Astell&Kern AK HC5

Astell&Kern AK HC5 USB-DAC

Compact Size, Uncompromising Performance

With the AK HC5, Astell&Kern presents a USB-DAC that sets new standards for mobile audio technology. Developed for listeners who demand uncompromised quality on the go, the AK HC5 combines reference-level DAC architecture, an exceptionally clean power design, and intuitive operation in an astonishingly compact housing.

As the first USB-DAC in its class, the AK HC5 uses the AK4499EX, AKM's flagship DAC, otherwise exclusively found in Astell&Kern's top-tier players. In combination with the AK4191EQ Digital Processor, this creates a sound performance significantly beyond the level of conventional mobile DACs.

Reference DAC Technology in Pocket Format

Inside the AK HC5 operates an architecture otherwise only found in Astell&Kern's high-end DAPs:

• 4 × AK4191EQ for digital signal processing

• 4 × AK4499EX for high-precision analog conversion

The consistent separation of digital and analog sections minimizes interference and maximizes signal purity. The result is exceptionally clear, detailed sound with a very low noise floor – on par with a high-quality Digital Audio Player.

High Driving Mode – Power and Control

The High Driving Mode, adopted from the Astell&Kern SP4000, ensures a particularly powerful output stage. A horizontally arranged OP-AMP structure enables significantly higher performance than typical mobile DAC solutions.

The result:

• rich, dense sound structures

• an expansive spatial presentation

• effortless control even over demanding headphones

This allows the AK HC5 to play with an authority and stability rarely found in this device class.

Ultra-Low-Noise Power Supply

USB-DACs are often susceptible to interference transmitted from smartphones, tablets, or laptops via the power supply. To minimize this problem, Astell&Kern has developed a dedicated amplifier section with particularly high PSRR and CMRR performance.

This ensures:

• exceptionally clean signal paths

• stable performance regardless of the source device

• consistently pure sound quality in any environment

Dual Noise-Shielded Cable

The integrated cable has also been consistently designed for maximum signal purity.

The construction includes:

• tinned copper for high conductivity and corrosion resistance

• separate TPE insulation to reduce crosstalk

• aluminum foil shielding against electromagnetic interference

• additional copper braid shielding

• robust fabric sheathing for flexibility and durability

This multi-layer construction ensures particularly stable and interference-free signal transmission.

Precise Control with OLED Display

A 1.62-inch OLED display clearly shows volume, filter settings, and playback status.

Volume control is via a mechanical 150-step rotary encoder, based on the same encoder system as the controls of Astell&Kern players. This allows for particularly precise and tactile volume adjustment – significantly more accurate than with purely digital solutions.

DAR – Digital Audio Remastering

The integrated DAR (Digital Audio Remastering) technology recalculates incoming audio signals and increases the sampling rate to improve detail and dynamics.

Examples:

• 44.1 kHz PCM → 352.8 kHz

• 48 kHz PCM → 384 kHz

• PCM below 96 kHz → DSD128

• PCM above 96 kHz → DSD256

• DSD → up to DSD256

DAR can be activated or deactivated depending on the music material and personal preference.

Six DAC Filters for Individual Sound

The AK HC5 offers six different DAC filter modes, allowing the sound character to be adjusted – from particularly natural and soft to precise and dynamic playback.

This allows the DAC to be optimally tuned to headphones, music style, and personal taste.

Broad Device Compatibility – Also for Gaming

Thanks to support for UAC 2.0 and UAC 1.0, the AK HC5 can be used with a variety of devices:

• Android smartphones and tablets

• iPhone and iPad

• Windows 10 / 11

• macOS

• PlayStation and Nintendo Switch

This makes the AK HC5 suitable not only for high-resolution music streaming but also for immersive gaming with significantly improved sound quality.

Optional Premium Case

An optional matching protective case is available, made from high-quality Synt3 polyurethane. The material combines a pleasant, elegant feel with high durability and reliably protects the DAC during mobile use.

Technical Highlights

• DAC Architecture: 4 × AK4191EQ + 4 × AK4499EX

• Display: 1.62" OLED

• Volume Control: 150-step mechanical encoder

• Features: DAR Upsampling, six DAC filters

• Cable: dual shielded, tinned copper, fabric sheathing

• Compatibility: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch

• Certification: Roon Tested (in preparation)