Astell&Kern AK HC2

High-resolution sound on streaming services allows you to fully appreciate the rich tones and emotional nuance of your music.

However, as headphone ports disappear on smartphones, it makes it increasingly difficult to use wired earphones that deliver high quality sound, and people experience the limitations of wireless transmission and slow response speeds. Music lovers who wish to enjoy true high-quality Hi-Fi sound rather than what is currently being delivered by smartphone wireless standards and computers’ built-in sound cards are becoming deeply concerned.

Supports 4.4mm Balanced OutputPowerful 4Vrms OutputEquipped With CS43198 Dual DAC for True Hi-Fi SoundDual Shielded CableFull Aluminum Refined MaterialCompatible With iOS and Android DevicesOptional Android APP (For Detailed Volume Control)

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 sound 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

HC2 uses a 4.4mm balanced output—unlike the previous model that used 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 that may occur with an unbalanced output.

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.

*TRS and TRRS 4.4mm earphones and headphones can all be used, but note that the in-line controller and microphone features of TRRS earphones and headphones are not supported.

Noise-Free Rear Output Structure

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 analog signal by the DAC. By processing the digital signal after, the result is superior, noise-free sound compared to other USB DAC products.

Dual Noise Shielded Cable

The HC2 features a dual shielded cable to minimize noise and deliver 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 aluminum film to block noise, the biggest issue in audio, 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 more greater control over volume and function of the HC2, we have developed a companion app for Android OS devices.

Roon Tested

Roon’s fundamental goal is to provide a consistently stellar user experience. This goal doesn’t stop at the software… the experience extends all the way down to the audio playback hardware, regardless of manufacturer.

As a Roon Tested partner, Astell&Kern has provided equipment to Roon for testing with a variety of different operating systems and computers, and shared information about its design and capabilities.

We have a direct relationship with Roon and in many cases, the Roon support team has our devices on hand, so you can confidently choose to use Astell&Kern hardware with Roon.