T+A
T+A Caruso All-In-One Music System
Caruso All-In-One Music System
The Caruso
In the Autumn of 2008 T+A introduced the first Caruso to the market, and within a very short time it acquired cult status due to its unique design philosophy and high-quality construction. Its direct successor - the Caruso Blu - continued this heritage in a modernised form, but the new Caruso undoubtedly represents the greatest step forward in the development history of this equipment: in terms of external appearance and technology it has been re-designed from the ground up, whilst remaining faithful to its roots.
It reproduces all sources in outstanding quality via its seven integral loudspeaker systems.
Three power amplifiers with 100 watts continuous power for the subwoofer system and 50 watts each for the mid / highrange units are coupled directly to the loudspeaker chassis. Thanks to the Caruso’s digital signal processor the whole is controlled by an ultra-precise active cross-over unit (active loudspeaker concept). Several different sound characteristics are available, ensuring that the system always delivers excellent sound quality regardless of its positioning. For a device that small the sound experience is incredible, and the key feature behind this is the consistent use of aluminium subassemblies, we call it T+A Aluminum Framework.
7 Inch Touchscreen
We decided to develop the new T+A NavigatorOS in order to encompass the huge range of the Caruso’s functions: a seven-inch touchscreen includes all the control elements required, while the software as a whole was designed with intuitive operation as top priority. For the first time the NavigatorOS enables large-format cover art to be displayed on the device itself. Alternatively the Caruso can be operated using the FM Caruso remote control handset as well as the T+A CarusoNavigator App. The slot for the modern CD mechanism is located above the touch-panel. Sound from that source is exceptional, and thanks to the generous buffer - more than twenty seconds - it operates completely distortion-free even at very high volume. All relevant information is displayed on the playscreen.
Connections
The range of connections on the back panel indicates the universal scope of the Caruso’s facilities. The set can be used simply as a compact system offering impressive sound quality, but it can equally well be upgraded to form the core of a high-quality Hi-Fi system simply be connecting a subwoofer or additional active loudspeakers. Two analogue inputs are also present, typically for connecting a turntable with phono pre-amplifier and one further analogue source, plus two digital inputs for connecting TVs or set-top boxes. Aerial inputs are present for Bluetooth, WLAN and FM/DAB+ radio. Since the DAB+ and VHF tuners are capable of delivering superb sound, it is certainly worthwhile to connect a high-quality external aerial. Access to the latest music media is provided by the LAN socket, the WLAN aerial and the USB input; the Caruso automatically detects the streaming sources connected to it, and exploits the facilities of your network and the Internet in optimum style.
Streaming Client
A new streaming client, developed specifically for the Caruso, provides access to a vast range of services and sources such as Gracenote Musik ID, Airable Music Services, Spotify Connect and even Amazon Alexa.
The superior sound of the Caruso can be traced back to two features: the first is the active design philosophy of the sound system and the quality of the integral loudspeakers, while the second is the adoption of the latest generation of very powerful digital signal processors. Not only does the DSP linearise and optimise the frequency response of the integral drive units, at the same time separating the frequency ranges with a steep cut-off, but it also ensures that the dispersion characteristics of all systems maintain correct phase. The net result is that the Caruso generates a phenomenally well-balanced, natural and clear sound image in the whole listening area. It is also possible to fine-tune the sound contours to suit the unit’s position in the room. If necessary, bass, mid-range and treble can be adjusted, as well a very effective loudness function is available
Loudspeaker
The baseplate of the Caruso carries a high-performance bass driver featuring an extremely large magnet with a deep drawn pole plate and a rigid, well-damped aluminium cone and surround, permitting extremely large excursions. These features enable it to generate deep bass response at very high levels without suffering distortion. However, even this sophisticated driver would not be capable of delivering such tremendous bass from the Caruso’s small case without the support of two bass-tuned passive radiators. These are located in the left and right side panels, behind the loudspeaker grilles.
The mid / treble range of the left and right channels is handled by two sets of newly developed mid-range / treble units and dome tweeters, which are inset into the aluminium front panel of the inner case, inclined slightly to left and right. They are very linear in response, and reproduce the entire vocal and treble range from 200 Hz to more than 30 kHz with an ultra-wide dispersion angle. Each of the speaker sets is driven directly by its own power amplifier stage, i.e. they are direct-coupled, without the passive components of conventional crossover units. This active design philosophy maintains a very high damping factor, and helps to optimise the system’s peak handling and radiation characteristics; this is crucial to the Caruso’s outstanding spatial sound image. The output stages with their direct-coupled drivers are controlled by the integral DSP, which is responsible for every aspect of signal processing from linearisation to crossover frequencies, and is entirely loss-free in operation.
The weight of the Caruso is an indication of the unit’s internal ruggedness. The case is enormously rigid thanks to its newly developed T+A Aluminium Framework: a complex profiled extrusion acts as the load-bearing support for the entire internal architecture. The result is that the Caruso’s net internal volume is relatively large, which in turn contributes to its astonishing reproduction of very deep bass. Even at extremely high levels the case remains composed and resonance-free.
Aluminium Framework
The weight of the Caruso is an indication of the unit’s internal ruggedness. The case is enormously rigid thanks to its newly developed T+A Aluminium Framework: a complex profiled extrusion acts as the load-bearing support for the entire internal architecture. The result is that the Caruso’s net internal volume is relatively large, which in turn contributes to its astonishing reproduction of very deep bass. Even at extremely high levels the case remains composed and resonance-free.
Specifications
CD-Player
Formats / Frequency responce
CD-DA (12cm), CD-R*
CD-RW*, Audio CD
MPEG 1 Layer 3 (MP3)
Windows Media Audio (WMA, DRM not supported) / 2 Hz - 20 kHz/100 dB / CD-Text.
Streaming Client
Formats
AAC(LC/HEAAC)/WAV/FLAC/MP3/Vorbis/WMA/AMR-NB/AMR-MB/ALAC
Services
Tidal, Deezer, Amazon Music, qobuz, Spotify Connect (subscription required). DLNA
Interfaces
LAN: Fast Ethernet 10/100 Base-T
WLAN: 802.11 b/g/n
USB
1 x USB 2,0 Mastermode
Bluetooth
Standards / Codecs
A2DP 1.2 (Audio), AVRCP 1.4 (Control) / aptX®, MP3, AAC, SBC
Bi-directional sink + source
Tuner
Internet Radio
Airable Internet Radio Service (> 11000 stations worldwide)
FM
87,5 - 108 MHz; sensitivity 1 µV; S/N > 65 dBA
DAB+
168 -240 MHz (band III); sensitivity 2,0 µV, S/N > 96 dBA
Features
RDS/RDBS, station name (PS), station logo, radiotext (TR)
Amplifier
Total output power
200 Watts nominal, 300 Watts peak
Distortion
< 0,02 %
Inputs
2 x AUX (RCA) 2 Veff max
1 x USB 2.0 Mastermode,
SP/DIF:1 x coax (192 kSps)
1 x TOS-Link (96 kSps)
2 x LAN (1 x uplink, 1 x out)
Outputs
Pre-Amp (RCA) 2 Veff, subwoofer (RCA)
headphone 32 Ohm@30mW (3,5 mm jack)
Sound Management
2 channel stereo system with DSP controlled sound characteristics
Loudspeakers
Drive units
1 x 170 mm long-throw woofer
2 x 170 mm long-throw passiv radiator
2 x 100/40 mm high-performance midrange
2 x 20 mm cloth dometweeter
Mains / Accessories / Dimensions
Mains supply
100-127 V, 220 - 240V, 50-60 Hz
Power consumption
max. 300 Watts, Eco standby < 0,5 Watts, comfort standby 5 W
Dimensions (H x W x D)
27 x 29 x 29 cm
10.6 x 11.4 x 11.4 inch
Weight
12 kg
26.5 lb
Accessories
Remote control, power cord, USB cable for charging RC, antenna Bluethooth,
antenna WLAN, telescopic antenna radio
Finishes
Case black with silver top and bottom covers
Technical modifications reserved
Reviews
LowBeats 10/2022
Herford luxury chic in its purest form
Much more high-end in all-in-one style than with the T+A Caruso is hardly possible. If you are looking for the ultimate premium radio with streaming expertise, you have come to the right place. The Caruso is less suitable as a soundbar replacement due to the lack of base width and stereo stage. And it is not intended as a sound replacement for conventional hi-fi systems. But for all other areas of application of such an all-rounder, T+A raises the bar quite a bit. The Caruso has performance in abundance and offers playback options from numerous internal and external sources on- and offline. In addition, its operation via touch display, app and IR remote control is very convenient. Thus, the target group is pretty much self-evident: If you are looking for the ultimate streaming "desk radio", like the design and have the wherewithal, you will hardly find a better alternative. For lovers of larger stereo soundstages, the alternative is obvious and it's called the T+A Caruso R with matching loudspeakers.
hifi.nl 2/2022
Caruso
Its size and price tag make the T+A Caruso a luxury entry in the wireless speaker segment. It is therefore much more than that. Partly because of the sophisticated driver arrangement, the built-in radio tuners, the CD player and many inputs, we are actually talking about a complete music system here. The fact that you can immediately listen to music via the built-in stereo speakers is a great asset. The many, many options are clearly presented by the interface on the large touchscreen and via the app. Above all, the Caruso is a very powerful speaker system, where music is presented in detail and powerfully on a surprising bed of basses.
Fidelity 4/2021
One for everyone and everything
Tonally balanced and already blessed with an extremely contoured bass range and cultivated trebles thanks to the on-board loudspeakers, the Caruso provides listening pleasure from the first note, can bring groovy party numbers just as coherently over the ramp as gripping operatic arias.
Fidelity-online 3/2021
The one for everything and everyone
The piano black cube with the touch display on the front, the elegant-looking cover plate made of brushed aluminum and the various connection options on the back is perhaps the most complete complete system that has ever existed. Or the most stylish ghetto blaster.
Caruso has already installed the loudspeakers, he can start singing immediately if you give him a power connection and a connection to the home LAN.
It is not a dazzler, not a show machine that superficially wants to score points with excessive frequency ranges, but solid HiFi, from T+A.
Diapason 12/2020
The Caruso arguably delivers the purest, most believable sound possible in a handset of this volume. T+A says little about the treatment applied to the signal before amplification, but the soundstage leaves you speechless, whereas the proximity of the mids in this 29 cm facade would make this theoretically impossible. The same goes for the transparency and the feeling of general plenitude that emerges when listening to this handset of a class apart. Another great success to be credited to T+A.
Forbes 11/2020
Caruso a serious challenger
Verdict: The T+A Caruso is a stunning piece of kit that provides almost anything a HiFi buff could want in a single box... and then some. It can be a bit Teutonic in its interface but everything you need is included plus the app is very stable. The sound quality is impeccable and can rattle the teacups when cranked up. There’s enough amplification for large spaces without the sound getting lost. It’s even loud enough for parties, should we ever be allowed those again. The T+A Caruso is already a success in Germany where the brand is better known. However, T+A has a good dealer network in the UK so there’s no excuse for not going out and giving the Caruso a listen. I promise that you won’t be disappointed.
AV Forums 11/2020
Caruso All-In-One Speaker System
What has surprised me, pretty much from the moment I turned it on though is how close it gets at times whilst being as convenient, user friendly and generally clever as smaller and more ‘normal’ wireless speakers. If you can’t face the system matching hassle, you don’t want the extra boxes, complexity and general faff that comes with breaking things up by role, the T+A starts to make more and more sense. I don’t know how big the market is for a device like this but I suspect it is more significant than you or I as ‘traditionalists’ might expect. This is a unique product but one that works well enough across its many functions and features to earn our enthusiastic Recommendation.
Image Hifi 5/2020
Would you let Caruso into your bedroom?
What is also - within the framework of the concept - clearly convincing is the stage performance, naturally a weak point of small all-in-one concepts. But - thanks to the ingenious driver placement - the Caruso can also score here. So if I were to redecorate myself again, I could definitely imagine a Caruso in our bedroom. But only that of T+A! And just for listening to music.
Audio 6/2020
resistance is futile
Testing the Caruso from T+A was a lot of fun. The versatility, the powerful and straight sound, the workmanship, the huge touch panel, the setting options - the miracle box from Herford has a lot to offer.
Klang 110%
Price/performance outstanding
CD-Player
Formats / Frequency responce
CD-DA (12cm), CD-R*
CD-RW*, Audio CD
MPEG 1 Layer 3 (MP3)
Windows Media Audio (WMA, DRM not supported) / 2 Hz - 20 kHz/100 dB / CD-Text.
Streaming Client
Formats
AAC(LC/HEAAC)/WAV/FLAC/MP3/Vorbis/WMA/AMR-NB/AMR-MB/ALAC
Services
Tidal, Deezer, Amazon Music, qobuz, Spotify Connect (subscription required). DLNA
Interfaces
LAN: Fast Ethernet 10/100 Base-T
WLAN: 802.11 b/g/n
USB
1 x USB 2,0 Mastermode
Bluetooth
Standards / Codecs
A2DP 1.2 (Audio), AVRCP 1.4 (Control) / aptX®, MP3, AAC, SBC
Bi-directional sink + source
Tuner
Internet Radio
Airable Internet Radio Service (> 11000 stations worldwide)
FM
87,5 - 108 MHz; sensitivity 1 µV; S/N > 65 dBA
DAB+
168 -240 MHz (band III); sensitivity 2,0 µV, S/N > 96 dBA
Features
RDS/RDBS, station name (PS), station logo, radiotext (TR)
Amplifier
Total output power
200 Watts nominal, 300 Watts peak
Distortion
< 0,02 %
Inputs
2 x AUX (RCA) 2 Veff max
1 x USB 2.0 Mastermode,
SP/DIF:1 x coax (192 kSps)
1 x TOS-Link (96 kSps)
2 x LAN (1 x uplink, 1 x out)
Outputs
Pre-Amp (RCA) 2 Veff, subwoofer (RCA)
headphone 32 Ohm@30mW (3,5 mm jack)
Sound Management
2 channel stereo system with DSP controlled sound characteristics
Loudspeakers
Drive units
1 x 170 mm long-throw woofer
2 x 170 mm long-throw passiv radiator
2 x 100/40 mm high-performance midrange
2 x 20 mm cloth dometweeter
Mains / Accessories / Dimensions
Mains supply
100-127 V, 220 - 240V, 50-60 Hz
Power consumption
max. 300 Watts, Eco standby < 0,5 Watts, comfort standby 5 W
Dimensions (H x W x D)
27 x 29 x 29 cm
10.6 x 11.4 x 11.4 inch
Weight
12 kg
26.5 lb
Accessories
Remote control, power cord, USB cable for charging RC, antenna Bluethooth,
antenna WLAN, telescopic antenna radio
Finishes
Case black with silver top and bottom covers
Technical modifications reserved
