Astell&Kern HC5 Flagship-Grade USB DAC Cable

HC5 Flagship-Grade USB DAC Cable, by Astell&Kern.

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, HC5 delivers flawless sound performance unmatched by any other USB DAC.

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, DAP–level sound quality through a USB DAC cable.

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.

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.

Features

• AK4191EQ + AK4499EX
• Constant High Driving, DAR (Digital Audio Remaster) Support
• 1.62-inch OLED Display
• 150-step Volume Control
• Dual Noise-Shielded Cable
• Roon Tested (Certification in progress)

Specifications

• Model: AK HC5
• Body Colour: Satin Silver
• Body Material: Aluminium
• DAC: AKM AK4191EQ + AK4499EX
• Sample Rates: 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 2.5 Vrms / Balanced 5 Vrms (Condition No Load)
• Input: USB Type-C (Supports UAC 2.0 and UAC 1.0)
• Output: 3.5 mm (Unbalanced), 4.4 mm (Balanced, Only 5-pole supported)
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 32 x 64.3 x 16 mm
• Weight: 46 g

Included

• 1 x HC5
• 2 x USB Cables (USB-C - USB C / USB-C - Lightning)
• 1 x Protective Case
• 1 x Documentation

More Information

• HC5 USB DAC Cable, by Astell&Kern