Astell & Kern
Expected Jan 30, 2026
Astell & Kern's HC5 Portable USB DAC
$489.00 USDFeatures
Octa-Core DAC Configuration – Quad AK4191EQ processors paired with quad AK4499EX DACs for precise digital-to-analog signal separation
High Driving Mode – Horizontal OPAMP parallel configuration delivers exceptional driving power in a compact form factor
Dual Noise-Shielded Cable – Tin-plated copper conductors with aluminum film shield and tinned copper braided shield for maximum signal purity
DAR (Digital Audio Remaster) – Upsamples audio to PCM 384kHz or DSD256 for enhanced detail and expanded dynamic range
Six DAC Filter Options – Customize sound character from natural tones to dynamic soundwaves to match your music preference
1.62" OLED Display – Clear visual feedback for settings and playback information with an intuitive interface
150-Step Volume Control – Precision encoder system for fine-tuned volume adjustment
Wide Device Compatibility – UAC 2.0 & 1.0 dual support for smartphones, tablets, PCs, and gaming consoles
Roon Tested Certification – Profiled for seamless integration with the Roon ecosystem (certification in progress)
What's in the Box?
Warranty
AK HC5
Compact Form. Complete Perfection.
Created to achieve perfect sound, AK HC5 sets a new standard for USB DAC cables. The AK HC5 embodies Astell&Kern’s audio philosophy and precise engineering in a compact form, delivering a level of perfection beyond its predecessors. Equipped with a flagship-grade DAC and optimized power control, it delivers flawless sound performance unmatched by any other USB DAC.
The First USB DAC Cable with AK4499EX
For the first time in a USB DAC cable, the AK4499EX DAC— previously only used in flagship DAPs—delivers top-tier sound performance.
The combination of the AK4191EQ digital processor and AK4499EX DAC perfectly separates and processes digital and analog signals, minimizing noise interference and reproducing even the finest details with precision. Experience premium, digital-audio-player-level sound quality through a USB DAC cable.
Compact Body, Ultimate Performance
The High Driving Mode technology perfected in the SP4000 now powers the AK HC5, achieving exceptional sound performance in a remarkably compact form. A horizontal OPAMP layout delivers driving power on a completely different level from typical portable USB DACs. Rich density, deep spaciousness, and powerful energy — experience flagship-grade sound from a compact size.
Noise Suppression Design for Pure, Clean Sound
Due to the nature of USB DAC cables that receive power from external devices, minimizing sound degradation caused by incoming noise is essential.
The AK HC5 features a dedicated amplifier with excellent PSRR (Power Supply Rejection Ratio) / CMRR (Common Mode Rejection Ratio) noise-suppression performance, delivering pure and clean sound no matter what device it is connected to.
Dual Noise Shielded Cable
To minimize noise and deliver clean, lifelike original sound even over wired connections, a Dual Noise-Shielded Cable design was adopted. The internal conductors are made of tin-plated copper wire to prevent corrosion and oxidation, while their high tensile strength enhances durability. Each conductor is individually insulated with TPE to minimize signal interference, and an aluminum film shield provides the first layer of protection against external electromagnetic noise. An additional tinned copper braided shield further suppresses any remaining noise, ensuring exceptional signal purity. The outer fabric jacket not only enhances durability and flexibility but also adds a refined, premium appearance.
Precision You Can See and Feel
The 150-step volume wheel, using the same encoder system found in Astell&Kern players, allows for precise and fine-tuned volume adjustment. A 1.62-inch OLED display provides a quick overview of current settings and playback information, transforming every touch and adjustment into a seamless and intuitive experience.
Vivid Sound Perfected with DAR
DAR (Digital Audio Remaster) technology upsamples the input digital audio’s sample rate using a high-precision algorithm, delivering playback quality that surpasses the limits of the original data. This results in more detailed expression and an expanded dynamic range, reproducing natural, lifelike sound that’s closer to the original recording.
DAR option:
DSD
Maximum Conversion Rate:
- 44.1kHz range PCM will be converted to 352.8kHz for playback
- 48kHz range PCM will be converted to 384kHz for playback
- No conversion will be made when playing DSD with this option selected
PCM
- PCM files lower than 96kHz will be converted to DSD128 for playback
- PCM files over 96kHz will be converted to DSD256 for playback
- DSD files below DSD256 will be converted DSD256 for playback with this option selected
* The DAR function can be turned On/Off, allowing users to choose based on the playback source and personal preference.
* Supports conversion playback up to PCM 384kHz / DSD256, automatically adjusting to the sample rate that matches the source audio.
Sound Type
Impulse Response
Filter Name
Remarks
Edge
No echo reproduces natural sound
Ultra-Sharp
Minimal echo reproduces original sound
Sharp
Minimal echo reproduces
original sound
Middle
Short echo reproduces original sound
Middle
Post echo enhances bass sound
Sharp
Pre and post echoes make powerful sound
Slow
Wide Compatibility, UAC 2.0 & 1.0 Dual Support
Supporting both UAC 2.0 and 1.0, the AK HC5 ensures perfect compatibility with a wide range of devices.
With UAC 1.0 mode, it can be directly connected to gaming consoles such as PlayStation and Nintendo Switch, delivering dynamic, immersive sound for gaming. From music listening to gaming, the AK HC5 provides high-resolution sound in any situation.
Beyond Protection
More than just protection, the case enhances the design and presence of the AK HC5 even when covered. Made with a premium polyurethane material from Synt3, an Italian specialist manufacturer, the case provides perfect protection while delivering a soft, refined texture that feels both luxurious and comfortable to the touch.
Notes for Product Use:
Compatibility
Compatible with most Android and iOS smartphones/tablets, as well as Windows 10/11 and macOS. Compatibility may vary depending on the connected device’s hardware, software, and system limitations.
Driver Installation (Windows)
When connected to a Windows PC, the driver will install automatically. For high-resolution audio playback, please install the dedicated USB DAC driver available under Support -> Download on our website.
Earphone/Headphone Standards
Supports CTIA-standard 4-pole earphones/headphones. OMTP standard is not supported.
High-Resolution Playback (Smartphones)
For DSD and high-resolution PCM playback on smartphones, a separate playback app (free or paid) must be installed. Using the default player will cause downsampling, so use a dedicated playback app for full-quality sound.
Hearing Protection Notice
Before connecting earphones or headphones, always check the volume level. Depending on the connected device, the output may automatically default to maximum volume upon initial connection—please verify volume before use. When connecting to an Astell&Kern player, the output volume will be fixed at maximum and cannot be adjusted from the player. Listening at maximum volume may cause serious hearing damage. Astell&Kern is not responsible for any injury or damage resulting from improper or careless use.
Firmware Updates
Firmware updates may be released to improve system stability. For details, please refer to Support -> Download on our website. (Astell&Kern)
Roon Tested devices
Roon plays to thousands of USB, Airplay, and Chromecast devices,
but Roon Tested devices are profiled by the Roon team to ensure simple setup and effortless daily use.
If you own a Roon Tested device or are thinking about buying one,
you can have the confidence that you will enjoy the best possible experience of it.
DESIGN
‘Solid Flow - The Harmony of Solidity and Flexibility’
The design concept of the AK HC5 is “Solid Flow.” “Solid” represents Astell&Kern’s unwavering commitment to powerful, high-fidelity sound performance, while “Flow” embodies the elegant curves and smooth usability that enhance everyday convenience.
By merging these two contrasting ideals, the AK HC5 expresses Astell&Kern’s harmony of strength and fluidity, a design that feels both dynamic and refined when held in the hand.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Physical Specifications | |
| Model | AK HC5 |
| Body Color | Satin Silver |
| Body Material | Aluminum |
| Dimensions | 32mm [W] × 64.3mm [H] × 16mm [D] |
| Weight | About 1.62oz (46g) |
| Technical Specifications | |
| DAC Chipset | 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) |
| Output Impedance | Unbalanced Out 3.5mm: 0.5 ohms Balanced Out 4.4mm: 1.1 ohms |
| Audio Specifications | |
| Frequency Response | ±0.006dB (20Hz ~ 20kHz) Unbalanced, Balanced ±0.06dB (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 |
| Connectivity Specifications | |
| Input | USB Type-C (Supports UAC 2.0 and UAC 1.0) |
| Output | 3.5mm (Unbalanced), 4.4mm (Balanced, Only 5-pole supported) |