{"product_id":"astell-kern-ak-hc5","title":"Astell\u0026Kern AK HC5","description":"\u003ch3\u003eAstell\u0026amp;Kern AK HC5 – Flagship-Grade Portable USB DAC\/Amp with AK4499EX\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Astell\u0026amp;Kern AK HC5 brings the company’s flagship DAC architecture into an ultra-compact USB DAC\/amp. Featuring the AK4191EQ processor paired with the flagship AK4499EX DAC, the HC5 delivers desktop-class resolution, exceptional driving power and remarkably low noise in a pocketable form. With 3.5 mm single-ended and 4.4 mm balanced outputs, DAR upsampling and advanced noise-suppression technology, it brings premium A\u0026amp;K sound to any device — available at Soundium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlagship AKM DAC system:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dual-stage AK4191EQ + AK4499EX architecture separates digital and analog processing for cleaner, more detailed sound.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHigh Driving Mode:\u003c\/strong\u003e Borrowed from A\u0026amp;K’s SP4000, the HC5’s optimized amp stage delivers powerful, controlled output far beyond typical USB dongles.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDAR upsampling:\u003c\/strong\u003e Digital Audio Remaster technology increases sample rate for more refined detail, broader dynamics and a lifelike, natural presentation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDual noise-shielded cable:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tinned-copper conductors and a braided outer shield minimize interference for consistent, low-noise playback.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExtensive compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e UAC 1.0 and 2.0 support ensures smooth use with mobile devices, computers and even gaming consoles like PlayStation and Nintendo Switch.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBalanced and unbalanced outputs:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3.5 mm SE and 4.4 mm balanced jacks provide clean, powerful output for all headphone types.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCustomer Benefits\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe AK HC5 gives listeners a portable upgrade that rivals full-size DAC\/amps. Its powerful amp section easily drives demanding headphones, while its quiet background and refined tuning make it ideal for IEMs. DAR upsampling enhances detail for high-resolution listening on the go, and universal USB compatibility lets you enjoy premium audio from phones, tablets, laptops or consoles. Compact, durable and beautifully engineered, it elevates everyday listening without adding bulk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eQuick Specs\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDAC:\u003c\/strong\u003e AKM AK4191EQ + AK4499EX\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOutputs:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3.5 mm unbalanced (2.5 Vrms), 4.4 mm balanced (5 Vrms)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSample rates:\u003c\/strong\u003e PCM 8 kHz–768 kHz; DSD64\/128\/256\/512 (native)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSNR:\u003c\/strong\u003e 121 dB SE, 125 dB BAL\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTHD+N:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.0005% SE \/ 0.0004% BAL @ 1 kHz\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCrosstalk:\u003c\/strong\u003e −139 dB SE \/ −141 dB BAL\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOutput impedance:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.5 Ω SE, 1.1 Ω BAL\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3.2 × 6.43 × 1.6 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 46 g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInput:\u003c\/strong\u003e USB-C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eModes:\u003c\/strong\u003e UAC 1.0 \/ UAC 2.0\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat’s in the Box\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAstell\u0026amp;Kern AK HC5 DAC\/amp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUSB-C cable (integrated)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUser documentation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eUse Cases \/ Ideal For\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePerfect for high-resolution listening from mobile devices, laptops and tablets; gaming on consoles via UAC 1.0; powering demanding headphones; and achieving flagship-level sound in a compact portable setup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e✅ Pros:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlagship AK4499EX DAC in portable form\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent driving power and dynamic range\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUltra-low noise and distortion\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDAR upsampling enhances detail and realism\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHighly compatible with mobile, PC and consoles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e⚠️ Cons:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShort cable inherent to dongle-style DACs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHigh performance may reveal flaws in low-quality recordings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDraws power from the host device\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Astell\u0026amp;Kern AK HC5 delivers true flagship-grade digital audio in a pocket-sized DAC\/amp, offering rich power, exquisite detail and advanced noise control for pristine listening anywhere. Available at Soundium.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Astell\u0026Kern","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54587087421708,"sku":"AK-HC5","price":499.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0711\/7416\/0652\/files\/ak-1-hc5-thumb.webp?v=1765188719","url":"https:\/\/soundium.com\/ro\/products\/astell-kern-ak-hc5","provider":"Soundium","version":"1.0","type":"link"}