Astell&Kern AK HC5 Portable DAC
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Astell&Kern AK HC5 Portable DAC
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 optimised power control, it delivers flawless sound performance unmatched by any other USB DAC.
Features
- AK4191EQ + AK4499EX
- Constant High Driving, DAR (Digital Audio Remaster) Support
- 1.62" OLED Display
- 150-step Volume Control
- Dual Noise-Shielded Cable
- Roon Tested (Certification in progress)
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 op-amp 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, minimising 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 minimise 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 minimise signal interference, and an aluminium 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.
Specifications
| DAC: | AKM AK4191EQ + AK4499EX |
| Sample Rate: | PCM: 8kHz – 768kHz (8/16/24/32 bits per sample) DSD Native: DSD64 (1-bit 2.8MHz), DSD128 (1-bit 5.6MHz), DSD256 (1-bit 11.2MHz), DSD512 (1-bit 22.4MHz), all stereo |
| Output Level: | Unbalanced 2.5Vrms / Balanced 5Vrms (no load) |
| Input: | USB Type-C (supports UAC 2.0 and UAC 1.0) |
| Outputs: | 3.5mm (unbalanced), 4.4mm (balanced, 5-pole only) |
| Dimensions (W x H x D): | 32 x 64.3 x 16mm |
| Weight: | Approx. 46g |
| Frequency Response: | ±0.006dB (20Hz – 20kHz), unbalanced and balanced ±0.06dB (20Hz – 70kHz), unbalanced and balanced |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio: | 121dB @ 1kHz (unbalanced) 125dB @ 1kHz (balanced) |
| Crosstalk: | -139dB @ 1kHz (unbalanced) -141dB @ 1kHz (balanced) |
| THD+N: | 0.0005% @ 1kHz (unbalanced) 0.0004% @ 1kHz (balanced) |
| IMD (SMPTE): | 0.0006%, 800Hz / 10kHz (4:1) (unbalanced) 0.0005%, 800Hz / 10kHz (4:1) (balanced) |
| Output Impedance: | 3.5mm unbalanced: 0.5Ω 4.4mm balanced: 1.1Ω |
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