Hi-Fi Sound on the Move, AK HC4

Astell&Kern offers a Hi-Fi USB DAC cable product range for a true Hi-Fi experience on smartphones and PCs.
The Hi-Fi sound provided by Astell&Kern's design, which was completed in a small size, has won praise from countless audiophiles and media.

The AK HC4 continues the advantages of its highly acclaimed predecessors, delivering even more perfected sound in various usage scenarios through advanced design. Featuring Dual Output, compatible with most IEMs and headphones, the AK4493S DAC for true Hi-Fi sound, and Digital Audio Remaster technology, it brings the level of Hi-Fi sound previously exclusive to Astell&Kern's digital audio players to the AK HC4. Enjoy Hi-Fi sound like never before.

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  Dual Outputs
  Port

• 

  AKM
  AK4493S

• 

  Digital Audio
  Remaster

• 

  LED
  Indicator

• 

  UAC 1.0
  & 2.0

• 

  Interchangeable
  Cable

• 

  ROON TESTED

Precision DAC and AMP Design for Hi-Fi Sound

In order to gain stable output power and ultra-high-quality Hi-Fi sound through the Dual Output, AK HC4 introduces an exclusive AMP circuitry that supersedes the standard built-in DAC AMP.

While maintaining a compact form factor 29.5 x 64.5x 14.5mm, we used micro resistors and capacitor parts to achieve a small footprint without compromising performance. Carefully selected ultra-small tantalum capacitors, which are used in AK player products to create a stable system and audio performance by controlling the power fluctuations, are also included to create an optimal audio circuit design. In addition, the output and audio performance are enhanced with Astell&Kern's unique power management technology to minimize current consumption in respect of the connected device.

Noise-Free Rear Output Structure

AK HC4 incorporates a rear audio output design to minimize noise.
Most USB DAC products have the DAC positioned in the USB terminal that is connected directly to the device to process and output audio.

However, with the HC4, digital signals from the device go through the dual shielded cable to the audio circuit before being converted to an analog signal by the DAC.
By processing the digital signal after, the result is superior, noise-free sound compared to other USB DAC products.

Dual Noise Shielded Cable

To ensure optimal usability across both Android and iOS devices without the need for additional adapters, AK HC4 features an interchangeable
cable that readily supports Type-C and Lightning connections.

The AK HC4 features a dual shielded cable to minimize noise and deliver a more vivid, original sound.
The copper core wire is coated with tin to prevent corrosion and strengthen tensile force for enhanced durability.

Additionally, the entire cable is wrapped in an aluminum film to block noise with an extra layer of shielding around the power cable to further minimize
noise, the biggest issue in audio, then the tin-coated copper wire is woven to minimize noise interference to sound.
Finished with a fabric jacket on top of the TPE jacket, the cable features enhanced durability and usability with perfect aesthetic appeal.

Precautions When Using the Product

This product is compatible with most Android and iOS smartphones and tablets, Windows 10/11 and macOS products. In some cases, it may not be compatible or may be restricted depending on the hardware, software and/or system of the device that you connect to.

When connecting to a Windows PC, the driver will automatically be recognized and installed. For high-quality sound files, you are required to install a separate USB DAC driver which can be downloaded from the Support — Download section on the website.

4-pole earphones and headphones support CTIA devices, but OMTP is not supported.

To play DSD and high-quality PCM sound files on a smartphone, you must install a separate free/paid player program that supports high-resolution audio playback. (When using the default player app on a mobile device, the file will be downsampled. Please make sure to play it with a different player app.)

Please note that the volume will be fixed to the maximum level if you allow access with Tidal and some other apps on Android devices.

Make sure to check the volume on your connected player device before using headphones or earphones. Some devices may automatically set the output level to maximum volume when the cable is connected. Listening to headphones or earphones at maximum volume may damage your hearing. Please verify the volume level before each use.

Do not connect the USB-C DAC Cable to an Astell&Kern player. When connecting the cable to a player and using it as an external DAC, the output volume will be fixed at the maximum volume setting. It is not possible to adjust the volume through the Astell&Kern player. Listening at maximum or a high-volume setting may cause serious damage to your hearing. Astell&Kern, its affiliates and agencies, cannot be held liable for any damage or injuries from negligent or inappropriate use.

Firmware updates may be released periodically for stability improvements. For more information on firmware updates and to check if a firmware update is available, please visit the Support — Download section on the website.