Astell&Kern AK HC2

Portable audio DAC

The AK HC2 from Astell&Kern is a portable audio DAC with two built-in CS43198 DACs that let you fully enjoy the nuances and rich tones of your music. With headphone jacks disappearing from smartphones, using high-quality wired earphones is becoming increasingly difficult. People are also aware of the limitations of wireless transmission and the resulting slow response times.

The HC2 is Astell&Kern’s second model to offer specialized USB DAC functionality, developed to solve the problem of the disappearing headphone jacks on smartphones. While retaining the advantages of the first model, the HC1 (PEE51), the HC2 offers additional features so more people can enjoy true hi-fi sound. By discovering and appreciating Astell&Kern’s sincerity and musical philosophy, the AK HC2 delivers a hi-fi experience as soon as you connect it, no matter what device you use.

Ultra high-resolution sound from dual DACs

The Astell&Kern HC2 dual DAC USB-C cable is equipped with two Cirrus Logic CS43198 MasterHIFI DACs, a DAC level reserved for a select range of high-end products, including the A&norma series, which has been tried, tested, and appreciated by audiophiles. The HC2 natively supports DSD256 and 32-bit / 384 kHz audio files, allowing it to play high-resolution audio and deliver Astell&Kern’s luxurious, superior sound quality.

Easy and convenient: Plug & Play

The HC2 can be connected directly to a Windows PC, Mac, smartphone, or tablet with a plug & play-compatible USB-C port, without requiring a separate conversion adapter, and lets you enjoy high-quality sound. Since the HC2 is powered by the connected playback device, it does not need to be charged or connected to a separate external sound card, AMP, or DAC. Simply plug in the HC2 to enjoy 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.

Double-shielded cable

The HC2 cable is double-shielded to reduce noise and improve the clarity of the original sound. The central copper wire is tinned to prevent corrosion and increase tensile strength, which improves the cable’s durability. In addition, the cable is wrapped in an aluminum film that blocks interference noise, as noise is one of the most critical issues in audio quality. The tinned copper wire is also braided to minimize interference noise and deliver an optimal listening experience.

• Highlights
  • Supports 4.4 mm balanced output
  • Powerful 4 Vrms output
  • Equipped with dual CS43198 DACs for true hi-fi sound
  • Double-shielded cable
  • Refined full aluminum body
  • Compatible with iOS and Android devices
  • Optional Android app (for detailed volume control)

Technical specifications

Audio performance

• Frequency response
  • ±0.011 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz, balanced)
  • ±0.145 dB (20 Hz – 70 kHz, balanced)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 122 dB @ 1 kHz (balanced)
• THD+N: 0.0004% @ 1 kHz (balanced)
• SMPTE intermodulation distortion: 0.0003% (800 Hz / 10 kHz, 4:1)
• Output impedance: 1.5 Ω (4.4 mm)
• Output voltage: 4 Vrms (no load)

Supported audio formats

• PCM: up to 32-bit / 384 kHz
• Native DSD
  • DSD64 (2.8 MHz)
  • DSD128 (5.6 MHz)
  • DSD256 (11.2 MHz)

Connectivity

• Input: USB-C
  • Compatible with Windows 10 / 11, Android, iOS, macOS
• Output: 4.4 mm balanced headphone

Physical specifications

• Model: AK HC2
• Chassis material: aluminum
• Color: Dark Silver
• Dimensions
  • USB connector: 12 × 21 × 6.5 mm
  • 4.4 mm headphone output module: 22.8 × 60 × 12.1 mm
• Weight: approximately 29 g

Box contents

• 1 × AK HC2 Dual DAC Cable
• 1 × Lightning adapter
• 1 × quick start guide