Astell and Kern AK HC5 USB DAC and Amp is the latest, and probably the most sophisticated. Fifth-generation USB DAC Cable (HC Portable) from the company. The best improvement of the HC5 is that it is completely re-designed and a whole new chassis comes in with some very interesting additions.
Prior to this, with the c PEE-51, HC2, HC3, and having HC4, Astell&Kern’s previous four HC models were very simple and straight-forward.
Astell and Kern AK HC5 USB DAC and Amp
They had a physical volume button, one or two headphone jack(s), and basically that was it. The HC5 has become the largest and heaviest model so far 46g. But that is understandable considering the many extra parts that are included in it.
1.62 Inch OLED Display Screen
The biggest surprise that makes the HC5 stand out from the previous models is that it has a display screen and a volume control knob. Also, a display screen is such a luxury that is totally underrated to some extent. Even a small one like this–until you get one on a device that has never seen one before.
The 1.62-inch OLED display screen gives you an at-a-glance look of the HC5’s current settings and playback information. Volume level, Digital Audio Remaster status (DAR), USB Audio Class status (UAC), volume control lock, and audio info for the currently played content.
Two Headphone Outputs
Along with the volume knob and display screen. Two headphone jacks are placed at the bottom of the unit for you to choose from. There is a single-ended 3.5mm along with a balanced 4.4mm, and a USB-C for hooking up the two bundled cables (USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to Lightning). Astell&Kern has taken care of the potential noise issue by making several improvements in the cable design.
And this is just the beginning. The HC5 is the first batch to come with a 150-step physical volume control knob! The only way to control the volume in the previous models was through the Astell&Kern app or the device to which the HC was connected. In addition, having a volume wheel rather than physical buttons is a good move.
In my opinion, for many reasons. You are able to change the volume level from the device itself. Lock the wheel with the physical volume control lock. Plus, it makes very fine volume adjustments that were extremely difficult before.
Outstanding Sound Reproduction
The HC5 really only demands these parts to significantly raise its level of performance. New LED display, touch panel and a flexible multi-layer PCB. Along with that. I must add very good audio output capabilities and a new class of high-efficiency power device compatible with the new complementary structure.
HC5 LED Closed loop technology has been ingeniously used in the HC5 LED Closed loop technology has been ingeniously used in the HC5 connected to the new light control mechanism. That supports extremely fast photo response, stability, and compact implementation.
Features the AK4499EX DAC Chip
Let me start by saying that. Astell and Kern HC5 is simply a beast in the portable USB DAC cable category. It is hard to imagine anyone topping it at the moment. It offers a level of functionality that completely leaves behind any other portable USB DAC cable currently on the market including the recent and highly acclaimed works of others.
More specifically, the HC5 is a portable DAC with a first-ever feature, the AK4499EX DAC chip. Which was previously only found in AK’s flagship DAPs such as SP4000. With the aid of the AK4191EQ digital processor. Both components prove to be a very efficient noise canceling combination. Hence revealing the minute audio details.
Amplification & Power
HC5 is able to amplify and play back audio files up to DSD512 for playback and PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz. This combination with a high-driving mode technology derived and perfected from the SP4000. Enables the HC5 to give you the feeling of rich density, deep spaciousness, and powerful energy.
Features and Benefits
- Fast Setup: You only need to plug it, and you can start immediately. No delays, no hassle.
- Pocket-Sized Power: Handy enough to take it every time you go, yet capable enough to improve your music everywhere.
- Sound Leap: Switch from ‘meh’ sound to ‘incredible’ audio. Where you can hear every detail and every note with great clarity.
- Flexible Friend: Your phones, PCs, tablets—if they have USB. They are compatible with the device.
- Solid Build: Designed for wear and tear of your life full of movements.
Summary of the Astell and Kern AK HC5 USB DAC and Amp
It also comes with a total of six DAC filters. Which has always been a feature reserved for the DAPs and desktop components. It might appear to be less significant. But the user advantage comes from making the sound pitch fit one’s own preference and also for matching each individual track.
First Class Design
Here are some options for you to choose from. Natural tone, acoustic tone, traditional tone, harmonic sound, acoustic sound, or traditional sound. This combination with a high-driving mode technology derived and perfected from the SP4000, enables the HC5 to give you the feeling of rich density, deep spaciousness, and powerful energy.
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