Caruso R

Multi Source Receiver

The Caruso R

It was back in the year 2008 that T+A introduced the first Caruso, and within a very short time the device won numerous prizes, gaining absolute cult status due to its unique overall design. In 2020 a new generation of the Caruso appeared, and this constituted the greatest advance yet in the history of these devices: the new version represented a completely new development – both externally and in technical terms. Although its heritage remains clear, the new Caruso epitomised the transformation of the machine from an all-in-one device to a series of individual products.

The Caruso R continues the theme of the Caruso in a logical manner, and this is the key to its pleasantly familiar look. The T+A Aluminium Framework provides great precision and physical strength, while its external dimensions hark back to the first Caruso of 2008. The new 7 HD screen effectively extends the Caruso R, and gives it a look of restrained elegance even without loudspeakers.

7 Inch Touchscreen

The Caruso Rs command centre is the T+A NavigatorOS: a 7 touch-screen combines all elements of the control system, and is capable of displaying cover art directly on the machine itself. The thinking behind the system architecture of NavigatorOS was the requirement to minimise the number of individual operations. The Settings menu unites all the machines settings, from screen brightness to tone controls for bass, mid-range, treble and loudness. An additional Playscreen is available, which succeeds in visualising and informing at the same time: metadata have never been displayed in such fine form as here. In addition to touch-screen control the Caruso R can be operated using the T+A CarusoNavigator app or the FM Caruso remote control handset, which is supplied as standard.
The slot for the modern CD disc mechanism is located above the touch-panel. It analyses the discs TOC data, which are then passed to Gracenote; the Playscreen can then display cover art and metadata for many CDs.

Connections

The connection area on the back panel is an impressive reflection of the Caruso Rs versatile nature. From the first day of its development programme the Caruso R was intended to be the centrepiece of a versatile, high-quality Hi-Fi system. One key feature of this was the requirement for a wide-ranging array of sources, as sources should not represent a restriction: analogue and digital inputs cover every conceivable need from turntable with phono pre-amplifier to TVs and set-top boxes. USB inputs cater for mobile and network sources, while LAN, WLAN and Bluetooth sockets are also available, their signals converted by the SC 100 – the T+A streaming client. The Caruso is our first product to exploit SC 100, which 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 raised to a new level.

Tuner, Amplifier

Although we have concentrated on progressive sources, this is not to the detriment of the DAB and FM tuners: we have fine-tuned their design to make best possible use of signals delivered by high-quality domestic aerials.
The entire amplifier section is controlled by the integral DSP, which linearises and optimises the frequency response, switches and manages all the inputs and outputs, and controls the high-performance output stages. The latter are designed to cope with a vast range of loudspeaker types, are completely stable under load, capable of handling very high currents and are distortion-free even up to extreme volume levels. The mains section is totally stable over the full operating range, i.e. it never collapses, and has very high current reserves.
The substantial weight of the Caruso R is a clear indication of its inner strength. The specially developed T+A Aluminium Framework makes the Caruso R tremendously rigid: a sophisticated profile extrusion serves as the principal load-bearing frame for all the internal architecture. It is manufactured to ultra-close tolerances and CNC-machined, and thats why all the components slot seamlessly together. As a result the case is totally composed and devoid of resonances.

REVIEW & AWARDS

T+A Caruso R multisource receiver – Read More

“Many tech-driven, high-end audio manufacturers offer single-box audio solutions. There’s competition from makers like NAD, Devialet (though without the disc player), Naim, and others. The Caruso R is not the least expensive contender, but its sound quality rises above the “lifestyle” clic/stigma.

It’s encouraging for the future of the hobby that even the most tech-driven manufacturers are making products geared toward a wider range of music-loving customers.” – Julie Mullins

T+A Caruso R All in One System Review – Read More

“The Caruso R sits neatly in a category of product that we encounter from time to time at AVForums, although it might be the first time that it has occurred with an all in one. This is a product that appeals far more when you start using it than the on paper specifications might suggest. No, it cant handle 384kHz PCM or DSD but, are these really the bulk of your listening material? The shape is a bit odd too but not insurmountably so. Id really like to be able to turn the green light off too but, if I owned it, five minutes and a roll of insulation tape would be be a satisfactory plan B. Where the NAD M33 offers on paper greatness but sometimes struggled to turn that into genuine real world promise, the Caruso R is something where the moment you give it a chance, it starts to make more and more sense. This is possibly not quite a good enough product to topple the Uniti Star but it comes unexpectedly close to doing so and for that reason comes Highly Recommended.” – Ed Selley

T+A Caruso R all-in-one system – Read More

“I have thoroughly enjoyed the T+A Caruso R in the place of the Naim Uniti Star and as an everyday quality bit of living space kit, it is spot on in terms of usability, reliability, and a good sound. The addition of Alexa to our household has been hilarious. If you do need a bit of quality at any moment the T+A Caruso R has the capability, poise, and power to deliver a dominant performance with the precision you require with a decent stable App to control it all with.” – Simon Wilce

T+A Caruso Range Gains Speakers and Compact All-in-One Amplifier – Read More

“The Caruso R closes a gap in our Lifestyle line-up by addressing customers who are looking for a classic stereo system with the added benefits of the modern user interface and connectivity of the Caruso Multi-Source-System” – JAY GARRETT

T+A Caruso R All-In-One Player/DAC/Amp – Read More

“The Caruso R may have no shortage of competition, but there’s much to like about the sound on offer from this slick-looking little unit. Its appeal is boosted by the flexibility and ease with which it can be set up and used, whether via touchscreen, app or Alexa commands. More than merely good enough for its intended market, the Caruso R’s smooth and very generous balance will surely win it fans.” – James Parker

SPECIFICATIONS