{"product_id":"astell-kern-ak-hc5-portable-dac","title":"Astell\u0026Kern AK HC5 Portable DAC","description":"\u003cp\u003eCreated to achieve perfect sound, AK HC5 sets a new standard for USB DAC cables. The AK HC5 embodies Astell\u0026amp;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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAK4191EQ + AK4499EX\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConstant High Driving, DAR (Digital Audio Remaster) Support\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1.62\" OLED Display\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e150-step Volume Control\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDual Noise-Shielded Cable\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRoon Tested (Certification in progress)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCompact Body, Ultimate Performance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eNoise Suppression Design for Pure, Clean Sound\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDue to the nature of USB DAC cables that receive power from external devices, minimising sound degradation caused by incoming noise is essential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDual Noise-Shielded Cable\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003ePrecision You Can See and Feel\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 150-step volume wheel, using the same encoder system found in Astell\u0026amp;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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDAC:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAKM AK4191EQ + AK4499EX\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSample Rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePCM: 8kHz – 768kHz (8\/16\/24\/32 bits per sample)\u003cbr\u003eDSD Native: DSD64 (1-bit 2.8MHz), DSD128 (1-bit 5.6MHz), DSD256 (1-bit 11.2MHz), DSD512 (1-bit 22.4MHz), all stereo\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOutput Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUnbalanced 2.5Vrms \/ Balanced 5Vrms (no load)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInput:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUSB Type-C (supports UAC 2.0 and UAC 1.0)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOutputs:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3.5mm (unbalanced), 4.4mm (balanced, 5-pole only)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions (W x H x D):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e32 x 64.3 x 16mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApprox. 46g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrequency Response:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e±0.006dB (20Hz – 20kHz), unbalanced and balanced\u003cbr\u003e±0.06dB (20Hz – 70kHz), unbalanced and balanced\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSignal-to-Noise Ratio:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e121dB @ 1kHz (unbalanced)\u003cbr\u003e125dB @ 1kHz (balanced)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCrosstalk:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e-139dB @ 1kHz (unbalanced)\u003cbr\u003e-141dB @ 1kHz (balanced)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTHD+N:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.0005% @ 1kHz (unbalanced)\u003cbr\u003e0.0004% @ 1kHz (balanced)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIMD (SMPTE):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.0006%, 800Hz \/ 10kHz (4:1) (unbalanced)\u003cbr\u003e0.0005%, 800Hz \/ 10kHz (4:1) (balanced)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOutput Impedance:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3.5mm unbalanced: 0.5Ω\u003cbr\u003e4.4mm balanced: 1.1Ω\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"Astell\u0026Kern","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56940440125826,"sku":"AKPD5","price":399.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2792\/5768\/files\/HC5_006.jpg?v=1790254829","url":"https:\/\/dougbradyhifi.com\/products\/astell-kern-ak-hc5-portable-dac","provider":"Doug Brady HiFi","version":"1.0","type":"link"}