Astell&Kern AK HC2 (PEE52)

A USB DAC designed specifically around a 4.4 mm balanced output

Astell&Kern AK HC2 is a wired DAC/amplifier using two Cirrus Logic CS43198 converters and a single 4.4 mm balanced headphone connection.

Removing the 3.5 mm socket allows the design to focus on a 4 Vrms balanced output, higher than HC4. It is therefore intended for listeners already using 4.4 mm terminated headphones or IEMs who want more voltage from a phone, tablet or computer without adding a separate amplifier.

Key features

• Dual Cirrus Logic CS43198 MasterHIFI DACs.
• Hi-Res support extends to 32-bit/384 kHz PCM and native DSD256.
• Single 4.4 mm balanced headphone output.
• Up to 4 Vrms output under no-load conditions.
• Specified output impedance of 1.5 ohms.
• Dual-shielded cable construction to reduce interference.
• Powered directly from the connected source device.
• Support for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS through the dedicated adaptor.

More voltage, fewer connection options

HC4 provides both 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm sockets but reaches 3 Vrms from its balanced output; HC2 instead delivers 4 Vrms and omits the unbalanced connection. The choice therefore depends mainly on cable termination and how much voltage the connected headphone requires.

A dongle for users already committed to 4.4 mm

There is no Bluetooth, internal battery or microphone interface. Compared with HB1 it is simpler and never needs charging; compared with HC3 it prioritises balanced drive rather than headset compatibility. It is a focused solution for a fully wired portable system.