Astell & Kern AK HC4 Portable USB DAC & Headphone Amplifier
Experience True Hi-Fi Studio Sound on Your Smartphone, Tablet, or PC
Transform Your Everyday Listening Into an Audiophile Journey
Unlock the full potential of your music library with the Astell & Kern AK HC4. Designed by the industry leaders in high-fidelity personal audio, this ultra-compact USB DAC cable turns your smartphone, laptop, or gaming setup into a high-end audio station. Built with a sleek Moon Silver aluminum body, the AK HC4 packs desktop-class digital audio processing into a lightweight, pocket-sized device.
Why Choose the Astell & Kern AK HC4 USB DAC?
- Flagship AK4493S DAC Chip: Delivers exceptional clarity, deep bass, and ultra-low distortion for natural sound reproduction.
- Dual Headphones Outputs (3.5mm & 4.4mm): Connect any standard headphones or balanced In-Ear Monitors (IEMs) with dedicated 2Vrms (unbalanced) and 3Vrms (balanced) output power.
- Digital Audio Remaster (DAR) Technology: Upsamples audio in real-time to bring lossy digital tracks closer to original master recording quality.
- Cross-Platform & Gaming Compatible: Supports UAC 1.0 and UAC 2.0 modes for seamless plug-and-play operation across iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and gaming consoles (PlayStation, Nintendo Switch).
Technical Specifications
General Specs
| Body Material | Aluminum (Moon Silver) |
|---|---|
| DAC Chipset | AKM AK4493S |
| Supported Sample Rates | PCM up to 384kHz/32bit | Native DSD256 |
| Input | USB Type-C (UAC 1.0 & UAC 2.0) |
| Outputs | 3.5mm Unbalanced / 4.4mm Balanced (5-pole) |
| Output Level | Unbalanced: 2Vrms | Balanced: 3Vrms (No Load) |
| Dimensions | 29.5mm (W) x 64.5mm (H) x 14.5mm (D) |
| Weight | 31g (1.09 oz) |
Audio Performance Metrics
| Metric | 3.5mm Unbalanced | 4.4mm Balanced |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency Response (20Hz~20kHz) | ±0.062dB | ±0.063dB |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) | 118dB @ 1kHz | 118dB @ 1kHz |
| Crosstalk | -134dB @ 1kHz | -136dB @ 1kHz |
| THD+N | 0.0005% @ 1kHz | 0.0009% @ 1kHz |
| IMD SMPTE | 0.0005% (800Hz 10kHz 4:1) | 0.0004% (800Hz 10kHz 4:1) |
| Output Impedance | 0.9 ohm | 1.6 ohm |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Astell & Kern AK HC4 used for?
The AK HC4 is a portable USB DAC and headphone amplifier that bypasses the low-quality audio circuitry inside your phone or computer to deliver high-resolution Hi-Fi sound to wired headphones and IEMs.
Does the AK HC4 work with iPhones and Android devices?
Yes, the AK HC4 features a universal USB Type-C connection that works seamlessly with iOS (iPhone 15 and newer, or older iPhones via adapter), Android smartphones, MacBooks, and Windows PCs.
