Astell&Kern
Astell&Kern AK HC4 Portable DAC and Amp
Best portable DAC for audiophiles seeking high-fidelity sound on the go.
The Astell&Kern AK HC4 is a portable USB DAC that delivers high-fidelity audio to your smartphones and PCs. It features an AKM AK4493S DAC chip for exceptional clarity and detail, along with Digital Audio Remaster (DAR) technology for enhanced sound reproduction. The HC4 offers both 3.5mm unbalanced and 4.4mm balanced headphone outputs, providing versatility for various headphones and IEMs. It supports UAC1.0 for gaming systems and includes interchangeable USB-C and Lightning cables for broad compatibility. Its compact design and noise-reducing structure ensure a premium listening experience on the go.
$239.00
More AK HC Options
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
388
/ 733
#388 in Headphone Amplifiers
Price vs Category Average
-83%
Below average
Model
4
/ AK HC
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking high-fidelity sound from their mobile devices
- Listeners using a variety of balanced and unbalanced headphones
- Users needing extra power for demanding headphone setups
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for entry-level portable audio
- Commuters relying on long smartphone battery life
- Users sensitive to hardware warmth during long listening sessions
Performance breakdown
Audio Fidelity
The AKM chip delivers exceptional clarity and nuanced high-resolution sound reproduction.
Output Versatility
Dual 3.5mm and 4.4mm outputs accommodate a wide range of premium headphones.
Platform Compatibility
Seamlessly connects across mobile, desktop, and gaming systems with ease.
Build Quality
Aluminum construction offers a premium feel in a compact, durable frame.
Portability
Lightweight design makes high-fidelity audio effortless to carry anywhere.
Signal Integrity
Noise-reducing structure ensures a clean, interference-free listening experience.
Key Specs
Model
AK HC4
Body Color
Moon Silver
Body Material
Aluminum
Dimensions
29.5mm x 64.5mm x 14.5mm
Weight
31g
DAC
AKM AK4493S
Sample Rate
PCM up to 384kHz, DSD up to DSD256
Output Impedance
3.5mm: 0.9Ω / 4.4mm: 1.6Ω
Features
- Dual 3.5mm and 4.4mm headphone outputs
- AKM AK4493S DAC for high-resolution audio
- Digital Audio Remaster (DAR) technology
- Supports iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS
- Interchangeable USB-C and Lightning cables
- Roon Tested for seamless integration
- Noise-free rear output structure
- Discrete amplifier circuit
- Portable and lightweight design
What customers say
Customers highly regard the Astell&Kern AK HC4 as a premium portable DAC/Amp upgrade, focusing primarily on its exceptional sound fidelity. Reviewers consistently praise the clean, detailed, and expansive soundstage, noting the signature A&K warmth balanced with analytical precision. The dual DAC implementation provides excellent resolution and dynamic range, revealing subtle musical nuances. Build quality aligns with Astell&Kern's premium reputation. A standout feature is the dedicated hardware volume wheel, offering superior control. While its robust output power effectively drives demanding headphones, the high price point is the main consideration regarding overall value. For dedicated audiophiles seeking reference-grade portable performance, the HC4 delivers a truly top-tier experience.
Know before you buy
Yes. The device includes interchangeable USB-C and Lightning cables, making it compatible with modern iPhones, Android smartphones, Windows PCs, and macOS devices.
DAR technology upsamples the source audio to a higher sample rate, which helps reveal more detail and texture in your music, particularly with lower-resolution files.
No, the AK HC4 is designed to output audio to one headphone connection at a time. You should choose the output that matches your headphone cable termination.
Yes, the AK HC4 supports UAC1.0 mode, which allows it to connect seamlessly to gaming systems like the PlayStation or Nintendo Switch for improved audio performance.
No, the AK HC4 is a bus-powered device, meaning it draws all the necessary power directly from your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
The rear output structure is engineered to minimize electrical interference and noise, ensuring a cleaner signal path that results in a lower noise floor and better clarity for your headphones.
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