Astell&Kern HC5 Portable USB DAC Review: Flagship Technology, Pocket-Sized Package
Read Time: Approx. 17 min.
More Than an Upgrade: A Complete Reimagining
Continuing the legacy of its highly acclaimed predecessors, the fifth-generation Astell&Kern HC5 Portable USB DAC delivers superior sound quality and performance at the highest level. This isn't just another iteration–it's a complete reimagining of what a USB DAC Cable can achieve. At $489, the HC5 takes technology previously used in Astell&Kern's flagship DAPs, including the SP4000, and translates it into a small, pocket-sized DAC/Amp combo.
The HC5 stands out as Astell&Kern's most advanced USB DAC yet. Where previous HC models focused on straightforward functionality, the HC5 introduces flagship-grade components that were unthinkable in this form factor just years ago: the AK4499EX DAC chip, a revolutionary 1.62-inch OLED display, a precision 150-step volume wheel, and DAR technology that upsamples your music in real-time.
Whether you're an audiophile looking for a smaller, simpler alternative to a DAP or making the first step in your hi-fi journey, the AK HC5 proves that listening to high-resolution music is no longer confined to the four walls of your living room.
PROS
- Flagship DAC Technology at a portable scale
- Natural, musical sound signature with exceptional detail
- First model with a display screen and volume wheel
CONS
- Best suited for IEMs and easy-to-drive headphones
- Users may need to buy a longer cable if too short for their taste/needs
Design
As the fifth iteration of Astell&Kern's HC Portable USB DAC Cable series, the HC5 stands out as the most advanced model yet. Gone are the subtle refinements we've seen in the past, and in walks a complete chassis redesign with several exciting additions. Up to this point, Astell&Kern's previous HC models (PEE-51, HC2, HC3, and HC4) were basic and straight to the point. They featured a physical volume button, one or two headphone jacks, and that's about it. The HC5 is the largest and heaviest model yet at 46g, but that makes sense given all the additional components it houses.
The most exciting integration that separates the HC5 from previous models (physically) is both the display screen and the volume control knob. You don't realize how much of a luxury a display screen is–even one as small as this one–until you have one on a device that never had one before. The 1.62-inch OLED display screen provides a quick overview of the HC5's current settings and playback information: Volume level, Digital Audio Remaster status (DAR), USB Audio Class status (UAC), volume control lock, and audio information for the content currently being played.
Alongside the display screen and volume knob, you'll find two headphone jacks at the bottom of the unit–a single-ended 3.5mm and balanced 4.4mm–and a USB-C input for connecting the two included cables (USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to Lightning). Astell&Kern has addressed any potential noise interference by enhancing the cable's design with dual shielding and a fabric jacket.
But the excitement doesn't stop there: the HC5 is the first model in the series to feature a 150-step physical volume control knob! Previous models had to be controlled using either the Astell&Kern app or the source device it was connected to. Having a physical volume wheel is exciting for several reasons: You can adjust the volume from the unit itself, lock the wheel using the physical volume control lock button, and achieve micro-volume adjustments that were harder to achieve beforehand. Personally speaking, I appreciate having a wheel over physical buttons. It's not just aesthetic, but also less likely to be accidentally adjusted when it's in my hand, especially when that lock is enabled.
Alongside the display screen and volume knob, you'll find two headphone jacks at the bottom of the unit–a single-ended 3.5mm and balanced 4.4mm–and a USB-C input for connecting the two included cables (USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to Lightning). Astell&Kern has addressed any potential noise interference by enhancing the cable's design with dual shielding and a fabric jacket.
The HC5 also includes a protective case made by Italian supplier Synt3, adding an extra layer of security that's much appreciated when toting this bad boy around. The caramel-colored case is made of premium polyurethane and features a hole for the volume knob, display screen, and headphone jacks.
The HC5 does not have a built-in battery, so it must be connected to an external power source (smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc.) to work. Don't make the same mistake I did–as if two coffees and a matcha latte weren't indicative enough of my poor sleep the night before, attempting to power on the HC5 without plugging it into a source device was the dead giveaway I needed.
No sooner did I plug the HC5 into the lightning port of my Apple iPhone 13, the unit turned on and illuminated the main screen. Within the settings menu, you can adjust the screen's time limit between 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, or manual, meaning you have to click the settings button to turn the screen off.
I wanted to mention the model of my iPhone because there have been some compatibility concerns online. A few of you are wondering if it works with Apple's latest iPhone the 17, and while I did not have access to test that model, I did find several individuals online who reported it working fine without any issues. There seemed to be no distinction between it being a mini model, pro, or max.
As for how quickly the HC5 drains your source device's battery, I can confidently say it's device-dependent. I started listening at roughly 1:30 with a 35% battery life on my iPhone, and by 2:08 it was at 20%. Mind you, I have an iPhone 13, which is an older model that's already on its way out and barely holds a charge as is, on top of being at less than 50%. At a full charge, my battery life dropped by roughly 15% after an hour of listening, but many online with newer smartphones have said it only depleted their battery by 10%.
Sound
The HC5 inherits that unmistakable Astell&Kern sound signature seen in most of their high-end Digital Audio Players: Natural, refined, and incredibly detailed. Having had the opportunity to A/B test the HC5 against the previous-generation HC4, the improvements were immediately apparent–the HC5 delivers noticeably better resolution, smoother treble extension, and a neutral, slightly warm-leaning tonality that's versatile across all genres.
Using the Campfire Audio Cascara IEMs, I tested the HC5 across various genres, starting with Don Toliver's latest album Octane. At volume levels between 30-50, the bass presence was authoritative, but the overall presentation was quite neutral. It wasn't until I enabled DAR technology that the hip-hop album really opened up and flexed its sonic muscle. That neutral tonality became dynamic and livelier, especially in the midrange. The low-end hit a little harder and the volume increased a bit.
Switching to pop, Michael Jackson's track Billie Jean presented itself with musicality and accuracy. The HC5 maintained clarity and separation across the frequency spectrum. The HC5 delivers an honest, reference-level sound quality that doesn't artificially boost or color the sound quality.
Billie Jean
By Michael Jackson
(Thriller)
Scorsese Baby Daddy
By SZA
(SOS Deluxe: LANA)
E85
By Don Toliver
(Octane)
Revolving Door
By Tate McRae
(So Close to What)
Features
- AK4191EQ + AK4499EX
- Constant High Driving, DAR (Digital Audio Remaster) Support
- 1.62" OLED Display
- 150-step Volume Control
- Dual Noise-Shielded Cable
- Roon Tested (Certification in progress)
So here's why the Astell&Kern HC5 is the most advanced model yet and why the HC5 features set it apart from the competition. The HC5 is the first portable DAC model to feature the AK4499EX DAC–a chip that was previously only used in AK's flagship DAPs like the SP4000. This, combined with the AK4191EQ digital processor, works to minimize noise and reproduce those fine details we're all chasing after.
It's also the first to feature six DAC filters, something traditionally reserved for DAPs and desktop components. Why does this matter? Well, you get to adjust the sound quality to your preferences and match individual songs. Choose between a natural tone, an acoustic tone, a traditional tone, a harmonic sound, an acoustic sound, or a traditional sound. You also get that DAR technology again. When enabled, Digital Audio Remaster upsamples the incoming audio's sample rate to achieve a playback quality higher than the original data. You'll get a more detailed and dynamic sound quality that's natural and lifelike.
When I enabled DAR and chose PCM, I noticed I didn't need the volume level as loud as it was before, and Don Toliver's tracks sounded livelier in the midrange. I also tested DSD which was equally as impressive. For hip-hop and high-energy tracks, it made a noticeable difference. And for those looking to use the HC5 for gaming, it still supports UAC 1.0 and 2.0, so you can connect it to your PlayStation console and Nintendo Switch.
Amplification & Power
When it comes to amplification and playback, the HC5 supports up to DSD512 playback and a PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz. The dedicated amplifier circuit uses a Power Supply Rejection Ratio and Common Mode Rejection Ratio in a horizontal OPAMP layout to deliver a pure, clean sound quality regardless of the connected device. That layout combined with the high-driving mode technology perfected in the SP4000, allows the HC5 to deliver rich density, deep spaciousness, and powerful energy to your ears.
As for the output power, it remains the same as the previous-generation model: 2.5 Vrms via the 3.5mm jack and 5 Vrms via the 4.4mm jack. This is not the device that's going to drive your HiFiMan SUSVARA or others with ridiculous demands, but it is going to be perfect for IEMs and headphones like the Meze Audio 105 AER or HiFiMan Arya Organic.
How to Navigate the HC5's Display Screen:
As for navigating that main menu screen, it takes a little practice at first, but Astell&Kern doesn't lead you blindly without a key. In the manual, you'll find detailed instructions on how to navigate the main menu and settings menu. Short-press the settings button to turn the screen on and off. To lock and unlock the volume control knob, quickly double-click the button. To enter the settings menu, where you can adjust each feature, long-press the button holding it down for about 3 seconds.
Within the settings menu, you can customize the following settings: DAR, DAC Filter, UAC, Screen time, and screen rotation. Once you enter the settings menu, short-press the button once to cycle through the options, and long-press the button to make a selection. A short-press will cycle through the options under each feature, and once you've confirmed that selection, you don't need to press anything. Within 5 seconds, the HC5 will confirm that selection for you and return to the main menu. Say you accidentally clicked the wrong feature in the settings menu, no worries just double-click quickly and you'll be sent back to the previous screen.
Dragon Cables
Now, if you're the kind of audiophile who can't stand using short cables and you need more length without compromising on performance and signal transfer quality, this is where our Dragon USB Cables come in. Choose between our Silver Dragon USB Cable or Black Dragon USB Cable depending on your budget.
These USB cables are designed specifically for listeners who refuse to let the cable become the bottleneck between their source device and the HC5. You're already investing in high-quality audio—why compromise on the connection that makes it all possible? Just saying.
Verdict
At $489, the Astell&Kern HC5 proves that the size of a component no longer determines its ability to perform well. You're getting flagship-level sound quality in a device that fits in your pocket and works with everything you already own. What more could you ask for? Buyers who want to experience Astell&Kern's flagship audio hardware can finally do so without having to drop many thousands on their top-tier DAPs.
What makes the HC5 special isn't any single feature; it's the culmination of a flagship-level AK4499EX DAC chip, advanced amplifier and processing power, and a complete physical redesign. For audiophiles who refuse to compromise on sound quality but demand portability, the HC5 represents the new benchmark.
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What's in the Box
- Astell&Kern HC5 Portable USB DAC
- Premium Polyurethane Protective Case (Synt3 material)
- USB-C to USB-C Cable
- USB-C to Lightning Cable
- Manual
- Warranty Card
Specifications
Body Color: Satin Silver
Body Material: Aluminum
DAC: AKM AK4191EQ + AK4499EX
Sample Rate: PCM : 8kHz ~ 768kHz (8/16/24/32bits per Sample)
DSD Native: DSD64(1bit 2.8MHz), Stereo / DSD128(1bit 5.6MHz), Stereo / DSD256(1bit 11.2MHz), Stereo / DSD512(1bit 22.4MHz) Stereo
Output Level: Unbalanced 2.5Vrms / Balanced 5Vrms (Condition No Load)
Input: USB Type-C (Supports UAC 2.0 and UAC 1.0)
Output: 3.5mm (Unbalanced), 4.4mm (Balanced, Only 5-pole supported)
Dimensions: 32mm[W] x 64.3mm[H] x 16mm[D] (1.26" x 2.5" x 0.6")
Weight: About 1.62oz (46g)
Frequency Response: ±0.006dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz) Unbalanced, Balanced │ ±0.06dB (Condition : 20Hz~70kHz) Unbalanced, Balanced
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 121dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced │ 125dB @ 1kHz, Balanced
Crosstalk: -139dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced │ -141dB @ 1kHz, Balanced
THD+N: 0.0005% @ 1kHz, Unbalanced │ 0.0004% @ 1kHz, Balanced
IMD SMPTE: 0.0006% 800Hz 10kHz (4:1) Unbalanced │ 0.0005% 800Hz 10kHz (4:1) Balanced
Output Impedance: Unbalanced Out 3.5mm (0.5 ohm) | Balanced Out 4.4mm (1.1 ohm)
