Key Takeaways
1. Advanced Processing Technology: The AK HC5 features an AK4191EQ digital processor and AK4499EX DAC for ultra-low noise headphone output and minimal distortion.
2. Upscaling Capabilities: It supports upscaling of PCM and DSD audio inputs, enhancing lower-quality audio to higher resolutions with six adjustable impulse response filters.
3. Performance Metrics: Offers high signal-to-noise ratios (125 dB for balanced and 121 dB for unbalanced headphones) with very low total harmonic distortion plus noise (THD+N).
4. Compatibility: Works with various devices including Android and Apple smartphones, Windows and Mac computers, and gaming consoles, supporting UAC 1.0 and UAC 2.0 via USB.
5. Pricing and Availability: The AK HC5 USB DAC will be priced at $450 and is expected to be available on Amazon in the next month or two.
Astell & Kern has introduced the AK HC5, an ultra-high resolution USB DAC that works with both balanced and unbalanced headphones.
Advanced Processing Technology
The AK HC5 features an AK4191EQ digital processor that handles digital audio inputs before sending them to the AK4499EX DAC. This DAC provides analog audio to a special amplifier that is designed to produce ultra-low noise headphone output ranging from 20 Hz to 70 kHz, boasting a total distortion of ±0.06 dB and an even better ±0.006 dB for frequencies between 20 Hz and 20 kHz.
Upscaling Capabilities
The HC5 DAC can take uncompressed PCM and DSD audio inputs, allowing for upscaling through DAR (Digital Audio Remaster) technology. PCM inputs at 48 kHz can be enhanced up to 384 kHz PCM for playback, and it can also upscale lower-quality PCM and DSD inputs to DSD256 for use with balanced 4.4 mm and unbalanced 3.5 mm headphones. Users have access to six impulse response filters to adjust the sound profile.
Performance and Features
For those using balanced headphones, the device offers a signal-to-noise ratio of 125 dB @ 1 kHz, with crosstalk measuring -141 dB and THD+N at 0.0004%. Unbalanced headphone users will see a signal-to-noise ratio of 121 dB @ 1 kHz, crosstalk at -139 dB, and THD+N at 0.0005%, as stated by the manufacturer. A 150-step rotary dial is included for volume adjustments, and information is shown on a 1.62-inch OLED display.
Compatibility and Availability
The Roon-compatible AK HC5 is compatible with UAC 1.0 and UAC 2.0 via USB connections to devices like Android and Apple smartphones, Windows and Mac computers, as well as gaming consoles like the Sony PlayStation and Nintendo Switch.
Consumers can look forward to the $450 AK HC5 USB DAC, which is expected to be available in the Astell & Kern store on Amazon in the upcoming month or two.
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