ASTELL&KERN AK HC4 MINI DAC FOR PHONE, LAPTOP AND PORTABLE GAMING

Astell&Kern, the South Korean HiFi brand, has revealed the new Astell&Kern AK HC4 Mini DAC.

The successor to the HC3, the DAC is the brand’s first to feature the AK4493S DAC chip and has an interchangeable USB-C and Lightning connection, 3.5mm and 4.4mm dual output and Digital Audio Remaster technology.

ULTRA-HIGH-RESOLUTION AUDIO

The Astell&Kern AK HC4 Mini DAC is the first in their  DAC lineup to incorporate the AK44993S from AKM thanks to a highly improved design. The technology normally found in A&K’s digital audio players is further enhanced with improved noise control, lower power design, and ultra-precise amp design technology. The AK HC4 supports Native DSD256 and up to 32bit/384kHz.

DIGITAL AUDIO REMASTER TECHNOLOGY

The AK HC4 is equipped with digital audio remaster (DAR) technology. DAR technology is developed to upsample the sample rate of the sound to go beyond the limits of the source format.

ASTELL&KERN AK HC4 MINI DAC DUAL OUTPUT

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, A&K 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 their unique power management technology to minimize current consumption.

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

SMARTPHONE, PC AND GAMING CONNECTIVITY WITH UAC 1.0 AND 2.0

While modern smartphones, tablets, and PCs support UAC 2.0 connections, many gaming devices still exclusively support UAC 1.0 connections. To cater to both scenarios, AK HC4 ensures compatibility by supporting both UAC 2.0 and UAC 1.0 connections for cross-platform quality sound experiences. Connect the AK HC4 to your gaming device such as PlayStation and Switch, and enjoy low latency and enhanced sound for an immersive gaming experience.

The AK HC4 DAC comes with both USB-C and Lightning cables to connect with any modern smartphone.

ASTELL&KERN AK HC4 MINI DAC DESIGN

The AK HC4 is small in size, but it inherits A&K’s signature design philosophy, Light and Shadow, through simple yet subtle design elements. By adopting a unibody structure, the bonding line is minimized to complete the smooth and clean appearance.

The side of the product is designed with concave lines, making it easy and comfortable to use in a form naturally tailored to human hands. In addition, the keys on the sides are either lifted at both ends or divided into dot embossed details, allowing the listener to use each function separately with only their fingertips.

ASTELL&KERN AK HC4 MINI DAC PRICE

The AK HC4 is currently available to purchase for

UK: £219

US: $220

AUD: $399

EU: €249

HiFi PiG Says: Small and affordable, the new DAC is very portable indeed.