[Astell&Kern] AK HC2 USB-C Dual DAC Cable

High-resolution sound on streaming services allows you to fully appreciate the rich tones and emotional nuance of your music. However, as headphone ports disappear on smartphones, it makes it increasingly difficult to use wired earphones that deliver high quality sound, and people experience the limitations of wireless transmission and slow response speeds.  Music lovers who wish to enjoy true high-quality Hi-Fi sound rather than what is currently being delivered by smartphone wireless standards and computers' built-in sound cards are becoming deeply concerned.

Developed to solve this problem, HC2 is Astell&Kern's second model with a specialized USB DAC function. While retaining the strengths of HC1 (PEE51), the first model, its functions have been supplemented to allow more people to enjoy true Hi-Fi sound. Introducing AK HC2, where you can experience and enjoy Astell&Kern's sincerity and philosophy for music. No matter what device you use, the moment you connect the HC2, the Hi-Fi experience will begin.

The Astell&Kern USB-C DUAL DAC Cable features two Cirrus Logic CS43198 MasterHIFI™ DACs which supports native DSD256 and 32bit/384kHz playback. With the USB-C DUAL DAC Cable, you can experience premium, high-resolution audio from your computer or mobile device.

With its compact size and uncompromising performance, the HC2 makes it easy to enjoy real Hi-Fi sound anytime, anywhere. Astell&Kern is adored by countless music lovers, thanks to our dedication and meticulous delivery of the original sound with our signature DAPs, or portable high resolution audio players. We included the Astell&Kern technology and know-how that has been accumulated from our DAPs over the years in this small device, measuring just 14x53mm. We used micro resistors and capacitor parts to achieve the small dimensions without compromising performance. Tailored ultra-small tantalum capacitors, which are used in AK player products to create a stable system and audio performance by controlling the power fluctuations, are also included to create the optimal audio circuit. In addition, the output and audio performance are enhanced with Astell&Kern's unique technology while minimizing current consumption in consideration of the connected device. This enables you to enjoy the original sound without any distortion even when using high-impedance headphones or sensitive earphones.

AK HC2 uses a 4.4mm balanced output—unlike the previous model that uses a 3.5mm unbalanced output—allowing a greater variety of headphones and earphones that are made for Hi-Fi sound to be used optimally with a small USB DAC. With the use of the 4.4mm balanced output, a higher output can be achieved with clearer channel separation while minimizing noise. With HC2 you can enjoy high-quality sound via a balanced output that brings out the best performance in your headphones or earphones.

Connect directly to a Windows PC, Mac, smartphone or tablet with a USB-C port that supports plug & play, without needing a separate conversion adapter, and enjoy high-quality sound. The HC2 utilizes power from the connected playback device so it does not need to be charged or be connected to a separate external sound card, AMP or DAC. Just connect HC2 to experience high-fidelity sound from a computer or mobile device. The HC2 is also compatible with iOS devices using the included USB-C to Lightning adapter.

SPECIFICATION
Housing Material: Aluminium
Colour: Titan
Digital-Analog Converter: Cirrus Logic CS43198 x 2
Supported Format:
• PCM: Support up to 32bit/384kHz
• DSD Native: DSD64(1bit 2.8MHz), Stereo /
• DSD128(1bit 5.6MHz), Stereo / DSD256(1bit 11.2MHz), Stereo
Input: USB Type-C Input (for Windows 10, Android Smartphone & Tablet PC, mac OS)
Output: 4.4mm
Size
• USB Plug: 12mm[W] x 21mm[H] x 6.5mm[D]
•  Body: 22.8mm[W] x 60mm[H] x 12.1mm[D]
Frequency Response
• Â±0.011dB (Condition: 20Hz~20kHz) Balanced
• Â±0.145dB (Condition: 20Hz~70kHz) Balanced
Signal-Noise Ratio: 122dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced
THD+N: 0.0004% @ 1kHz, Unbalanced
IMD SMPTE: 0.0003% 800Hz 10kHz(4:1) Unbalanced
Output Impedance: 4.4mm | 1.5Ohm
Output Level: 4Vrms
Accessories: Lightning Adapter