Gateway to Mobile Hi-Fi Sound
Astell&Kern's compact design for their Hi-Fi USB DAC cables has already been praised by numerous audiophiles and media representatives.
The new Astell&Kern HC4 USB Dongle DAC builds on the success of its highly acclaimed predecessors, offering even finer sound in various usage scenarios through advanced design elements. With two headphone jacks for a wide range of IEMs and headphones, the integration of the AK4493S DAC for true Hi-Fi sound, and the incorporation of Digital Audio Remastering technology, the AK HC4 brings the elevated Hi-Fi sound quality previously reserved for Astell&Kern's digital audio players to a USB DAC cable. Immerse yourself in a HiFi sound experience like never before.
Appealing Design in a Compact Form
Despite its compact size, the AK HC4 embodies Astell&Kern's distinctive design philosophy of light and shadow, with simple yet refined design elements. The use of a unibody structure minimizes connecting lines, resulting in a smooth and clean appearance that enhances the overall aesthetic. The symmetrical lines on the left and right front converge in the center, creating a balanced visual focus.
The concave lines of the Astell&Kern HC4 on the sides contribute to an ergonomic design, ensuring easy and comfortable handling that naturally fits the human hand. The buttons on the sides are either raised at both ends or feature dot-embossed details, allowing for intuitive operation. The AK HC4 is a harmonious blend of form and function, embodying Astell&Kern's commitment to style and user-friendliness.
Main Features
- 3.5mm, 4.4mm Dual Output
- AKM AK4493S
- DAR (Digital Audio Remaster)
- Supports iOS devices
- Interchangeable Cable (Type-C / Lightning Cable Included)
- Supported UAC1.0 (For Gaming System)
Roon Tested
Experience Ultra-High-Resolution Sound with the A&K HC4
In its quest to achieve the highest audio quality in USB DACs, the AK HC4 is the first USB dongle DAC to feature an AKM converter. While AKM's DAC has long been established in Astell&Kern's digital audio players, integrating it into USB DACs has been challenging due to size limitations and the complexity of amplifier design – until now.
The AK4493s DAC used in the Astell&Kern HC4 has been further improved with enhanced noise performance, lower power consumption, and ultra-precise amplifier technology. The result is exceptionally high-quality Hi-Fi sound. Furthermore, the AK HC4 supports Native DSD256 and up to 32bit/384kHz, allowing you to utilize every high-quality audio source and immerse yourself in Astell&Kern's superior sound quality.
High-Fidelity Sound: Precision DAC and AMP Design
To ensure stable output power and provide an unparalleled Hi-Fi audio experience with dual-output capability, the AK HC4 features an exclusive AMP circuit that surpasses standard integrated DAC-AMP configurations.
While maintaining a compact form factor of 29.5 x 64.5 x 14.5 mm, micro-resistors and capacitors were used, allowing for a small footprint without sacrificing performance. The careful selection of ultra-small capacitors, a hallmark of AK player products, ensures a stable system and impeccable audio performance by effectively compensating for current fluctuations.
These capacitors are an essential component of optimal audio circuit design. Furthermore, Astell&Kern's unique power management technology enhances output and audio performance while minimizing power consumption, considering the connected device.
3.5mm and 4.4mm Headphone Output
The AK HC4 features dual output functionality with 3.5mm and 4.4mm connectors. This design allows for seamless compatibility with a variety of Hi-Fi IEMs and headphones, eliminating the need for adapters or additional cables.
The balanced 4.4mm output delivers a robust output power of 3 Vrms, optimizing the performance of sensitive headphones and IEMs. This configuration ensures clear channel separation and minimal noise for an enhanced audio experience.
The unbalanced 3.5mm output, on the other hand, is suitable for most existing IEMs and headphones. With a remarkable output power of 2Vrms, it provides ample power to fully unleash the capabilities of your IEMs.
Enhanced Original Sound with Digital Audio Remaster Technology
The AK HC4 is equipped with Digital Audio Remaster (DAR) technology, previously only found in Astell&Kern's latest digital audio players.
DAR technology was developed to increase the sampling rate of the sound source being played, thus exceeding the limitations of the original format. This increased sampling rate allows for refined reproduction, delivering a fine and analog-like original sound. Immerse yourself in the richness of the audio source, recognize subtle nuances, and enjoy a higher level of rich, vibrant sounds.
The DAR slider button on the side of the device allows for intuitive selection of DAR options, giving you greater control.
Versatile Compatibility and Dual UAC 1.0 and 2.0 Support for Gaming
In the gaming landscape, where compatibility varies, the AK HC4 stands out by supporting both UAC 2.0 and UAC 1.0 connections. While modern smartphones, tablets, and PCs seamlessly support UAC 2.0, many gaming devices remain limited to UAC 1.0 connections.
To ensure universal adaptation, the AK HC4 covers both scenarios, delivering high-quality sound experiences across platforms. Whether you're connecting your PlayStation, Switch, or other gaming devices, the AK HC4 offers low latency and improved audio for an immersive gaming experience.
Ultra-Low Noise Signal Processing in the Astell&Kern HC4
The AK HC4 employs a noise-minimizing design for audio output, distinguishing it from conventional USB DAC products. In typical setups, DACs are often located within the USB connector, directly connected to the device for audio processing and output.
In contrast, the HC4 adopts a unique approach. Digital signals from the device pass through a double-shielded cable and reach the audio circuit before being converted into an analog signal by the DAC. This sequential processing of the digital signal ensures a superior, noise-free sound experience, setting the AK HC4 apart from other USB DAC products.
Double Noise-Shielded Cable for Universal Connectivity
The AK HC4 is designed for seamless compatibility with Android and iOS devices and features an interchangeable cable that supports Type-C and Lightning connectors, eliminating the need for additional adapters.
The double-shielded cable of the Astell&Kern HC4 is designed to minimize noise and deliver a more vibrant, original sound. The cable's copper core is coated with tin, which prevents corrosion and increases tensile strength for enhanced durability.
Additionally, the entire cable is wrapped in aluminum foil to block noise, and an additional shielding layer around the power cable provides further noise reduction – an important criterion for audio quality. To reduce interference on the sound, the tinned copper wire is intricately woven. The cable features a fabric jacket over the TPE sheath, combining improved durability with a visually appealing design.
