Astell&Kern AK-HC3

Portable DAC audio

The Astell & Kern AK HC3 is a DAC audio and headphone preamp specially designed for high-fidelity enthusiasts. It is equipped with two SABRE HiFi DAC chips from ESS, the ES9219MQ, which are widely appreciated by music lovers for their ability to deliver superior quality Hi-Fi sound, especially the MQA format. Moreover, this device offers excellent noise control and low power consumption.

Double shielded cable

The cable of the Astell & Kern AK HC3 has been designed to minimize noise and improve sound quality. It is equipped with a double shielding that reduces sound interference and provides a clearer and more vivid sound. The central copper wire has been coated with tin to prevent corrosion and increase tensile strength, thus ensuring increased durability. The cable is fully wrapped in an aluminum film to block out noise, which is often the main obstacle to a quality audio experience. The tinned copper wire is also woven in a way that minimizes sound interference and ensures optimal sound quality.

MQA 8X ultra-high resolution playback

AK HC3 is equipped with a rendering engine that supports ultra-high quality MQA 8X playback, ensuring sound closer to the original recording. MQA is a high-quality audio format that requires an external DAC or compatible playback devices to fully enjoy. If you want to appreciate the exceptional quality of MQA anytime, then AK HC3 is the ideal choice. Simply connect your mobile device to AK HC3 to play all MQA sources up to MQA 8X. Moreover, thanks to AK HC3 and MQA-compatible devices, everyone can now access MQA’s ultra-high audio quality via a proprietary app with network playback and streaming features.

Easy and convenient

With the AK HC3, enjoy high-quality sound by connecting directly to your Windows PC, Mac, smartphone or tablet with a USB-C port that supports plug & play, without needing a separate conversion adapter. Plus, the AK HC3 uses power from the connected playback device, meaning it doesn’t need to be charged or connected to a separate external sound card.

Simply connect the AK HC3 to enjoy high-fidelity sound from your computer or mobile device. The AK HC3 is also compatible with iOS devices using the included USB-C to Lightning adapter.

Technical Specifications

Audio Components

• Dual ESS9219MQ high-fidelity digital-to-analog converter (DAC)
• Double-shielded cable
• LED display for playback information

Audio Performance

• Frequency response:
  • ± 0.013 dB (20 Hz - 20 kHz)
  • ± 0.020 dB (20 Hz - 70 kHz)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 118 dB at 1 kHz
• Crosstalk: -130 dB at 1 kHz
• Total harmonic distortion + noise (THD+N): 0.0005% at 1 kHz
• SMPTE intermodulation distortion: 0.0002%, 800 Hz / 10 kHz (4:1)
• Output impedance: 2 Ω
• Output voltage: 2 Vrms (no load)

Supported Formats

• Pulse-code modulation (PCM) up to 32-bit / 384 kHz
• Bit-perfect playback 32-bit / 384 kHz
• MQA 8X
• Native DSD:
  • DSD64 (1-bit 2.8 MHz), stereo
  • DSD128 (1-bit 5.6 MHz), stereo
  • DSD256 (1-bit 11.2 MHz), stereo

Connectivity and Compatibility

• USB Type-C input
• 3.5 mm mini-jack output
• Compatible with headset microphones
• Compatible with iOS devices (USB-C to Lightning adapter included)
• Dedicated Android app for volume control

Physical Characteristics

• All-metal casing
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 12.5 × 21 × 8.7 mm
• Weight: 20 g