To achieve the highest audio quality achievable with a USB DAC, the AK HC4 is the first in the USB DAC Cable lineup to incorporate AKM's DAC. AKM's DAC has earned much love when featured in Astell&Kern's digital audio players, but due to the small size of USB DAC Cables and the challenges of amp design, it has been difficult to implement in the USB DAC Cable lineup until now.
The AK4493s DAC from AKM, used in the AK HC4, is further enhanced with improved noise control, lower power design, and ultra-precise amp design technology, delivering exceptionally high-quality Hi-Fi sound. Furthermore, it supports Native DSD256 and up to 32bit/384kHz to handle any high-quality audio source, allowing you to experience the high-grade sound quality that Astell&Kern delivers.
The AK HC4 is equipped with digital audio remaster (DAR) technology, which was only applicable to the latest digital audio players from Astell&Kern.
DAR technology is developed to upsample the sample rate of the sound source being played to go beyond the limits of the source format. The high sample rate allows more refined play and offers delicate and analog-like original sound, helping you to enjoy the richness of the original sound, subtle differences in the nuance of the music and rich sounds at a higher level.
In addition, the DAR slide key on the side of the product gives you a more intuitive selection of DAR options.
| DAR option | Maximum Conversion Rate |
| PCM |
44.1kHz range PCM will be converted to 352.8kHz for playback
|
| DSD |
DSD files below DSD256 will be upconverted to DSD256 for playback
|
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.
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.
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.
The AK HC4 body is crafted in a new silver aluminum metal, and it continues the signature "light and shadow cut" exterior design, which keeps the body's fashion and modernity simple and consistent. At the same time, it has a more ergonomic grip. With a one-piece body structure, there is a concave line design on the side that is closer to the form of a human hand, making it comfortable, convenient, and easier to hold.
The AK HC4 adopts a detachable cable design and comes with both Type-C and Lightning transmission cables, allowing users to flexibly use it across multiple platforms. While current smartphones, tablets, and personal computers support UAC 2.0 connections, many gaming devices, including the PlayStation and Switch, only support UAC 1.0 connections. To provide compatibility in both situations, the AK HC4 supports both UAC 2.0 and UAC 1.0 connections, enabling cross-platform use, enjoying low latency and enhanced sound effects, and delivering an immersive gaming experience.
General Specification
Body Material
Aluminum
Body Color
Moon Silver
DAC
AKM AK4493S
Sample rate
PCM : 8kHz ~ 384kHz (8/16/24/32bits per Sample)
DSD Native : DSD64(1bit 2.8MHz), Stereo / DSD128(1bit 5.6MHz), Stereo / DSD256(1bit 11.2MHz), Stereo
Input
USB Type-C (Supports UAC 1.0 and UAC 2.0)
Output
3.5mm (Unbalanced), 4.4mm (Balanced, Only 5-pole supported)
Output Level
Unbalanced 2Vrms / Balanced 3Vrms (Condition No Load)
Dimensions
29.5mm[W] x 64.5mm[H] x 14.5mm[D]
Weight
About 1.09oz (31g)
Audio Specifications
Frequency Response
±0.062dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz) Unbalanced │ ±0.063dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz) Balanced
±0.066dB (Condition : 20Hz~70kHz) Unbalanced │ ±0.067dB (Condition : 20Hz~70kHz) Balanced
Signal to Noise Ratio
118dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced │ 118dB @ 1kHz, Balanced
Crosstalk
-134dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced │ -136dB @ 1kHz, Balanced
THD+N
0.0005% @ 1kHz, Unbalanced │ 0.0009% @ 1kHz, Balanced
IMD SMPTE
0.0005% 800Hz 10kHz (4:1) Unbalanced │ 0.0004% 800Hz 10kHz (4:1) Balanced
Output Impedance
Unbalanced Out 3.5mm (0.9ohm) │ Balanced Out 4.4mm(1.6ohm)
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