Astell&Kern HC4 USB-DAC – High-End USB DAC & Headphone Amplifier for Audiophile Sound

High-Resolution Audio for Smartphone, Tablet, PC, and Gaming

The Astell&Kern HC4 brings the award-winning sound quality of Astell&Kern Digital Audio Players to an ultra-compact USB-DAC cable. Equipped with a high-quality AKM AK4493S DAC, integrated Digital Audio Remaster (DAR) technology, and a powerful headphone amplifier, the HC4 delivers impressive Hi-Fi sound—whether connected to a smartphone, tablet, PC, Mac, or gaming console.

Thanks to its premium components and support for high-resolution audio formats, the HC4 is the ideal solution for audiophiles who don't want to compromise on sound quality while on the go.

AKM AK4493S DAC for Authentic Hi-Fi Sound

The Astell&Kern HC4 is the brand's first USB-DAC to feature an AKM AK4493S DAC.

This high-end digital-to-analog converter impresses with excellent noise reduction, high dynamics, and extraordinary detail resolution. It supports high-resolution music files up to 32-bit / 384 kHz PCM as well as Native DSD256, ensuring that even the most demanding music recordings are reproduced faithfully.

Digital Audio Remaster (DAR)

A special highlight of the HC4 is the integrated Digital Audio Remaster (DAR) technology, which was previously reserved exclusively for Astell&Kern's high-end Digital Audio Players.

DAR increases the sample rate of digital music files, ensuring finer signal processing, increased detail, and a more natural, analog sound character. This function can be easily enabled or disabled at any time using the integrated slide switch.

Powerful Headphone Amplifier

In addition to its high-quality DAC, the HC4 features a specially developed amplifier circuit that performs significantly more powerfully than conventional USB-DAC solutions.

By using high-quality tantalum capacitors, an optimized power supply, and precise signal routing, the HC4 delivers an exceptionally stable and dynamic soundscape—even with high-end in-ear monitors and headphones.

Dual 3.5mm and 4.4mm Output

The HC4 offers maximum flexibility through two integrated headphone outputs:

• 3.5mm jack (unbalanced) with up to 2 Vrms

• 4.4mm Pentaconn (balanced) with up to 3 Vrms

The balanced output ensures excellent channel separation, low noise floor, and maximum sound quality, while the 3.5mm connection guarantees highest compatibility with almost all headphones.

Precise Audio Circuit Design

Despite its extremely compact form factor, the HC4 uses high-quality components like those found in Astell&Kern's Digital Audio Players.

Ultra-fine tantalum capacitors, micro-resistors, and an optimized power supply ensure maximum signal stability and minimize interference for an exceptionally precise listening experience.

Silent Rear Output Architecture

The HC4 utilizes the innovative Silent Rear Output Architecture, which distinguishes it significantly from conventional USB-DACs.

Instead of placing the DAC directly at the USB connector, the HC4 processes the digital signal first via a specially developed, double-shielded cable before converting it into an analog signal. This effectively reduces interference and achieves an especially clean, low-noise sound image.

Gaming-Compatible with UAC 1.0 and UAC 2.0

In addition to smartphones, tablets, and computers, the HC4 supports both USB Audio Class 2.0 and USB Audio Class 1.0.

This makes the USB-DAC also excellently suited for gaming consoles like the PlayStation or Nintendo Switch, delivering a low-latency, high-quality audio experience during gaming.

Universal Compatibility

The HC4 supports both Android and iOS devices.

The included accessories consist of a USB-C cable and a Lightning cable, allowing smartphones, tablets, and computers to be connected directly without additional adapters.

Furthermore, the HC4 is Roon Tested and can be easily integrated into high-quality music streaming systems.

Double-Shielded Premium Cable

The detachable connection cable has been specifically developed for maximum signal quality.

Tinned copper conductors, aluminum shielding, and additional insulation layers effectively reduce electromagnetic interference and ensure stable, low-loss signal transmission. At the same time, high-quality materials like TPE and textile fabric increase the durability and flexibility of the cable.

High-Quality Astell&Kern Design

The HC4 adopts Astell&Kern's characteristic design philosophy with its striking interplay of light and shadow.

The premium unibody aluminum construction, ergonomically shaped sides, and precisely designed controls combine elegant design with outstanding haptics and maximum ease of use.

Highlights of the Astell&Kern HC4

• High-quality USB-DAC and headphone amplifier

• AKM AK4493S DAC

• Digital Audio Remaster (DAR)

• Playback up to 32-bit / 384 kHz PCM

• Native DSD256 support

• 3.5mm and 4.4mm headphone outputs

• Up to 3 Vrms output power via the balanced output

• Powerful, separate amplifier circuit

• Silent Rear Output Architecture for especially low-noise sound

• Support for USB Audio Class 1.0 & 2.0

• Ideal for smartphones, tablets, PCs, Macs, and gaming consoles

• USB-C and Lightning cables included

• Roon Tested

• Premium aluminum unibody housing

Conclusion

The Astell&Kern HC4 USB-DAC combines state-of-the-art AKM DAC technology, powerful amplification engineering, and the exclusive Digital Audio Remaster function in a compact premium device. Thanks to its AK4493S DAC, balanced 4.4mm output, Silent Rear Output Architecture, and comprehensive compatibility, the HC4 delivers exceptional sound quality for smartphones, computers, and gaming systems. For music lovers who want to enjoy audiophile Hi-Fi sound while on the go or at their desk, the HC4 is among the most powerful USB-DACs in its class.

Key features:

· 3.5mm and 4.4mm dual output
· AKM AK4493S
· DAR (Digital Audio Remaster)
· Supports iOS devices
· Interchangeable cable (Type-C/Lightning cable included)
· Supports UAC 1.0 (for gaming systems)
· Roon tested

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