T+A Sounds Clever-SET: Caruso R and Caruso R10

SOUNDS CLEVER is an initiative of the High End Society and gives us this compact hi-fi bundle for less than 5000 euros. The perfectly matched components make the Caruso R/Caruso R10 Bundle an ideal high-end system for music fans who simply feel more comfortable in a small room.

The Caruso R

In autumn 2008, T+A launched the first Caruso. Thanks to its unique concept, it achieved cult status in a very short time. In 2020, a new generation of the Caruso represented the biggest development step in the history of the devices: It was completely redeveloped both externally and technically without denying its roots. At the same time, this Caruso heralded the transformation of the Caruso from an all-in-one device to a series of different products.

The Caruso R takes the idea of the Caruso further and is still pleasantly familiar. The T+A aluminum framework enables its precision and stability, its external dimensions cite the first Caruso from 2008. The new 7 inch HD display stretches the Caruso R and allows it to stand discreetly and elegantly in the room even without loudspeakers.

Technology

The center of the Caruso R is the T+A NavigatorOS: A 7-inch touchscreen bundles all control elements and displays cover art directly on the device. The complete system architecture of the NavigatorOS was built on this to require as few operating steps as possible. The settings menu bundles all device settings, from display brightness to adjusting bass, middle, treble and loudness. An extra available play screen visualizes and informs at the same time: metadata has never been presented so beautifully as here. In addition to touchscreen operation, the Caruso R is controlled via the T+A CarusoNavigator app or the supplied FM Caruso remote control.

The slot for the modern CD drive is located above the touch panel. It analyzes the disc's TOC data. These are transmitted to Gracenote and enable the display of cover art and metadata for many CDs on the play screen.

The rear connection section is a striking symbol of the Caruso R's versatility. From day one of its development, the Caruso R was conceived as the center of a high-quality and versatile hi-fi system. Sources were not allowed to represent any limitations: analog and digital inputs open up the complete musical variety from turntables with phono preamplifiers to TVs or set-top boxes. The built-in USB inputs as well as the LAN, WLAN and Bluetooth connections, whose signals are converted by the T+A Streaming Client SC 100, build the bridge to mobile and network sources. First used in the Caruso, the SC 100 provides access to services such as Gracenote Music ID, Airable Music Services, Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay and Amazon Music via Alexa. The capabilities of the Internet are no longer just used – they are being multiplied.

Despite the focus on progressive sources, we have placed an additional emphasis on the DAB and FM tuners and tuned them in such a way that they allow the signals of a high-quality house antenna to sound optimally. The built-in DSP controls the entire amplifier section, linearizes and optimizes the frequency response, switches and manages all inputs and outputs and controls the high-performance power amplifiers. These are designed for the most diverse types of loudspeakers, are very load-stable, have high current and are distortion-free up to the highest volume levels. The power supply is hard over the entire operating range, so it will not break down, and has very high current reserves.
The weight of the Caruso R reveals its inner strength. The specially developed T+A aluminum framework gives the Caruso R enormous stability: A complicated extruded profile serves as the supporting structure for the entire interior design, it is manufactured with the smallest of tolerances and CNC machined. All components therefore fit together seamlessly. As a result, the cabinet is absolutely quiet and resonance-free.

Technical specifications

CD player:

Formats / Frequency Response

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

MP3, WMA, AAC, OGG Vorbis, FLAC, WAV, ALAC

services

Tidal, Deezer, Amazon Music, qobuz, Spotify Connect (subscription required), DLNA

interfaces

LAN: Fast Ethernet 10/100 Base-T
WiFi: 802.11 b/g/n

features

T+A Navigator App for iOS, Android in preparation, Gracenote Music ID, Airplay 2, Amazon Alexa

USB

1 x USB 2.0 master mode

Bluetooth:

standards / codecs

A2DP 1.2 (Audio), AVRCP 1.4 (Control) / aptX®, MP3, AAC, SBC
Bi-directional sink + source

Tuner:

web radio

Airable Internet Radio Service (> 11000 stations worldwide)

FM

87.5 - 108MHz; sensitivity 1 µV; S/N > 65dBA

DAB+

168-240MHz (Band III); Sensitivity 2.0 µV, S/N > 96 dBA

features

RDS/RDBS, Station Name (PS), Station Logo, Radio Text (TR)

Amplifier:

rated capacity

at 4 ohms 2 x 100 watts
at 8 ohms 2 x 50 watts

pulse power

at 4 ohms 2 x 150 watts
at 8 ohms 2 x 75 watts

distortion factor

<0.02%

inputs

2 x AUX (RCA) 2 Vrms max.
1 x USB 2.0 master mode for USB memory
SP/DIF: 1 x coax (192kSps)
1 x TOS link (96 kSps)
2x LAN (1x uplink, 1x out)

exits

Preamplifier (RCA) 2 Vrms
Subwoofer (RCA)
Headphones 32 Ohm@30mW (3.5 mm jack)

sound management

2-channel stereo system with DSP controlled sound characteristics

subwoofer management

variable 40 Hz to 150 Hz

Connection / accessories / dimensions:

power connection

100-127V, 220-240V, 50-60Hz

power consumption

max. 300 W, Eco Standby < 0.5 W, Comfort Standby 5 W

Dimensions (H x W x D)

21x29x29cm

weight

7.5kg

Accesories

Remote control, power cord, USB cable for charging the remote control,
Bluetooth antenna, WLAN antenna, telescopic radio antenna

execution

Body aluminum black 42, cover aluminum silver 43

The Caruso R10

The R 10 is a perfectly finished and very compact 2-way shelf monitor with excellent sound characteristics. Although only 17 cm wide and only 31 cm high, the R 10 produces the sound experience of much larger loudspeakers. It is ideal for smaller rooms or difficult installation conditions and harmonises perfectly with the Caruso R. Its three-dimensionality, natural reproduction and liveliness are convincing with any type of music.

Technology

The R 10 is a consistently constructed two-way loudspeaker with all the advantages of this principle. The reproduction is extremely three-dimensional and natural, the localization is phenomenal. Nevertheless, the bass foundation is excellent for such a small box. The reason is the newly developed low-midrange chassis, which is not only capable of large deflections, but also particularly linear and low-distortion. This was achieved by a new magnet system with optimized magnetic field geometry, special oscillating parts and a modified membrane structure. The frequency and phase response of the fabric dome is precisely adapted to the takeover range, together with the sound guides of the low-midrange chassis, this results in optimal radiation behavior over the upper frequency range.

Technical specifications

Principle:

bookshelf speakers

2-way, bass reflex

Perfomance:

rated power

80 watts

music resilience

120 watts

impedance

4 ohms

transmission range

40 - 30000Hz

sensitivity

85dB

Assembly:

bass

1 x 152mm

treble

1 x 25mm

crossover frequency

2100Hz

Dimensions:

Dimensions H x W x D (including terminal)

31x17x30cm

weight

7kg

finishes

Housing decor black, cover aluminum silver 43

Optional accessories:

Speaker Hex (Carbon) | Speaker Quad (Carbon)

Technical changes reserved