Astell&Kern HC5 Portable USB DAC Headphone Amp

AK HC5 Compact Form. Complete Perfection. Created to achieve perfect sound, AK HC5 sets a new standard for USB DAC cables. The AK HC5 embodies Astell&Kern’s audio philosophy and precise engineering in a compact form, delivering a level of perfection beyond its predecessors. Equipped with a flagship-grade DAC and optimized power control, it delivers flawless sound performance unmatched by any other USB DAC. The First USB DAC Cable with AK4499EX For the first time in a USB DAC cable, the AK4499EX DAC— previously only used in flagship DAPs—delivers top-tier sound performance. The combination of the AK4191EQ digital processor and AK4499EX DAC perfectly separates and processes digital and analog signals, minimizing noise interference and reproducing even the finest details with precision. Experience premium, digital-audio-player-level sound quality through a USB DAC cable. Compact Body, Ultimate Performance The High Driving Mode technology perfected in the SP4000 now powers the AK HC5, achieving exceptional sound performance in a remarkably compact form. A horizontal OPAMP layout delivers driving power on a completely different level from typical portable USB DACs. Rich density, deep spaciousness, and powerful energy — experience flagship-grade sound from a compact size. Noise Suppression Design for Pure, Clean Sound Due to the nature of USB DAC cables that receive power from external devices, minimizing sound degradation caused by incoming noise is essential. The AK HC5 features a dedicated amplifier with excellent PSRR (Power Supply Rejection Ratio) / CMRR (Common Mode Rejection Ratio) noise-suppression performance, delivering pure and clean sound no matter what device it is connected to. Dual Noise Shielded Cable To minimize noise and deliver clean, lifelike original sound even over wired connections, a Dual Noise-Shielded Cable design was adopted. The internal conductors are made of tin-plated copper wire to prevent corrosion and oxidation, while their high tensile strength enhances durability. Each conductor is individually insulated with TPE to minimize signal interference, and an aluminum film shield provides the first layer of protection against external electromagnetic noise. An additional tinned copper braided shield further suppresses any remaining noise, ensuring exceptional signal purity. The outer fabric jacket not only enhances durability and flexibility but also adds a refined, premium appearance. Precision You Can See and Feel The 150-step volume wheel, using the same encoder system found in Astell&Kern players, allows for precise and fine-tuned volume adjustment. A 1.62-inch OLED display provides a quick overview of current settings and playback information, transforming every touch and adjustment into a seamless and intuitive experience. Vivid Sound Perfected with DAR DAR (Digital Audio Remaster) technology upsamples the input digital audio’s sample rate using a high-precision algorithm, delivering playback quality that surpasses the limits of the original data. This results in more detailed expression and an expanded dynamic range, reproducing natural, lifelike sound that’s closer to the original recording. DAR option: DSD Maximum Conversion Rate: - 44.1kHz range PCM will be converted to 352.8kHz for playback - 48kHz range PCM will be converted to 384kHz for playback - No conversion will be made when playing DSD with this option selected PCM - PCM files lower than 96kHz will be converted to DSD128 for playback - PCM files over 96kHz will be converted to DSD256 for playback - DSD files below DSD256 will be converted DSD256 for playback with this option selected * The DAR function can be turned On/Off, allowing users to choose based on the playback source and personal preference. * Supports conversion playback up to PCM 384kHz / DSD256, automatically adjusting to the sample rate that matches the source audio. Sound Type Impulse Response Filter Name Remarks  Edge Natural Tone Super Slow Roll-off No echo reproduces natural sound Ultra-Sharp Acoustic Tone Short Delay Slow Roll-off Minimal echo reproduces original sound Sharp Traditional Tone Low dispersion Minimal echo reproduces original sound Middle Harmonic Sound Slow Roll-off Short echo reproduces original sound Middle Acoustic Sound Short Delay Sharp Roll-off Post echo enhances bass sound Sharp Traditional Sound Sharp Roll-off Pre and post echoes make powerful sound Slow Wide Compatibility, UAC 2.0 & 1.0 Dual Support Supporting both UAC 2.0 and 1.0, the AK HC5 ensures perfect compatibility with a wide range of devices. With UAC 1.0 mode, it can be directly connected to gaming consoles such as PlayStation and Nintendo Switch, delivering dynamic, immersive sound for gaming. From music listening to gaming, the AK HC5 provides high-resolution sound in any situation. Beyond Protection More than just protection, the case enhances the design and presence of the AK HC5 even when covered. Made with a premium polyurethane material from Synt3, an Italian specialist manufacturer, the case provides perfect protection while delivering a soft, refined texture that feels both luxurious and comfortable to the touch. Notes for Product Use: Compatibility Compatible with most Android and iOS smartphones/tablets, as well as Windows 10/11 and macOS. Compatibility may vary depending on the connected device’s hardware, software, and system limitations. Driver Installation (Windows) When connected to a Windows PC, the driver will install automatically. For high-resolution audio playback, please install the dedicated USB DAC driver available under Support -> Download on our website. Earphone/Headphone Standards Supports CTIA-standard 4-pole earphones/headphones. OMTP standard is not supported. High-Resolution Playback (Smartphones) For DSD and high-resolution PCM playback on smartphones, a separate playback app (free or paid) must be installed. Using the default player will cause downsampling, so use a dedicated playback app for full-quality sound. Hearing Protection Notice Before connecting earphones or headphones, always check the volume level. Depending on the connected device, the output may automatically default to maximum volume upon initial connection—please verify volume before use. When connecting to an Astell&Kern player, the output volume will be fixed at maximum and cannot be adjusted from the player. Listening at maximum volume may cause serious hearing damage. Astell&Kern is not responsible for any injury or damage resulting from improper or careless use. Firmware Updates Firmware updates may be released to improve system stability. For details, please refer to Support -> Download on our website. (Astell&Kern) Roon Tested devices Roon plays to thousands of USB, Airplay, and Chromecast devices, but Roon Tested devices are profiled by the Roon team to ensure simple setup and effortless daily use. If you own a Roon Tested device or are thinking about buying one, you can have the confidence that you will enjoy the best possible experience of it. DESIGN  ‘Solid Flow - The Harmony of Solidity and Flexibility’ The design concept of the AK HC5 is “Solid Flow.” “Solid” represents Astell&Kern’s unwavering commitment to powerful, high-fidelity sound performance, while “Flow” embodies the elegant curves and smooth usability that enhance everyday convenience. By merging these two contrasting ideals, the AK HC5 expresses Astell&Kern’s harmony of strength and fluidity, a design that feels both dynamic and refined when held in the hand.