Astell&Kern HC4 Dual-Output Hi-Fi USB DAC / AMP Cable

HC4 Dual-Output Hi-Fi USB DAC / AMP, by Astell&Kern.

The successor to the highly rated HC3 Hi-Fu Dual-DAC Cable, this premium DAC is the first A&K cable to feature the AK4493S DAC to deliver exceptional hi-fi sound as well as interchangeable USB-C and Lightning connection, 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm dual output and Digital Audio Remaster technology for delicate, analogue-like sound.

HC4 is the first in Astell&Kern’s DAC lineup to incorporate the AK44993S from AKM, thanks to a highly improved design. The class-leading technology normally found in multi-award-winning digital audio players ensures exquisite sound reproduction, and 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 32-bit / 384 kHz to handle any high-quality audio source.

The AK HC4 is equipped with digital audio remaster (DAR) technology – previously only found in Astell&Kern’s latest digital audio players. DAR technology is developed to upsample 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.

HC4 introduces exclusive AMP circuitry that supersedes the standard built-in DAC AMP. While maintaining a compact form factor, HC4 uses 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.

The AK HC4 features Dual Output with both 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm connectors, allowing you to use AK HC4 with most Hi-Fi IEMs and headphones without the need for adapters or additional cables. HC4 also comes with both USB-C and Lightning cables to connect with any modern smartphone and bring hi-fi sound to your handheld devices on-the-go.

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 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm connectors, use the HC4 with most Hi-Fi IEMs and headphones without the need for adapters or additional cables.
• 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 (USB Type-C / Lightning Cables included) for seamless connectivity to a wide range of source devices.

Specifications

• DAC: AKM AK4493S
• Bit / Sample Rates:
• PCM: 8 kHz - 384 kHz (8/16/24/32bits per Sample)
• DSD Native: DSD64(1bit 2.8MHz), Stereo / DSD128(1bit 5.6MHz), Stereo / 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)
• Outputs: 3.5mm (Unbalanced), 4.4mm (Balanced, Only 5-pole supported)
• LED Indicator: Standby White / PCM Red / DSD Blue
• Material: Aluminium
• Weight: 31 g
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 29.5 x 64.5 x 14.5 mm

Included

• 1 x Astell&Kern HC4 DAC + AMP.
• 1 x USB-C to Lightning Cable.
• 1 x USB-C to USB-C.
• 1 x Quick start guide.
• 1 x Warranty Card.

More Information

• HC4 DAC / AMP Cable, by Astell&Kern