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Compact Form. Complete Perfection. AKHC5
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Compact Form. Complete Perfection.

Created to achieve perfect sound, AK HC5 sets a new standard for USB DAC cables. The AK HC5 embodies Astell&Kern’s audio philosophy and precise engineering in a compact form, delivering a level of perfection beyond its predecessors. Equipped with a flagship-grade DAC and optimized power control, it delivers flawless sound performance unmatched by any other USB DAC.

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  • AK4191EQ + AK4499EX
  • Constant High Driving, DAR (Digital Audio Remaster) Support
  • 1.62" OLED Display
  • 150-step Volume Control
  • Dual Noise-Shielded Cable
  • Roon Tested (Certification in progress)
  • AK4191EQ x4 AK4499EX x4

    AK4191EQ
    AK4499EX

  • Octa-Core

    DAR
    Support

  • High Driving Mode

    1.62" OLED
    Display

  • Independent ESA

    150-step
    Volume Control

  • Android OS

    Dual Noise-
    Shielded Cable

  • Advanced DAR

    Roon
    Tested

The First USB DAC Cable with AK4499EX

For the first time in a USB DAC cable, the AK4499EX DAC— previously only used in flagship DAPs—delivers top-tier sound performance.
The combination of the AK4191EQ digital processor and AK4499EX DAC perfectly separates and processes digital and analog signals, minimizing noise interference and reproducing even the finest details with precision. Experience premium, digital-audio-player–level sound quality through a USB DAC cable.

Compact Body, Ultimate Performance

The High Driving Mode technology perfected in the SP4000 now powers the AK HC5, achieving exceptional sound performance in a remarkably compact form. A horizontal OPAMP layout delivers driving power on a completely different level from typical portable USB DACs. Rich density, deep spaciousness, and powerful energy — experience flagship-grade sound from a compact size.

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[ OPAMP : Series Configuration ]

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[ OPAMP : Parallel Configuration ]

Noise Suppression Design for Pure, Clean Sound

Due to the nature of USB DAC cables that receive power from external devices, minimizing sound degradation caused by incoming noise is essential.
The AK HC5 features a dedicated amplifier with excellent PSRR (Power Supply Rejection Ratio) / CMRR (Common Mode Rejection Ratio) noise-suppression performance, delivering pure and clean sound no matter what device it is connected to.

Dual Noise Shielded Cable

To minimize noise and deliver clean, lifelike original sound even over wired connections, a Dual Noise-Shielded Cable design was adopted. The internal conductors are made of tin-plated copper wire to prevent corrosion and oxidation, while their high tensile strength enhances durability. Each conductor is individually insulated with TPE to minimize signal interference, and an aluminum film shield provides the first layer of protection against external electromagnetic noise. An additional tinned copper braided shield further suppresses any remaining noise, ensuring exceptional signal purity. The outer fabric jacket not only enhances durability and flexibility but also adds a refined, premium appearance.

Precision You Can See and Feel

The 150-step volume wheel, using the same encoder system found in Astell&Kern players, allows for precise and fine-tuned volume adjustment. A 1.62-inch OLED display provides a quick overview of current settings and playback information, transforming every touch and adjustment into a seamless and intuitive experience.

Vivid Sound Perfected with DAR

DAR (Digital Audio Remaster) technology upsamples the input digital audio’s sample rate using a high-precision algorithm, delivering playback quality that surpasses the limits of the original data. This results in more detailed expression and an expanded dynamic range, reproducing natural, lifelike sound that’s closer to the original recording.

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DAR option
Maximum Conversion Rate
  • PCM - 44.1kHz range PCM will be converted to 352.8kHz for playback
    - 48kHz range PCM will be converted to 384kHz for playback
    - No conversion will be made when playing DSD with this option selected
  • DSD - PCM files lower than 96kHz will be converted to DSD128 for playback
    - PCM files over 96kHz will be converted to DSD256 for playback
    - DSD files below DSD256 will be converted DSD256 for playback with this option selected

* The DAR function can be turned On/Off, allowing users to choose based on the playback source and personal preference.

* Supports conversion playback up to PCM 384kHz / DSD256, automatically adjusting to the sample rate that matches the source audio.

Create Your Own Sound with 6 DAC Filters

With six DAC filter options, users can choose their preferred sound character. From natural tones to dynamic sound, you can fine-tune and create your own unique sound to match your taste and music genre.

Sound Type
Impulse Response
Filter name
Remarks
Edge
  • Natural Tone wave Super Slow Roll-off No echo reproduces
    natural sound     Ultra-Sharp
  • Acoustic Tone wave Short Delay Slow Roll-off Minimal echo reproduces
    original sound     Sharp
  • Traditional Tone wave Slow Roll-off Minimal echo reproduces
    original sound     Middle
  • Harmonic Sound wave Low dispersion Short echo reproduces
    original sound     Middle
  • Acoustic Sound wave Short Delay Sharp Roll-off Post echo enhances
    bass sound     Sharp
  • Traditional Sound wave Sharp Roll-off Pre and post echoes make
    powerful sound     Slow

Wide Compatibility, UAC 2.0 & 1.0 Dual Support

Supporting both UAC 2.0 and 1.0, the AK HC5 ensures perfect compatibility with a wide range of devices.
With UAC 1.0 mode, it can be directly connected to gaming consoles such as PlayStation and Nintendo Switch, delivering dynamic, immersive sound for gaming. From music listening to gaming, the AK HC5 provides high-resolution sound in any situation.

Beyond Protection

More than just protection, the case enhances the design and presence of the AK HC5 even when covered. Made with a premium polyurethane material from Synt3, an Italian specialist manufacturer, the case provides perfect protection while delivering a soft, refined texture that feels both luxurious and comfortable to the touch.

Notes for Product Use

Compatibility
Compatible with most Android and iOS smartphones/tablets, as well as Windows 10/11 and macOS. Compatibility may vary depending on the connected device’s hardware, software, and system limitations.

Driver Installation (Windows)
When connected to a Windows PC, the driver will install automatically. For high-resolution audio playback, please install the dedicated USB DAC driver available under Support -> Download on our website.

Earphone/Headphone Standards
Supports CTIA-standard 4-pole earphones/headphones. OMTP standard is not supported.

High-Resolution Playback (Smartphones)
For DSD and high-resolution PCM playback on smartphones, a separate playback app (free or paid) must be installed. Using the default player will cause downsampling, so use a dedicated playback app for full-quality sound.

Hearing Protection Notice
Before connecting earphones or headphones, always check the volume level. Depending on the connected device, the output may automatically default to maximum volume upon initial connection—please verify volume before use. When connecting to an Astell&Kern player, the output volume will be fixed at maximum and cannot be adjusted from the player. Listening at maximum volume may cause serious hearing damage. Astell&Kern is not responsible for any injury or damage resulting from improper or careless use.

Firmware Updates
Firmware updates may be released to improve system stability. For details, please refer to Support -> Download on our website.

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    Roon Tested devices
    Roon plays to thousands of USB, Airplay, and Chromecast devices,
    but Roon Tested devices are profiled by the Roon team to ensure simple setup and effortless daily use.

    If you own a Roon Tested device or are thinking about buying one,
    you can have the confidence that you will enjoy the best possible experience of it.

    Discover more

DESIGN

‘Solid Flow - The Harmony of Solidity and Flexibility’
The design concept of the AK HC5 is “Solid Flow.” “Solid” represents Astell&Kern’s unwavering commitment to powerful, high-fidelity sound performance, while “Flow” embodies the elegant curves and smooth usability that enhance everyday convenience.
By merging these two contrasting ideals, the AK HC5 expresses Astell&Kern’s harmony of strength and fluidity, a design that feels both dynamic and refined when held in the hand.

Specification

  • General Specifications
    • Model

      AKHC5

    • Body Color

      Satin Silver

    • Body Material

      Aluminum

    • DAC

      AKM AK4191EQ + AK4499EX

    • Sample rate

      PCM : 8kHz ~ 768kHz (8/16/24/32bits per Sample)
      DSD Native: DSD64(1bit 2.8MHz), Stereo / DSD128(1bit 5.6MHz), Stereo / DSD256(1bit 11.2MHz), Stereo / DSD512(1bit 22.4MHz) Stereo

    • Output Level

      Unbalanced 2.5Vrms / Balanced 5Vrms (Condition No Load)

    • Input

      USB Type-C (Supports UAC 2.0 and UAC 1.0)

    • Output

      3.5mm (Unbalanced), 4.4mm (Balanced, Only 5-pole supported)

    • Dimensions

      32mm[W] x 64.3mm[H] x 16mm[D]

    • Weight

      About 1.62oz (46g)

  • Audio Specifications
    • Frequency Response

      ±0.006dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz) Unbalanced, Balanced │ ±0.06dB (Condition : 20Hz~70kHz) Unbalanced, Balanced

    • Signal to Noise Ratio

      121dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced │ 125dB @ 1kHz, Balanced

    • Crosstalk

      -139dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced │ -141dB @ 1kHz, Balanced

    • THD+N

      0.0005% @ 1kHz, Unbalanced │ 0.0004% @ 1kHz, Balanced

    • IMD SMPTE

      0.0006% 800Hz 10kHz (4:1) Unbalanced │ 0.0005% 800Hz 10kHz (4:1) Balanced

    • Output Impedance

      Unbalanced Out 3.5mm (0.5ohm) │ Balanced Out 2.5mm 4.4mm(1.1ohm)

  • Price
    • 　

      $450