Astell&Kern AK HB1 – Portable Bluetooth DAC & Headphone Amplifier for High-Resolution Audio

Wireless Hi-Fi sound in reference quality

The Astell&Kern AK HB1 combines a high-quality Bluetooth DAC, powerful headphone amplifier, and USB DAC in one ultra-compact device. Developed for discerning music lovers, the AK HB1 transforms smartphones, tablets, PCs, or gaming consoles into high-end Hi-Fi sources, delivering the unmistakable Astell&Kern sound – wirelessly or via USB.

Thanks to state-of-the-art Bluetooth technology, a high-performance ESS DAC, and a balanced output, you can enjoy high-resolution music anytime, anywhere.

High-resolution Bluetooth streaming

The AK HB1 is equipped with the powerful Qualcomm CSR8675 Bluetooth chipset and supports all major Hi-Res codecs.

These include:

• LDAC up to 24-bit / 96 kHz

• aptX™ HD

• AAC

• SBC

This wide range of codec support enables stable, low-loss Bluetooth transmission, ensuring impressive sound quality when streaming music wirelessly via smartphones, tablets, or computers.

ESS ES9281AC PRO DAC for audiophile sound quality

At the heart of the AK HB1 is the high-quality ESS ES9281AC PRO DAC, which was specifically developed for mobile high-end audio devices.

It features excellent noise suppression, high dynamic range, and exceptional detail resolution. Combined with a dedicated amplifier circuit, it creates a natural, precise, and balanced sound signature.

Powerful headphone amplifier

The integrated amplifier provides sufficient power for a wide range of high-quality headphones and in-ear monitors.

With an output voltage of up to 4 Vrms via the balanced output, the AK HB1 effortlessly drives even demanding headphones, ensuring dynamic and controlled playback.

Balanced and unbalanced headphone output

For maximum flexibility, the AK HB1 features two headphone connections:

• 3.5mm jack (unbalanced)

• 4.4mm Pentaconn (balanced)

This makes the Bluetooth DAC suitable for both classic headphones and high-quality balanced high-end in-ears.

USB DAC for high-resolution audio

In addition to Bluetooth, the AK HB1 also functions as a powerful USB DAC.

Via USB, it supports high-resolution music formats up to:

• PCM 32-bit / 384 kHz

• Native DSD256

This turns any compatible smartphone, tablet, or computer into a high-quality Hi-Fi source with audiophile sound performance.

MQA renderer

The integrated MQA renderer allows for the playback of MQA files and supported streaming services.

When used with MQA-enabled applications, the AK HB1 unlocks the full potential of high-resolution music recordings, providing an authentic listening experience.

Bluetooth Multipoint

With the built-in multipoint function, the AK HB1 can be connected to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously.

For example, you can listen to music on a tablet while incoming calls or notifications are automatically handled by your smartphone – without the need to re-pair.

Optimized for gaming and multimedia

Thanks to support for USB Audio Class 1.0 and 2.0 (UAC 1.0 / 2.0), the AK HB1 is suitable not only for music but also for gaming.

It works with numerous game consoles and PCs, enabling low-latency audio transmission for an immersive gaming experience.

Universal compatibility

Included in the box are both a USB-C cable and a Lightning cable, allowing the AK HB1 to be used directly with Android and iOS devices.

The interchangeable cables provide maximum flexibility without the need for additional adapters.

High-quality, double-shielded cables

The specially designed connection cables feature double shielding against electromagnetic interference.

Tinned copper conductors, aluminum shielding, and high-quality materials ensure stable signal transmission, minimize noise, and guarantee consistently high sound quality.

Compact design for on the go

With its compact dimensions and low weight, the AK HB1 fits easily into any pocket.

Despite its mobile form factor, only high-quality components such as tantalum capacitors and precision-selected micro-resistors are used to keep sound quality at the highest level.

Highlights of the Astell&Kern AK HB1

• Portable Bluetooth DAC and headphone amplifier

• ESS ES9281AC PRO DAC

• Powerful dedicated headphone amplifier

• Bluetooth 5.0 with LDAC, aptX™ HD, AAC, and SBC

• USB DAC up to 32-bit / 384 kHz PCM

• Native DSD256 playback

• Integrated MQA renderer

• 3.5mm and 4.4mm headphone outputs

• Balanced output voltage up to 4 Vrms

• Bluetooth Multipoint for two devices simultaneously

• USB Audio Class 1.0 and 2.0 (gaming compatible)

• USB-C and Lightning cables included

• Car mode

• High-quality double-shielded connection cables

• Compact and lightweight premium design

Conclusion

The Astell&Kern AK HB1 combines cutting-edge Bluetooth technology, a high-performance ESS DAC, and a premium headphone amplifier in one compact device. Whether for wireless Hi-Res streaming, USB DAC use for smartphones and computers, or gaming applications – the AK HB1 consistently delivers the signature Astell&Kern sound with impressive detail, high dynamics, and maximum flexibility. For music lovers who do not want to compromise on sound quality while on the move, the AK HB1 is the ideal mobile Hi-Fi solution.

· Battery: Lithium-polymer
· Resolution: up to 32-bit/384kHz
· Finish / Color: Black
· Operation: on-device
· Bluetooth codecs: AAC, aptX, aptX HD, SBC
· Bluetooth profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, HFP
· D/A converter: ESS Sabre ES9281AC PRO
· Highlights: DSD, headphone jack
· Headphone connection: 3.5 mm jack, 4.4 mm jack
· Output: 2 Vrms
· Output (balanced): 4 Vrms
· Series: Astell&Kern DAC/AMP
· USB: 1x USB-C
· Item weight: 0.04 kg
· Length × width × height: 1.65 × 3.98 × 6.84 cm

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