Caruso All-In-One System By T+A HiFi

The T+A Caruso has built a strong reputation since its original introduction in 2008, quickly gaining recognition for its distinctive design and impressive sound performance. The latest generation continues that legacy with a completely redesigned architecture, combining modern technology with the design philosophy that made the original Caruso so popular.

The Caruso model features an integrated high-performance speaker system with seven built-in drivers, including a powerful subwoofer, while the Caruso R version is designed to work with an external pair of loudspeakers.

Inside the Caruso, dedicated power amplification delivers 100 watts for the subwoofer system and 50 watts for each mid/high channel, ensuring powerful and controlled sound reproduction. An advanced digital signal processor (DSP) manages the entire system through an ultra-precise active crossover network, allowing each speaker driver to perform at its best. The result is an impressive and balanced sound experience from a compact all-in-one system.

7-Inch Touchscreen & NavigatorOS

At the center of the Caruso’s user experience is NavigatorOS, operated through a 7-inch touchscreen display. This intuitive interface allows easy access to system settings, streaming services, and playback controls while also displaying album artwork and track information directly on the device.

The interface provides full access to audio settings including bass, midrange, treble, loudness, and display adjustments. The Caruso can also be controlled using the CarusoNavigator mobile app or the included FM Caruso remote control.

A slot-loading CD mechanism is positioned above the display, automatically reading disc information and displaying available metadata and cover art.

Connectivity & System Integration

The rear connection panel reflects the Caruso’s versatility as the centerpiece of a modern music system. Multiple connection options allow it to integrate easily with a wide range of sources, including:

• USB inputs for mobile devices and storage media
• LAN and WLAN networking for streaming and network playback
• Bluetooth connectivity for wireless music playback
• Analog inputs for external audio components

Streaming and network features are powered by the SC 100 streaming client, which provides access to services such as Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay, Gracenote Music ID, Airable Internet Radio, and Amazon Music via Alexa.

Streaming Platform

The Caruso features a dedicated streaming platform designed to provide access to a broad range of digital music services and network sources. Through the integrated system, users can enjoy music from Spotify, TIDAL, Airable radio stations, and other online services, as well as locally stored music libraries.

The system’s powerful digital signal processing ensures that audio playback remains balanced and natural across the listening space. DSP also optimizes the speaker system by precisely managing crossover points, frequency response, and phase alignment. Users can further fine-tune the sound with adjustable bass, midrange, treble, and loudness settings to suit room placement and personal preferences.

Loudspeaker System

The Caruso’s internal speaker system is designed to deliver powerful sound from a compact enclosure. A high-performance bass driver mounted in the baseplate uses a large magnet and rigid aluminum cone to produce deep, controlled bass.

To further extend low-frequency performance, the design incorporates two bass-tuned passive radiators located on the side panels behind the speaker grilles.

Midrange and high-frequency reproduction is handled by dedicated midrange drivers and dome tweeters, mounted within the aluminum front panel and angled slightly for optimal stereo dispersion. Each driver is powered by its own amplifier channel, creating an active speaker system without the signal losses associated with traditional passive crossovers.

Aluminum Framework Construction

The Caruso’s solid build quality plays a key role in its acoustic performance. The chassis is constructed around a rigid aluminum framework, which supports the entire internal structure while minimizing vibration and resonance.

This robust construction also increases the effective internal cabinet volume, helping the system produce deep, powerful bass while maintaining clarity even at higher listening levels.

Forbes
“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.”

https://www.forbes.com/sites/marksparrow/2020/11/23/is-the-caruso-2020-a-serious-challenger-to-the-naim-mu-so-qb/?sh=6dc6e5e0196b

Av Forums
“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.”

https://www.avforums.com/reviews/t-a-caruso-all-in-one-speaker-system-review.18146

Techradar
“The T+A Caruso really is a horse of a different colour in that, while it includes power amplifiers, they are uniquely married to the internal speakers (there is a dedicated output to drive T+A’s matching active loudspeakers).”

https://www.techradar.com/reviews/audio-visual/hi-fi-and-audio/cd-players-and-recorders/ta-caruso-595668/review

Indulgexpress
“All in all, you have a powerhouse of a unit with a 7” touchscreen for control over the functions. The final result is a well-balanced, clear and natural sound image regardless of the listening area.”

https://www.indulgexpress.com/gadgets/smart-home/2019/dec/27/gadget-review-ta-caruso-the-ultimate-compact-all-in-one-music-system-20959.html

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

User manual Caruso