Astell&Kern AK HC5 USB-DAC

Reference Sound in Pocket Format

The Astell&Kern AK HC5 is the most powerful portable USB-DAC/headphone amplifier in its class, bringing the audio technology of Astell&Kern's flagship players directly to your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Equipped with a completely newly developed circuit architecture, high-quality DAC components, and state-of-the-art signal processing, the AK HC5 delivers uncompromising Hi-Res audio enjoyment – anywhere and at any time.

Whether for high-resolution music files, streaming services, or gaming: The AK HC5 transforms any compatible device into an audiophile music source with impressive dynamics, exceptional detail, and natural sound.

Flagship DAC Technology for Uncompromising Sound

Inside, it works with the same audio technology used in Astell&Kern's reference players. The AK HC5 combines the AK4191EQ digital processor with the premium AK4499EX DAC, completely separating digital and analog signal processing.

This architecture reduces interference to a minimum and ensures:

• exceptionally low distortion

• extremely low noise floor

• precise channel separation

• natural detail resolution

• authentic musicality

The result is a soundstage that far exceeds the level of conventional USB-DACs.

High Output Power for Demanding Headphones

Thanks to the High Driving Mode inherited from the SP4000, the AK HC5 delivers significantly more power than comparable portable DACs. The specially developed amplifier circuit ensures high dynamics and maximum control – even with high-impedance headphones.

Music sounds powerful, spacious, and finely resolved at the same time. Vocals gain naturalness, instruments gain precision, and even complex recordings remain transparent at all times.

Clean Power Supply for Interference-Free Hi-Fi Sound

Since USB-DACs are powered directly via smartphone or computer, electrical interference often occurs. The AK HC5 addresses this problem with an elaborately developed power supply and high-quality amplifier components with excellent PSRR and CMRR values.

This allows you to benefit from:

• a particularly low noise level

• stable signal transmission

• consistent sound quality

interference-free operation on almost any player

High-Quality, Multi-Shielded Audio Cable

The integrated USB cable has also been specifically developed for the highest signal quality. Multiple shields reliably protect the audio signal from electromagnetic interference.

The construction includes:

• tinned copper conductors

• separate TPE insulation

• aluminum shielding

• additional copper braid shielding

• rugged fabric jacket

This ensures the signal remains unadulterated from the playback device to the headphones.

OLED Display and Precise Volume Control

The AK HC5 features an easy-to-read 1.62-inch OLED display, which clearly presents volume, filter settings, and operating information.

The high-quality mechanical volume wheel with 150 precise volume steps comes directly from Astell&Kern digital audio players and allows for particularly sensitive and exact level control.

Digital Audio Remaster (DAR)

With integrated DAR (Digital Audio Remaster) technology, the AK HC5 improves the quality of digital music signals through intelligent upsampling.

Depending on the source material, audio data is converted to higher sampling rates or DSD, thereby gaining finer detail, spatiality, and naturalness.

The DAR function can be activated or deactivated at any time, allowing for individual sound customization.

Six DAC Filters for Individual Sound

The AK HC5 offers six different DAC filters, allowing you to flexibly adapt the sound character to your personal listening preferences.

Whether particularly analytical, neutral, or pleasantly musical – the right filter ensures the ideal tuning for the music genre, headphones, and personal taste.

Universally Compatible

Thanks to support for UAC 1.0 and UAC 2.0, the AK HC5 works with almost all modern devices.

Compatible with:

• Android smartphones and tablets

• Apple iPhone and iPad

• Windows PCs

• macOS

• PlayStation

• Nintendo Switch

This makes the AK HC5 suitable for Hi-Res music, streaming, gaming, and mobile use on the go.

Premium Design in Typical Astell&Kern Style

The AK HC5 combines state-of-the-art audio technology with the characteristic design language of Astell&Kern. High-quality materials, precise workmanship, and an optional premium protective case from Synt3 underscore the exclusive standards of the device.

Despite its compact dimensions, the AK HC5 offers reference technology in pocket format and is the ideal companion for demanding music lovers.

Highlights

• Premium USB-DAC/headphone amplifier from Astell&Kern

• AK4191EQ digital processor and AK4499EX reference DAC

• Complete separation of digital and analog signal processing

• High Driving Mode for powerful headphone amplification

• Digital Audio Remaster (DAR) with intelligent upsampling

• Six selectable DAC filters for individual sound tuning

• 1.62-inch OLED display with mechanical 150-step volume control

• High-quality, multi-shielded USB cable

• Compatible with Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch

• Perfect for Hi-Res audio, music streaming, and gaming

This version is SEO-optimized for search terms such as Astell&Kern AK HC5, USB-DAC, portable DAC, headphone amplifier, Hi-Res audio, DAC for smartphone, USB DAC for iPhone and Android, as well as premium USB-DAC, making it ideal for high-quality e-commerce product pages.

Specifications:

· Model: AK HC5
· Color: Satin Silver
· Material: Aluminum
· DAC: AKM AK4191EQ + AK4499EX
· PCM Support: 8 kHz – 768 kHz (8 / 16 / 24 / 32 Bit)
· DSD Support (Native): DSD64 / DSD128 / DSD256 / DSD512
· Output Level: 2.5 Vrms (3.5 mm unbalanced) / 5 Vrms (4.4 mm balanced)
· Input: USB-C (UAC 2.0 & UAC 1.0)
· Outputs: 3.5 mm unbalanced / 4.4 mm balanced (5-pole)
· Frequency Response: ±0.006 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz) / ±0.06 dB (20 Hz – 70 kHz)
· Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 121 dB (unbalanced) / 125 dB (balanced)
· Crosstalk: –139 dB (unbalanced) / –141 dB (balanced)
· THD+N: 0.0005% (unbalanced) / 0.0004% (balanced)
· IMD (SMPTE): 0.0006% (unbalanced) / 0.0005% (balanced)
· Output Impedance: 0.5 Ω (3.5 mm) / 1.1 Ω (4.4 mm)
· Dimensions: 32 × 64.3 × 16 mm
· Weight: approx. 46 g

Herstellerangaben:

Dreamus Company | Astell&Kern Unit
5, Bangbae-ro 18-gil, Seocho-gu
Seoul , Guangdong Province
South Korea
info@astellkernservice.de

Verantwortliche Person:

Hugo Park; Dreamus Company | Astell&Kern Unit
5, Bangbae-ro 18-gil, Seocho-gu
06664 , Seoul
South Korea
info@astellkernservice.de