Astell&Kern AK HC4 USB DAC and Amp

The successor to the highly rated HC3, the premium Astell&Kern AK HC4 USB DAC and Amp is our first to feature the AK4493S DAC to deliver exceptional hi-fi sound as well as interchangeable USB-C and Lightning connection, 3.5mm and 4.4mm dual output and Digital Audio Remaster technology for delicate, analogue-like sound.

Ultra-high-resolution audio

The HC4 is the first in Astell&Kern’s DAC lineup to incorporate the AK44993S thanks to a highly improved design. The class-leading technology normally found in Astell&Kern’s multi-award-winning digital audio players ensures exquisite sound reproduction. It is further enhanced with improved noise control, lower power design, and ultra-precise amp design technology.

Furthermore, AK HC4 supports Native DSD256 and up to 32bit/384kHz to handle any high-quality audio source.

Digital Audio Remaster

The AK HC4 is equipped with digital audio remaster (DAR) technology – previously only found in Astell&Kern’s latest digital audio players. DAR technology upsamples the sample rate of the sound to go beyond the limits of the source format. The high sample rate allows more refined playback and offers a delicate, analogue-like sound, helping the listener to enjoy the richness of the original recording.

Exclusive Circuitry

HC4 introduces exclusive AMP circuitry that supersedes the standard built-in DAC AMP. While maintaining a compact form factor 29.5 x 64.5x 14.5mm, Astell&Kern used micro resistors and capacitor parts to achieve a small footprint without compromising performance. Carefully selected ultra-small tantalum capacitors are also included to create an optimal audio circuit design while audio performance is enhanced with Astell&Kern’s unique power management technology to minimize current consumption.

Dual Output

The AK HC4 features Dual Output with both 3.5mm and 4.4mm connectors, allowing you to use AK HC4 with most Hi-Fi IEMs and headphones without the need for adapters or additional cables.

Features

• Ultra-high resolution sound reproduction from AKM AK4493s DAC
• Exclusive Circuitry with improved noise control, low power design, and ultra-precise amp design technology
• Digital Audio Remaster Technology upsamples the sample rate of the sound beyond the source format’s limits
• Dual Output with both 3.5mm and 4.4mm connectors, use the HC4 with most Hi-Fi IEMs and headphones without adapters
• UAC 1.0 and UAC 2.0 support catering to a wide range of devices including smartphones, tablets, PCs, and gaming consoles
• Interchangeable Cable Design (Type-C / Lightning Cable Included) for seamless connectivity to a wide range of source devices

Technical Specifications

• DAC: AKM AK4493S
• Bit / Sample rate: PCM: up to 32-bit / 384kHz, DSD Native up to DSD256(1bit 11.2MHz), Stereo
• Output Level: Unbalanced 2Vrms / Balanced 3Vrms (Condition No Load)
• Input: USB Type-C (Supports UAC 1.0 and UAC 2.0)
• Output: 3.5mm (Unbalanced), 4.4mm (Balanced, Only 5-pole supported)
• LED: Standby : White / PCM : Red / DSD : Blue
• Material: Aluminium
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 29.5 x 64.5 x 14.5mm
• Weight: 31g