I first saw and heard Sony’s desktop Hi-Res audio system, the CAS-1, at this year’s CES in Las Vegas back in January. I got a chance for some hands-on time at a visit to Sony HQ in February and knew then that I wanted to make it my own. Now Sony has made one available, and it’s been worth the wait.
For Your Desk and Then Some
The CAS-1 – which stands for Compact Audio System – was specifically designed for the desktop. But frankly the two speakers do a great job at filling an entire room. The system has near-audiophile components for a reasonable price, just under $1,000 for the whole shebang including the base unit and two speakers. Many of the promotional pictures show the system together with a laptop computer. Obviously you’ll probably have some kind of computer on your desk, and the system’s USB input makes it easy to play your computer based files, whether MP3 or Hi-Res.
Ins and Outs
The system is easy to cable up, using standard speaker wire to terminals on the backs of the speakers and the base unit. It also has a headphone output that wasn’t just an afterthought. Sony has built two separate amplifiers into the system, one to drive the speakers and one to drive the headphones. The incorporation of a high end headphone output makes it clear that the system is designed to meet the needs of those who want to listen without disturbing others, whether that’s in your home office, apartment, or dorm room.
Besides the USB input, you can connect the CAS-1 using one touch NFC as well as easy pairing Bluetooth. The only thing it lacks is an optical input.
Powerful Performance
Here’s the part you really want to know about. How does it sound? In a word: phenomenal. The small speakers come with a metal plate at the bottom that reflects the bass outward from the bottom. Speakers come with a choice of small legs so you can decide whether to point them level or slightly upward to fill the room or serve taller people. Sound quality from my MP3 files delivered via Bluetooth were as good as I’ve ever heard them. And Hi-Res files from my Sony Walkman were just delicious from the speakers. Even better using a set of Sony’s high end Hi-Res headphones the MDR-Z7.
The system comes in black in the US, though I’ve seen white versions available in Asia.
Bottom line – if you are looking for a great desktop system for your office, den, apartment, or your kid’s dorm, this is probably as good as you’re going to get. This system is not cheap, but given its compact size and Hi-Res performance I think it’s clearly worth the money.
Here’s Sony’s official video showing off the system:
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