Astell&Kern Hi-Fi Dual DAC Cable

Enjoy high-resolution sound with the Astell & Kern Hi-Fi Dual DAC Cable allowing you to experience rich tones and emotional nuance from your favourite music. Built with a specialized USB DAC function for those music lovers who want to enjoy HI-FI sound on mobiles that no longer have a headphone port. 

The Choice for Hi-Fi Sound — Ultra High-Resolution Sound From Dual DACs

The Astell&Kern HC2 USB-C Dual DAC Cable features two Cirrus Logic CS43198 MasterHIFI™ DACs, a MasterHIFI™-level DAC that graces only a select few products, including the A&norma series, that are proven and celebrated by music lovers.
The HC2 provides Native DSD256 and 32-bit/384kHz support that enables it to play back high-quality sound files so you can enjoy the luxury and premium sound quality of Astell&Kern.

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

With its compact size and uncompromising performance, the HC2 makes it easy to enjoy real Hi-Fi sounds anytime, anywhere.
Astell&Kern is adored by countless music lovers thanks to our dedication and meticulous delivery of the original sound with our signature DAPs, or portable high-resolution audio players.
We included the Astell&Kern technology and know-how that has been accumulated from our DAPs over the years in this small device, measuring just 14x53mm.
We used micro resistors and capacitor parts to achieve the small dimensions without compromising performance. Tailored 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 the optimal audio circuit. In addition, the output and audio performance are enhanced with Astell&Kern's unique technology while minimizing current consumption in consideration of the connected device. This enables you to enjoy the original sound without any distortion even when using high-impedance headphones or sensitive earphones.

High Output Noise-Free Sound With 4.4mm Output

AK HC2 uses a 4.4mm balanced output—unlike the previous model that uses a 3.5mm unbalanced output—allowing a greater variety of headphones and earphones that are made for Hi-Fi sound to be used optimally with a small USB DAC.
With the use of the 4.4mm balanced output, a higher output can be achieved with clearer channel separation while minimizing noise. With HC2 you can enjoy high-quality sound via a balanced output that brings out the best performance in your headphones or earphones.

Easy and Convenient — Plug & Play

Connect directly to a Windows PC, Mac, smartphone or tablet with a USB-C port that supports plug & play, without needing a separate conversion adapter,
and enjoy high-quality sound.
The HC2 utilizes power from the connected playback device so it does not need to be charged or be connected to a separate external sound card, AMP or DAC.
Just connect HC2 to experience high-fidelity sound from a computer or mobile device.
The HC2 is also compatible with iOS devices using the included USB-C to Lightning adapter.

Noise-Free Rear Output Structure

AK HC2 has 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 HC2, 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.

Dual Noise Shielded Cable

The AK HC2 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.
In addition, the entire cable is wrapped in an aluminium film to block noise, the biggest issue in audio,
and then the tin-coated copper wire is woven to minimize noise interference to sound.

Volume Control Through a Dedicated Android APP

As is common with USB DACs, compatibility issues can arise such as different connected devices being set automatically to maximum volume output or playback at too low volume.
To resolve such issues and offer greater control over the volume and function of the HC2, we have developed a companion app for Android OS devices.

Specifications:

General Specifications

• Body Material Aluminum
• Body Color Dark Silver
• DAC CS43198 Dual
• Sample Rate PCM: Support up to 32bit/384kHz / DSD Native: DSD64(1bit 2.8MHz), Stereo /DSD128(1bit 5.6MHz), Stereo / DSD256(1bit 11.2MHz), Stereo
• Input USB Type-C Input(for Windows 10,11, Android, iOS smartphone & Tablet PC, macOS)
• Output 4.4mm balanced out
• Dimensions USB Plug: 12 x 21 x 6.5mm / 4.4mm Headphone: 22.8 x 60 x 12.1mm
• Weight About 29g

Audio Performance

• Frequency Response ±0.011dB (Condition: 20Hz~20kHz) Balanced ±0.145dB (Condition: 20Hz~70kHz) Balanced
• Signal to Noise Ratio 122dB @ 1kHz, Balanced
• THD+N 0.0004% @ 1kHz, Balanced
• IME SMPTE 0.0003%, 800Hz 10kHz (4:1), Balanced
• Output Impedance 4.4mm (1.5ohm)
• Output Power or Voltage 4Vrms (Condition No Load)