Astell&Kern HC4
Portable USB DAC and amplifier
Astell&Kern's Hi-Fi USB DAC cable range is designed to deliver a true Hi-Fi audio experience for smartphones and PCs, earning praise from audiophiles and media alike. The Astell&Kern HC4 model builds on the success of its predecessors, offering enhanced sound quality across various usage scenarios with advanced design features.
Astell&Kern HC4 features dual output compatibility, making it suitable for most in-ear monitors (IEMs) and headphones. It employs the AK4493S DAC, renowned for delivering true Hi-Fi sound, and integrates Digital Audio Remaster technology, elevating the audio experience to the high standards previously exclusive to Astell&Kern's digital audio players. The AK4493S DAC from Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM) is the centerpiece of the AK HC4, marking the first time this DAC has been included in Astell&Kern's USB DAC cable lineup. This inclusion has been challenging due to the small size and complex amp design required for USB DAC cables. However, the AK HC4 successfully incorporates the AK4493S DAC, offering improved noise control, lower power consumption, and precise amplification design to deliver exceptional Hi-Fi sound.
Additionally, the AK HC4 supports Native DSD256 and up to 32-bit/384kHz resolution, capable of handling any high-quality audio source. This ensures users can experience the superior sound quality Astell&Kern is known for, now in a more compact and portable form. In summary, the AK HC4 represents Astell&Kern's commitment to providing high-fidelity audio on the go. By integrating advanced DAC technology and optimizing the design for minimal noise and high power efficiency, the AK HC4 offers a premium audio experience for mobile devices, continuing the brand's legacy of high-quality sound.
| Measurements | 2.95 x 6.45 x 1.45 cm |
| Weight (net) | 31 gram |
| Input, USB | 1 |
| Output, Headphone | Yes, 3,5 mm TRS, Yes, 4,4 mm Pentaconn |
| Audio decoding | DSD64 / 2.8 MHz, DSD128 / 5.6 MHz, DSD256 / 11.2 MHz, DXD |
| Supported sample rates, kHz | 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352, 384 |
| Supported bit depth | 16 bit, 24 bit, 32 bit |
| Roon Tested DAC | Yes |
| Audio chipset | AKM AK4493S |
| In the box | Users guide |
| User manual available in | English |