allow you to match impedance to your headphone type, thus enhancing the listening experience for headphones of varying impedance.

    Robust headphone jack

    Robust headphone jack

    The front side of the CAS-1 features a robust 3.5 mm mini plug headphone port made from high-quality metal parts. The use of quality metal parts ensures that your headphone jack fits snugly and securely each and every time, staying in place for a stable connection to prevent distortion and deliver uncompromising sound quality. The use of the universal 3.5 mm mini plug size ensures wide compatibility so that you can use the same headphones at home that you usually use with your Walkman or smartphone.

    High quality wireless streaming

    High quality wireless streaming

    LDAC is a new audio technology from Sony that allows you to enjoy high quality wireless audio via Bluetooth®. With triple the data transmitted, LDAC provides an enhanced wireless listening experience for all your music.

    One-touch listening to play instant music

    One-touch listening to play instant music

    NFC (Near Field Communication) technology removes the need for wired connections and complex set-up sequences. Simply touch your NFC-enabled smartphone or other device* to the on-body N-mark and start your music. No NFC? No problem. You can also pair the devices manually in Bluetooth® settings. *See compatible devices

    Find compatible devices

    USB-B and USB-A

    USB-B and USB-A

    Connect your Walkman or PC to the rear side USB-B terminal to play high-resolution sound sources. Connect Walkman or USB storage devices to the front side USB-A terminal to play high-resolution music using the SongPal app or the included remote control. You can also charge your iPhone or other mobile devices from here.

    Unite your music with SongPal

    Unite your music with SongPal

    Download SongPal for your smartphone or tablet and take control of your music collection. Simply connect over Bluetooth® and USB-Play music and view track information on a Walkman or USB mass storage device connected to the USB-A terminal. The app can also be used to customise sound settings to ensure great balanced audio.

  • Highlight

    High-Resolution Audio compatible

    DSEE HX upscales music to near High-Resolution quality

    S-Master HX digital amplifier for pure sound quality

    Dedicated amp and DAC drive headphones powerfully and precisely

    Easy Bluetooth® connectivity with NFC One-touch

    Speaker Type

    2 way, 2 drivers speaker system , Bass reflex

    Speaker Size

    Tweeter: 14 mm, soft dome type;Woofer: 62 mm, cone type

    Input and Output Terminals

    USB A;USB B;Headphone Out;Speaker Output

  • Specifications

    Sound

    Speaker Type

    2 way, 2 drivers speaker system , Bass reflex

    Speaker Size

    Tweeter: 14 mm, soft dome type, Woofer: 62 mm, cone type

    Size & Weight

    Dimensions (W x H x D)

    Main Unit: Approx. 55x178x210 mm; Speaker Unit: Approx. 95x178x172 mm

    Weight

    Main Unit: Approx 1.3 kg (With Battery) ;Speaker unit: Approx 1.5 kg

    Interface

    Input and Output Terminals

    USB A, USB B, Headphone Out, Speaker Output

    Bluetooth

    Frequency Range

    2.4 GHz band (2.4000 GHz - 2.4835 GHz)

    General Features

    Remote Control

    RMT-AA140UB

    Power Consumption

    29W (On operation) / AC

    Eco and energy saving

    Power Consumption (Off Mode)

    not available

    Power Consumption (Standby Mode)

    0,3W

    Power Consumption (Networked Standby Mode) – Terminals

    1.5W(Bluetooth) / 2.0W(all terminals and networks connected)

    Standby Mode Activated

    After 15 minutes

    Networked Standby Mode Activated – Terminals

    After 15 minutes (Bluetooth)

    Wireless Network(s) On/Off Switch

    Press and hold (BLUETOOTH) PAIRING button of the unit simultaneously for more than 4 seconds

  • Support
  • Overview
    • Overview

      The CAS-1 High-Resolution Audio compatible tabletop system with built-in dual amps distinctively recreates original sound spaces through separate speakers or headphones with live performance richness.

  • specifications
    • Specifications

      Sound

      Speaker Type

      2 way, 2 drivers speaker system , Bass reflex

      Speaker Size

      Tweeter: 14 mm, soft dome type, Woofer: 62 mm, cone type

      Size & Weight

      Dimensions (W x H x D)

      Main Unit: Approx. 55x178x210 mm; Speaker Unit: Approx. 95x178x172 mm

      Weight

      Main Unit: Approx 1.3 kg (With Battery) ;Speaker unit: Approx 1.5 kg

      Interface

      Input and Output Terminals

      USB A, USB B, Headphone Out, Speaker Output

      Bluetooth

      Frequency Range

      2.4 GHz band (2.4000 GHz - 2.4835 GHz)

      General Features

      Remote Control

      RMT-AA140UB

      Power Consumption

      29W (On operation) / AC

      Eco and energy saving

      Power Consumption (Off Mode)

      not available

      Power Consumption (Standby Mode)

      0,3W

      Power Consumption (Networked Standby Mode) – Terminals

      1.5W(Bluetooth) / 2.0W(all terminals and networks connected)

      Standby Mode Activated

      After 15 minutes

      Networked Standby Mode Activated – Terminals

      After 15 minutes (Bluetooth)

      Wireless Network(s) On/Off Switch

      Press and hold (BLUETOOTH) PAIRING button of the unit simultaneously for more than 4 seconds

  • highlight
    • Highlight

      High-Resolution Audio compatible

      DSEE HX upscales music to near High-Resolution quality

      S-Master HX digital amplifier for pure sound quality

      Dedicated amp and DAC drive headphones powerfully and precisely

      Easy Bluetooth® connectivity with NFC One-touch

      Speaker Type

      2 way, 2 drivers speaker system , Bass reflex

      Speaker Size

      Tweeter: 14 mm, soft dome type;Woofer: 62 mm, cone type

      Input and Output Terminals

      USB A;USB B;Headphone Out;Speaker Output

  • features
    • Features
      High-Resolution Audio

      High-Resolution Audio

      From source to speaker, Sony has united an array of technologies for the ultimate audio experience. For High-Resolution Audio files, the digital amp and specialised tweeters reproduce every subtlety, so you can hear each note as the artist intended.

      DSEE HX upscales your music files

      DSEE HX upscales your music files

      Taking your audio experience beyond CD quality, DSEE HX builds on our proprietary DSEE technology, upscaling compressed audio files to a level closer to High-Resolution Audio. By restoring the subtleties of original recordings lost during the compression process, DSEE HX delivers a rich, studio-quality audio experience for all your music.

      Recreate original sound spaces on your tabletop

      Recreate original sound spaces on your tabletop

      CAS-1 recreates original sound spaces from recording studio or live performance venues, delivering the experience of listening to a live performance. Enjoy music playback that delivers the unfiltered sound artists intended you to hear.

      Dual amplifiers

      Dual amplifiers

      Two distinct amplification systems deliver outstanding High-Resolution Audio experiences, regardless of how you listen. The compact chassis houses two independent circuit boards for the speaker and headphone amps. Given the different power outputs and proximity to the drivers, headphones and speakers have distinct amplification requirements. The full digital S-Master HX amplifier drives the separate speakers, reproducing dynamic and powerful sound even within the confines of the compact design. The headphone amp and separate high-end digital-analogue converter better suits the more isolated headphone listening experience, driving headphone sound powerfully yet precisely.

      Chassis design

      Chassis design

      The CAS-1 boasts a reinforced chassis frame (outer surface and frame) and beams designed to prevent casing and circuit board kinks and enhance sound quality. Base structure adopts a combination of high-end series components and sheet metal, delivering high precision. The aluminium die-cast panel provides high rigidity and low resonance, placing no strain on the substrate when mounted, and optimizes heat flow away from components, enhancing both sound quality and miniaturization.

      Full Digital S-Master HX amplifier

      Full Digital S-Master HX amplifier

      This newly designed full digital amplifier is the product of over ten years of Sony digital amplifier technology development. Through a major overhaul of the noise shaper and power circuit, we realized significant noise reduction for high purity playback and delicate information detail unique to High-Resolution Audio.

      Pulse height volume

      Pulse height volume

      The CAS-1 maintains the original audio detail even at lower volumes for dynamic audio even in confined spaces. Common digital amplifiers (right) decimate the original music data when lowering volume. Pulse height volume (left) adjusts the power supply voltage to maintain high density sound data while lowering volume. Pulse height volume reduces power supply noise (dotted red line) created from lowering volume, producing a cleaner sound than common digital amplifiers.

      Low Volume Mode

      Low Volume Mode

      Conventional compact tabletop speakers tend to lose balance between the treble and bass of the original sound at lower volume. Low Volume Mode optimizes these properties, reproducing the auditory effect of faithful balance to the original sound at low volumes.

      Separated Speakers

      Separated Speakers

      Recording engineers position their left and right speakers to form an equilateral triangle for optimal audio monitoring. The CAS-1's near-field design lets you reproduce this layout at home for ideal stereo sound imaging.

      62 mm highly-rigid carbon fibre cone woofers

      62 mm highly-rigid carbon fibre cone woofers

      Harder and lighter than glass fibre, highly-rigid carbon fibre cones combine with a powerful magnetic circuit to generate tight, powerful bass. The CAS-1 main unit employs a moulded frame to lessen distortion, suppress unit vibrations and create high-quality sound.

      Bottom side bass reflex port

      Bottom side bass reflex port

      The wide flare on the bass reflex port reduces duct noise so that, even near the speakers, bass remains tight and free of distortion.

      14-mm Soft Dome Tweeter

      14-mm Soft Dome Tweeter

      The soft dome tweeters feature a wide-dispersion design especially developed for reproducing the ultra-high frequency audio in High Resolution Audio formats. Enjoy the added realism from reproducing subtle harmonics and sound textures not possible with conventional tabletop speakers.

      High-grade painted wooden enclosure

      High-grade painted wooden enclosure

      A 12 mm-thick MDF baffle board effectively stops vibrations, and birch plywood on the wrap board brings out beautiful controlled acoustic harmonic vibration. Braces reinforce the enclosure and sound absorbent material controls enclosure vibrations. Even the paint is specifically chosen to further suppress unwanted harmonic vibration in addition to providing a stunning gloss appearance.

      8º speaker angle

      8º speaker angle

      Adjusting the speakers to an 8º upward angle ensures sound quality when the listener is seated 75 to 200 cm away. By tilting the separate speakers into the optimal position CAS-1 speakers are designed to deliver better sound straight to the ears, without unwanted reflection or interference.

      Speaker base & Brass spikes

      Speaker base & Brass spikes

      The CAS-1 audio system includes exclusive speaker accessories specially designed to avoid interference and deliver High-Resolution Audio in the near field—the area between 75 to 200 cm from the separate speakers. Install the included brass spikes to elevate speakers to an ideal 8 ° upward angle to better deliver sound straight to your ears, and the included 5 mm thick steel speaker base attachments to mitigate excess reflection. These easy to install accessories allow you to achieve excellent acoustics in small spaces without troublesome adjustments. The CAS-1 includes everything you need to enjoy original sound space on your tabletop. Simply add your favourite music to create your own soundscapes.

      D/A converter (PCM1795)

      D/A converter (PCM1795)

      CAS-1 employs the same 32-bit high-precision digital to analogue converter (DAC) used in Sony's acclaimed HAP-Z1ES High-Resolution Audio player. This DAC extracts High-Resolution Audio detailed sound field information from sound sources in its entirety, producing fuller, richer sound that recreates the original space.

      Volume control (NJW1194)

      Volume control (NJW1194)

      For volume control, CAS-1 uses electronic volume (NJW1194 ) with high sound quality. NJW1194 minimizes noise and distortion when lowering volume, for less deterioration of sound quality. Enjoy high quality sound faithful to the original sound space, without unwanted distortion.

      Headphone amplifier (TA6120A)

      Headphone amplifier (TA6120A)

      The CAS-1 uses the same excellent headphone amplifier IC used in the high-precision Sony PHA-2 Portable High-Resolution Audio DAC/Headphone Amplifier to drive headphone sound powerfully and precisely. Boasting excellent drive compared to regular operational amplifiers (op-amp), this headphone amplifier can even easily drive high-impedance headphones to effectively reproduce high-quality sound.

      Toggle outputs on and off with a relay

      Every consideration was made in the quest for a pure audio experience on the CAS-1. Instead of a semiconductor switch, we implemented an output toggle circuit that uses a relay with little contact resistance and good sound.

      Ideal pattern design with four-layer circuit board

      Ideal pattern design with four-layer circuit board

      The CAS-1 main unit houses a four-layer circuit board that allows for ideal routings for earth and power supply patterns. Component layout is designed with a beautifully symmetrical pattern based on established high end models for cleaner sound with less noise.

      Gain toggle switch

      Gain toggle switch

      With adjustable gain control, you will enjoy the best possible sound using your favourite headphones. Gain on headphones amplifiers is the maximum amount the amplifier can increase a signal. The CAS-1 features a dedicated headphone gain toggle switch to allow you to match impedance to your headphone type, thus enhancing the listening experience for headphones of varying impedance.

      Robust headphone jack

      Robust headphone jack

      The front side of the CAS-1 features a robust 3.5 mm mini plug headphone port made from high-quality metal parts. The use of quality metal parts ensures that your headphone jack fits snugly and securely each and every time, staying in place for a stable connection to prevent distortion and deliver uncompromising sound quality. The use of the universal 3.5 mm mini plug size ensures wide compatibility so that you can use the same headphones at home that you usually use with your Walkman or smartphone.

      High quality wireless streaming

      High quality wireless streaming

      LDAC is a new audio technology from Sony that allows you to enjoy high quality wireless audio via Bluetooth®. With triple the data transmitted, LDAC provides an enhanced wireless listening experience for all your music.

      One-touch listening to play instant music

      One-touch listening to play instant music

      NFC (Near Field Communication) technology removes the need for wired connections and complex set-up sequences. Simply touch your NFC-enabled smartphone or other device* to the on-body N-mark and start your music. No NFC? No problem. You can also pair the devices manually in Bluetooth® settings. *See compatible devices

      Find compatible devices

      USB-B and USB-A

      USB-B and USB-A

      Connect your Walkman or PC to the rear side USB-B terminal to play high-resolution sound sources. Connect Walkman or USB storage devices to the front side USB-A terminal to play high-resolution music using the SongPal app or the included remote control. You can also charge your iPhone or other mobile devices from here.

      Unite your music with SongPal

      Unite your music with SongPal

      Download SongPal for your smartphone or tablet and take control of your music collection. Simply connect over Bluetooth® and USB-Play music and view track information on a Walkman or USB mass storage device connected to the USB-A terminal. The app can also be used to customise sound settings to ensure great balanced audio.

  • Reviews
    • Reviews
  • Support