Astell&Kern
Astell Kern AK HC3 Dual DAC Amplifier Cable
Best portable DAC for audiophiles seeking high-fidelity mobile sound.
Elevate your mobile listening with the Astell Kern AK HC3, a premium USB DAC amplifier cable designed for audiophiles on the go. This compact yet powerful accessory integrates dual ES9219MQ DAC chips to deliver exceptional Hi-Fi sound, supporting high-resolution formats like 32bit/384kHz PCM and native DSD. Its durable aluminum construction ensures longevity, while the intuitive LED indicator keeps you informed of your audio status. Connect seamlessly via USB Type-C to enjoy superior audio fidelity from your smartphone, tablet, or PC.
$249.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
388
/ 733
#388 in Headphone Amplifiers
Price vs Category Average
-82%
Below average
DAC Chipset
9219
/ Dual ESMQ
Who it's for
- Commuters needing one device for all their hardware
- Audiophiles seeking studio-grade clarity on the go
- Listeners using demanding headphones or sensitive IEMs
Who should skip it
- Casual listeners on a strict budget
- Mobile users concerned about smartphone battery life
- Enthusiasts requiring balanced 4.4mm or 2.5mm connections
Performance breakdown
Audio Fidelity
Dual DAC architecture delivers pristine, high-resolution sound for demanding audiophiles.
Build Quality
Robust aluminum construction offers premium durability for daily mobile use.
Portability
Compact, lightweight design fits effortlessly into any pocket or travel bag.
Device Compatibility
Seamless USB-C connectivity works reliably across smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
Control Interface
Hardware volume buttons provide tactile, intuitive adjustments without touching your device.
Signal Clarity
Impressive signal-to-noise ratio ensures a clean, interference-free listening experience.
Key Specs
DAC Chipset
Dual ES9219MQ
Supported Sample Rate
PCM up to 32bit/384kHz
Native DSD Support
DSD64, DSD128, DSD256
Output Voltage
2Vrms (No Load)
Output Impedance
2 ohm
Signal to Noise Ratio
118dB @ 1kHz
Total Harmonic Distortion
0.0005% @ 1kHz
Body Material
Aluminum
Features
- True Hi-Fi sound quality on the go
- Dual DAC architecture for enhanced performance
- Supports high-resolution PCM and native DSD
- Compact and lightweight portable design
- Durable aluminum body construction
- Intuitive LED indicator for audio status
- Wide compatibility with modern devices
- Hardware volume control buttons
What customers say
Users report the AK HC3 offers a significant audio upgrade with exceptional clarity and power, easily handling demanding headphones. Its premium build and compact, plug and play design make it a convenient solution for mobile devices. While a premium product, the sonic performance is widely considered to provide excellent value for its high end capabilities. This device delivers a noticeable improvement in sound quality, impressing listeners with its robust performance and user friendly setup.
Know before you buy
The AK HC3 features a USB Type-C connection, making it compatible with most modern Android smartphones, tablets, and computers. If you are using an iOS device with a Lightning port, you will need a separate Lightning-to-USB-C adapter.
For most devices, it is plug-and-play. However, if you are using it with a Windows PC to play high-resolution audio files, you may need to download the official Astell&Kern driver to ensure full compatibility.
By using two ES9219MQ DAC chips, the AK HC3 processes audio channels independently. This design reduces noise and crosstalk while providing a wider soundstage and more precise detail compared to standard smartphone headphone jacks.
Yes, the AK HC3 includes physical hardware volume buttons. These allow you to adjust the volume independently of your device's software settings, which can help avoid digital volume degradation.
The AK HC3 provides a 2Vrms output, which is powerful enough to drive most sensitive in-ear monitors and standard consumer headphones. If you are using high-impedance, power-hungry audiophile headphones, you may find that a dedicated desktop amplifier provides more headroom.
The LED indicator changes color to show the status of the audio file being played. It helps you quickly identify whether you are listening to standard PCM audio or high-resolution DSD files.
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