AK HC5 DAC & AMP

Compact Form. Complete Perfection.
 
  • Flagship DAC Architecture – First USB DAC cable featuring AK4191EQ + AK4499EX, delivering true flagship-grade sound with exceptional detail and realism.
  • High Driving Mode Power – Advanced amplifier design provides rich dynamics, wide soundstage, and powerful output from a compact USB DAC cable.
  • Digital Audio Remaster (DAR) – Upsamples audio to PCM 384kHz or DSD256 for more lifelike playback with enhanced clarity and depth.
  • Ultra-Clean Signal Design – Dual noise-shielded cable and dedicated low-noise amplifier ensure pure, interference-free sound from any connected device.
  • Precision Control & Display – 150-step volume wheel and 1.62” OLED screen deliver precise adjustment and clear playback information at a glance.
  • Premium Build & Compatibility – Satin silver aluminium body with included Synt3 protective case, plus USB-C UAC 2.0/1.0 support for phones, computers, and consoles.
Sale price£399.00

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Compact Form. Complete Perfection.

 

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

 

Compact Body, Ultimate Performance

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.

Noise Suppression Design

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.

Dual Noise Shielded Cable


To minimize noise and deliver clean, lifelike sound, the AK HC5 features a Dual Noise-Shielded Cable design. Tin-plated copper conductors resist corrosion while enhancing durability, with individual TPE insulation to reduce signal interference.

An aluminum film shield and additional tinned copper braided shield effectively suppress electromagnetic noise, ensuring exceptional signal purity. The outer fabric jacket enhances durability and flexibility while adding a refined, premium finish.

Precision You Can See and Feel

The 150-step volume wheel, using the same encoder system found in Astell&Kern players, allows for precise and fine-tuned volume adjustment. A 1.62-inch OLED display provides a quick overview of current settings and playback information, transforming every touch and adjustment into a seamless and intuitive experience.

Perfected with DAR

DAR (Digital Audio Remaster) technology upsamples the input digital audio’s sample rate using a high-precision algorithm, delivering playback quality that surpasses the limits of the original data. This results in more detailed expression and an expanded dynamic range, reproducing natural, lifelike sound that’s closer to the original recording.

Perfected with DAR

DAR (Digital Audio Remaster) technology upsamples the input digital audio’s sample rate using a high-precision algorithm, delivering playback quality that surpasses the limits of the original data. This results in more detailed expression and an expanded dynamic range, reproducing natural, lifelike sound that’s closer to the original recording.

Wide Compatibility

Supporting both UAC 2.0 and 1.0, the AK HC5 ensures perfect compatibility with a wide range of devices.
With UAC 1.0 mode, it can be directly connected to gaming consoles such as PlayStation and Nintendo Switch, delivering dynamic, immersive sound for gaming. From music listening to gaming, the AK HC5 provides high-resolution sound in any situation.

Beyond Protection

More than just protection, the case enhances the design and presence of the AK HC5 even when covered. Made with a premium polyurethane material from Synt3, an Italian specialist manufacturer, the case provides perfect protection while delivering a soft, refined texture that feels both luxurious and comfortable to the touch.

   

Included in the box

 
  • 1x Astell&Kern HC5 DAC & AMP
  • 1x USB-C to Lightning Cable
  • 1x USB-C to USB-C
  • 1x Synt3 Protective Case
  • 1x Quick start guide
  • 1x Warrranty Card
whats in the box
General Specifications
DAC
AKM AK4191EQ + AK4499EX
Bit / Sample rate
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 2.5Vrms / Balanced 5Vrms (Condition No Load)
Input
USB Type-C (Supports UAC 1.0 and UAC 2.0)
Output
3.5mm (Unbalanced), 4.4mm (Balanced, Only 5-pole supported)
Screen
1.62" OLED Display
Material
Aluminum
Weight
About 46g
Dimensions(WHD)
32mm[W] x 64.3mm[H] x 16mm[D]
Audio Performance
Frequency Response
±0.006dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz) Unbalanced, Balanced │ ±0.06dB (Condition : 20Hz~70kHz) Unbalanced, Balanced
Signal to Noise Ratio
121dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced │ 125dB @ 1kHz, Balanced
Crosstalk
-139dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced │ -141dB @ 1kHz, Balanced
THD+N
0.0005% @ 1kHz, Unbalanced │ 0.0004% @ 1kHz, Balanced
IMD SMPTE
0.0006% 800Hz 10kHz (4:1) Unbalanced │ 0.0005% 800Hz 10kHz (4:1) Balanced
Output Impedance
Unbalanced Out 3.5mm (0.5ohm) │ Balanced Out 4.4mm(1.1ohm)