Astell&Kern
Astell&Kern AK HB1
The Astell&Kern AK HB1 is a portable Bluetooth DAC/AMP designed for high-quality audio streaming and wired connections. It offers seamless wireless Hi-Fi sound via Bluetooth with support for LDAC and aptX HD codecs, and can connect to two devices simultaneously. For wired listening, it functions as a USB DAC supporting Native DSD256 and 32-bit/384 kHz playback, and includes MQA 8X renderer support. Featuring an ESS ES9281AC PRO DAC and exclusive AMP circuitry, it provides a 4 Vrms output through 3.5mm unbalanced and 4.4mm balanced connections. The device also supports UAC 1.0 and 2.0 for gaming and includes a dedicated Car Mode.
$279.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
540
/ 733
#540 in Headphone Amplifiers
Price vs Category Average
-80%
Below average
Material
Polycarbonate (Body), Aluminum (Volume Roller)
/ Polycarbonate (Body), Aluminum (Volume Roller)
Who it's for
- High-Fidelity Audio on the Go
- Flexible Connectivity Options
- Audiophile-Grade Outputs
Who should skip it
- Premium Investment
- Battery Life Considerations
- Niche Appeal for Some Users
Key Specs
Material
Polycarbonate (Body), Aluminum (Volume Roller)
Decoder
ESS ES9281AC PRO
Sampling Rate
PCM: 8kHz ~ 384kHz (8/16/24/32bits per Sample), DSD Native: DSD64(1bit 2.8MHz), Stereo / DSD128(1bit 5.6MHz), Stereo / DSD256(1bit 11.2MHz), Stereo
Input
USB Type-C (Supports UAC 1.0 & UAC 2.0)
Output
3.5mm (Supports CTIA standard 4-pole earphones/headphones), 4.4mm (Only 5-pole supported)
Weight
40g
Dimensions
33 x 68.4 x 16.5mm
Battery Capacity
600mAh 3.8V Li-Polymer
Features
- Enjoy high-quality music and Hi-Fi streaming wirelessly via Bluetooth.
- Functions as a USB-C DAC for enhanced audio on various devices.
- Provides an immersive entertainment experience for gaming.
- Supports both 3.5mm and 4.4mm headphone outputs.
- Compact and lightweight design for easy portability.
- Includes a built-in microphone for clear communication.
- Utilizes ESS ES9281AC PRO decoder for superior sound quality.
- Premium Bluetooth with LDAC and aptX HD support for high-resolution wireless audio.
- USB DAC functionality for native DSD256 and 32-bit/384 kHz playback.
- MQA 8X renderer for MQA audio playback.
- ESS ES9281AC PRO DAC and exclusive AMP circuitry for superior sound quality.
- Dual output options: 3.5mm unbalanced and 4.4mm balanced.
- Dual noise shielded interchangeable cables for USB-C and Lightning devices.
- Supports UAC 1.0 and 2.0 for broad compatibility with gaming devices.
- Dedicated Car Mode for seamless audio integration in vehicles.
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Astell&Kern AK HB1 for its exceptional sound quality, noting a significant upgrade to their portable audio experience. Many highlight its premium design and robust build, which align with the brand's reputation for high end craftsmanship. Users appreciate the clear, detailed audio reproduction and the device's ability to drive various headphones effectively. While it represents a premium investment, the perceived audio fidelity and sophisticated aesthetics often justify the cost for discerning listeners seeking top tier portable sound.
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