Astell&Kern AK HC3 USB Dual DAC Amplifier Cable
Key Features
- Supports MQA 8X high-resolution playback
- Android app for improved volume control
- Dual DAC with low power consumption and low noise
- Dual-shielded cable minimises noise and maximises durability
- Lightweight and Roon Tested for convenience
Astell&Kern AK HC3 USB Dual DAC Amplifier Cable Overview
The Astell & Kern AK HC3 USB Dual DAC Amplifier Cable is lightweight and portable; an ideal accessory for your earphones or headsets while working or on the go. Simply plug into your PC, Mac, tablet, or smartphone with the USB-C port, or add the USB-C to Lightning adapter for use with an iOS device. Instantly enjoy high-fidelity sound whether listening to music or gaming on the go. With a microphone input unlock voice chat functionality for making and receiving calls.
Product Ref: 250936
Full Description
View Full DescriptionDual Noise Shielded Cable
The all-important cable is designed with dual shielding—a layer of aluminium film followed by braided tin-coated copper—for minimal noise interference. The addition of a tin coating on one layer helps to protect the cable from corrosion while adding tensile strength and durability. Noise is one of the biggest issues in audio transmission so, for good measure, an additional layer of aluminium film covers and protects the wires.
Dual DACs
Within the AK HC3, dual ES9219MQ Sabre Hi-Fi DACs from ESS grant excellent sound quality with low power consumption and noise. These DACs are respected by audio fans for their ability to play Hi-Fi sound formats including MQA. As well as supporting MQA and providing generally great quality, these DACs support Native DSD256 and 32-bit/384 kHz for high-speed signal transfer.
Android App
To reduce volume variance between connected devices, as well as for your added convenience, Astell and Kern has created a dedicated Android app. Available for Android OS devices, this companion app lets you better control volume from your connected device via the USB DAC.
Microphone Support
The AK HC3 has been extended for compatibility with 3- or 4-pole 3.5mm jack earphones and headphones. This also includes support for the built-in controller and microphone of 4-pole products. Through the low-latency USB connection and microphone input, hear and speak to your friends while gaming on a portable device or taking professional conference calls for work.
MQA 8X Playback
Play MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) 8X in ultra-high resolution with the AK HC3’s built-in source support renderer and DAC. Enjoy the high-quality MQA format whenever you want with the AK HC3 and your portable device on hand. Use the AK HC3 as a hardware MQA renderer on any device with support for MQA unfolding to hear sound at its recorded quality.
Features
- Support for MQA 8X high-quality audio format gives true-to-recording sound
- Dual-shielded cable ensures noise interference is minimised and cable durability is maximised
- Detailed volume control via a dedicated Android app
- Compatible with iOS devices for use across your collection of devices
- Dual DAC from ESS ensures the high-fidelity sound quality
- Microphone input unlocks speech functionality for online gaming or conference calls on the go
- Roon Tested for your product confidence
- LED status indicator with four colour modes
Specifications
Dimensions
| USB plug (W x H x D) | 12.5 x 21 x 8.7 mm |
|---|---|
| 3.5 mm headphone (W x H x D) | 18.2 x 59 x 11.5 mm |
| Weight | about 20g |
General
| DAC | ES9219MQ x2 (Dual-DAC) |
|---|---|
| Sample rate | PCM: Support up to 32bit/384kHzDSD 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 | 3.5mm (CTIA standard 4-pole supported) |
| LED | Standby : White / PCM : Red / DSD : Blue / MQA: Magenta |
Audio Performance
| Frequency response | ±0.013dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz)±0.020dB (Condition : 20Hz~70kHz) |
|---|---|
| Signal to noise ration | 118dB @ 1kHz |
| Crosstalk | -130dB @ 1kHz |
| THD+N | 0.0005% @ 1kHz |
| IMD SMPTE | 0.0002%, 800Hz 10kHz (4:1) |
| Output impedance | 2 ohm |
| Output power or voltage | 2 Vrms (condition no load) |
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