Amplifier - Portable DAC with USB-C cable. Double Cirrus Logic CS43198 Master HiFi DAC at 32bit/384KHz and native DSD at 256. Amplification stage with 4V output. 3.5mm jack output and 4.4mm balanced output. USB-C double shielded silver plated copper cable input. Self powered. Aluminum chassis with matte finish.
Dimensions (WxHxD): 22.8x60x12.1mm.
Weight: 29gr.
Astell&Kern's new AK HC2 Dual DAC drives audiophile headphones to bring the high-resolution experience on the go
Astell&Kern, world leader in portable high-resolution audio devices, presents its new portable Dual DAC, AK HC2, an ultra-compact and extremely performing product to drastically improve the audio of iOS or Android smartphones and tablets and both Windows and Apple laptops . Compared to the previous AK HC1 (PEE51), this new portable DAC features a balanced 4.4mm headphone connection, so audiophiles and music enthusiasts can also drive their high-resolution headphones smoothly and enjoy of a sound as it was conceived in the recording studio, both on the go and at home.
Typically the digital to analog conversion circuitry in laptops, tablets and smartphones is never quite up to par with the product they reside in and with headphone jacks becoming a rarity in smartphones, make the most of the high resolution audio on offer from popular streaming services may not seem simple. But thanks to the AK HC2 it is possible to do it, in a simple and effective way.
Highlights:
- Balanced 4.4mm headphone output improves channel separation and reduces noise
- 4Vrms output power to drive most headphones on the market
- Dual CS43198 DACs for hi-fi sound
- Double shielded cable, minimizes distortion and increases the signal-to-noise ratio
- Compatible with both iOS and Android devices
- Optional Android app for enabling detailed volume control
Balanced audio for iOS and Android devices
Despite its small size, 17x50x10mm, the AK HC2 is packed with state-of-the-art features, carefully designed to deliver high-quality, low-noise sound through the balanced 4.4mm headphone output. Thanks to new component miniaturization technologies, Astell&Kern has managed to incorporate circuits, components and power supply stage in an ultra-compact and portable device, without any compromises.
Simply plug the AK HC-2 Dual DAC into your device's USB-C input, plug in your balanced 4.4mm headphones, and lose yourself in detailed, dynamic, exciting, and lifelike sound. And if you want to improve the audio performance of an iOS device, simply use the included USB-C to Lightning adapter.
Superior quality dual DACs
The heart of the AK HC-2 is made up of the Cirrus Logic CS43198 dual DAC MasterHiFi - high performance DAC, already present in the range of Astell&Kern's A&norma digital audio players, which support high resolution playback up to native 32bit/384kHz and DSD256. The dual DAC is paired with a high-performance analog amplifier powerful enough to drive even high-impedance headphones without problems. The balanced 4.4mm output benefits from lower noise, higher output power and channel separation. Custom capacitors optimize audio circuitry, damping power fluctuations and optimizing output performance, while reducing power consumption of the connected device.
Durable double shielded cable
In most portable USB DAC products, the DAC is located inside the USB connector connected directly to the device. In the AK HC-2, however, the digital signals from the device pass through the double-shielded cable to the audio circuitry before being converted to an analog signal by the DAC. By processing the digital signal at a later stage, the audio performance is superior and noise-free compared to other USB DAC products.
The double-shielded cable is designed to minimize noise interference and deliver the most transparent sound possible. The core copper wire is tin-coated to prevent corrosion and tensile strength for durability, while the braided cable is wrapped in aluminum foil that helps block noise, a persistent problem in audio reproduction.
Roon Tested
AK HC2 is Roon Tested, i.e. a device approved by Roon to work properly with its platform. Subscribers to this service will be able to enjoy the infinite service management features and sound qualities of this music platform. An added convenience is volume control, available via the dedicated Android Control App.
Sophisticated design
In keeping with the tradition of Astell&Kern products, the AK HC-2 also follows the unique and distinctive design of the company. Angled surfaces that follow flat surfaces, creating a play of "light and shadow" effects, while the longevity and quality of the materials are ensured by the solid body in polished aluminium.
General technical characteristics
- DAC: CS43198 Dual
- Sampling Rate: PCM 32bit/384kHz, Native DSD256
- Output level: 4Vrms
- Audio Output: 4.4mm Balanced
- USB: Type-C
- LED: On/Off indication
- Material: Aluminum
- Weight: 29g
- Dimensions USB connector (WxHxD): 12x21x6.5mm
- Body Dimensions (WxHxD): 22.8x60x12.1mm
Audio technical characteristics
- Frequency Response: ±0.011dB (Condition: 20Hz~20kHz) Balanced
- ±0.145dB (Condition: 20Hz~70kHz) Balanced
- Signal to Noise Ratio: 122dB @ 1kHz, Balanced
- Crosstalk: -146dB @ 1kHz, Balanced
- THD+N: 0.0004% @ 1kHz, Balanced
- IMD SMPTE: 0.0003%, 800Hz 10kHz (4:1), Balanced
- Output Impedance: 4.4mm (1.5ohm)
