Astell&Kern has introduced a new high-end portable DAC/headphone amplifier, the HC4 . A successor to the popular HC3 and HC2, both previous versions had either a single 3.5mm (unbalanced) headphone jack or a 4.4mm (balanced) headphone jack. The HC4 brings the two together for the first time, offering both a balanced and unbalanced headphone jack on a single device. Equipped with the AK4493S DAC, the HC4 portable DAC delivers exceptionally clear sound quality, musical performance with plenty of detail and resolution. New to the HC4 model is also a detachable cable, which makes it possible to switch connector types as needed. The HC4 features a USB Type-C connector and also supports UAC1.0 for gaming use cases.
AK HC4: big sound in a small package
Astell&Kern has introduced a new “whistle” HC4, which creates real hi-fi sound on smartphones and PCs. The pure sound delivered by the new HC4 headphone amplifier has received praise from numerous audiophiles and reviewers around the world for its great sound and miniature size.
The HC4 continues the legacy of its predecessors, delivering even more advanced sound in a variety of usage scenarios thanks to its advanced design. With two headphone output jacks, the HC4 is compatible with most headphones. The AK4493S DAC chip provides true Hi-Fi sound, as well as Digital Audio Remaster (DAR) technology. It provides a level of Hi-Fi sound previously found exclusively in Astell&Kern audio players.
Ultra-High Resolution Sound with AKM AK4493s DAC
To achieve the highest audio quality available with a USB DAC, the AK HC4 is the first cable USB DAC of its size to integrate an AKM DAC. AKM DACs are well known and beloved in Astell&Kern’s digital audio players (DAPs), but due to the small size of the USB DAC dongle and the complexities of amplifier design, it has until now been difficult to implement a DAC chip into its line of portable DACs.
AKM’s AK4493S DAC used in the HC4 features improved noise control, lower power consumption and an ultra-precise amplifier for exceptionally high-quality Hi-Fi audio. It also supports Native DSD 256 and up to 32bit/384kHz to work with any high-quality audio source, allowing you to experience the high quality audio that Astell&Kern delivers in every product.
Precision DAC and Amplifier Design for Hi-Fi Audio
In order for Astell&Kern to provide stable output power and Hi-Fi audio quality through the HC4’s two outputs, it integrates an exclusive amplifier circuit that is superior to the built-in DAC amplifier. By maintaining such a compact form factor (29.5 x 64.5 x 14.5 mm), Astell&Kern used microresistors and capacitors to achieve a small footprint without sacrificing performance. The circuit includes carefully selected ultra-small tantalum capacitors, which are used in AK players to create stable sound by controlling power fluctuations. In addition, output and audio performance is improved thanks to Astell&Kern’s unique power management technology, which minimizes current consumption from the connected device.
Features of Astell&Kern HC4:
- Dual output 3.5mm, 4.4mm
- AKM AK4493S
- DAR (Digital Audio Remaster)
- iOS device support
- Replacement cable (Type-C / Lightning cable included)
- UAC1.0 supported (for gaming systems)
- Tested with Roon
Price : $220
Author: Marcus Carlsen
Marcus Carlsen is an avid audiophile with a deep passion for hi-fi systems, high-end headphones, and premium speakers. Marcus constantly explores the latest audio technologies and equipment, from precision-engineered speakers to the finest headphones.
