• ES9219MQ Dual DAC from ESS for true Hi-Fi quality
• MQA 8X
• Dual-shielded cable
• Supports headset microphones
• Supports iOS devices
• Proprietary app for Android (For Detailed Volume Control)
• Compact but powerful
• LED display shows song details
• Full metal housing design

Sound in ultra-high resolution from Dual DACs, selected for Hi-Fi

AK HC3 adopts dual ES9219MQ, the SABRE HiFi® DACs from ESS that is highly regarded by audio fans for its ability to playback Hi-Fi sounds such as MQA in ultra-high quality, excellent noise control, and low power consumption.

In addition, it supports Native DSD256 and 32-bit/384 kHz, supporting any high-resolution sound to realise Astell&Kern’s unique sound experiences.

The result of AK’s Ultra-Fine Audio Design Technology

With its compact size and uncompromising performance, the AK HC3 makes it easy to enjoy real Hi-Fi sound anytime, anywhere.

Astell & Kern is adored by countless music lovers thanks to our dedication and meticulous delivery of the original sound with their signature DAPs, or portable high-resolution audio players. They have included  Astell & Kern technology and know-how that has been accumulated from their DAPs over the years in this small device.

Noise-Free Rear Output Structure

AK HC3 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 AK HC3, digital signals from the device go through the dual-shielded cable to the audio circuit before being converted to an analogue signal by the DAC. After processing the digital signal, the result is superior, noise-free sound compared to other USB DAC products.

MQA 8X Playback in Ultra-high Resolution

AK HC3 is built with a renderer that supports MQA 8X playback in ultra-high quality to deliver sound that's much closer to the original sound.
MQA is a high-quality sound source format that requires an external DAC or appropriate playback devices. AK HC3 is the right choice if you want to enjoy MQA anytime.
Pair your mobile device with AK HC3 to play any MQA sources up to MQA 8X.
With AK HC3 and any device that supports MQA unfolding, anyone can unleash the ultra-high quality of MQA through the proprietary app with network play and streaming features.

* In order to use AK HC3 as a hardware MQA renderer, a software core decoder that supports MQA unfolding is required.

General Specifications:

• DAC: ES9219MQ x2 (Dual-DAC)
• Input: USB Type-C Input (for Windows 10,11, Android, iOS smartphone & Tablet PC, macOS)
• Output: 3.5mm (CTIA standard 4-pole supported)
• LED: Standby: White / PCM: Red / DSD: Blue / MQA: Magenta
• Weight: about 20g

Audio Performance:

• Frequency Response: ±0.013dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz) ±0.020dB (Condition : 20Hz~70kHz)
• Output Impedance: 2 ohm
• Output Power or Voltage: 2Vrms (Condition No Load)