Headphones / Earphones
HEADPHONEAMP
DAC built-in headphone amplifiers
Astell&Kern/ AK HC2 Portable USB-DAC IRV-AK-HC2

Astell&Kern / AK HC2 Portable USB-DAC IRV-AK-HC2

Astell&Kern / AK HC2 is a portable USB-DAC cable that allows you to enjoy high-quality sound easily by plug & play. 4.4mm 5-pole balanced output has high output and excellent L/R separation. It has a CS43198 dual DAC supporting 384KHz/32bit and DSD256.

Ultra-high resolution sound with CS43198 Dual DAC
The AK HC2 employs a dual DAC configuration that uses two Cirrus Logic CS43198 Master HIFI DACs, one on each side independently, which are used in the A&norma series of AK high-resolution audio players and other proven products. This provides stable sound quality with a high signal-to-noise ratio and low distortion. The DAC supports native playback of up to 384KHz/32bit PCM and 256 DSD and is capable of playing back ultra-high quality files and supporting high-resolution streaming, allowing users to enjoy Astell&Kern's premium hi-fi sound.

The culmination of AK's ultra-precise acoustic design technology
The AK HC2 is a compact and uncompromisingly powerful player that allows users to enjoy authentic Hi-Fi sound anywhere, anytime easily. The technology and know-how cultivated in the development of these players are condensed into a compact body. Ultra-compact resistors and capacitors are used to achieve miniaturization while improving performance. In addition, it has tailored ultra-small tantalum capacitors, which are used in AK player products and suppress power supply fluctuations to achieve stable system and audio performance to configure an optimal audio circuit. Furthermore, while minimizing current consumption by bus power in consideration of the connected devices, the high output power of 4Vrms, high S/N, and low distortion are simultaneously realized. In addition, the 4Vrms output power provides high S/N and low distortion while minimizing the current consumption by the bus power considering the connected devices. This makes it possible to drive even high-impedance headphones and, in addition, to enjoy noise-free, low-distortion sound that is faithful to the original sound even when using high-sensitivity earphones.

Remarkable L/R channel separation by 4.4mm 5-pole balanced output
The AK HC2 features a 4.4mm 5-pole balanced output (with GND connection) for headphones and earphones to pursue more high-fidelity sound and achieves excellent L/R channel separation while minimizing noise. The AK HC2 delivers high output power with balanced outputs and delivers excellent L/R channel separation while minimizing noise to the maximum extent possible.

Easy and Convenient Plug & Play
The Astell&Kern headphones and earphones can be connected directly to any Windows PC, Mac, smartphone, or tablet with a USB Type-C port that supports Plug & Play, making it easy to enjoy the superior sound that only Astell&Kern can deliver. Since the AK HC2 is bus-powered using power from the connected playback device, it does not need to be recharged and does not require a separate connection to an external sound card, amplifier, or DAC. In addition, AK HC2 comes with a USB Type-C to Lightning conversion adapter to support iOS devices.

■Rear Audio Output Structure for Noise Suppression
The AK HC2 employs a rear audio output structure that minimizes noise. Instead of placing a DAC on the USB terminal directly connected to the device to process and output audio signals, digital signals from the device enter the audio circuit via a double-shielded cable and are then converted to analog signals by the DAC. By processing digital signals later, superior sound with less noise is achieved.

■High-durability dual-noise shielded cable
The AK HC2, like its predecessor, the PEE51 (AK HC1), has a directly connected cable that cannot be removed. It enables comprehensive sound tuning, including the cable, and also provides noise reduction, sound quality, and ease of use by reducing the number of contact points. Dual noise-shielded cables are used in the cable section to minimize noise and achieve clear and faithful sound to the source. The copper core wires are tin-coated to prevent corrosion and enhance durability by strengthening tensile force. Furthermore, the entire cable is wrapped in aluminum film and braided with tinned copper wire to minimize noise interference to the sound.

Volume control function by dedicated Android application "AK HC
When using a USB-DAC with an Android device, compatibility problems may occur, such as the connected device automatically setting the volume to maximum or playing at a low volume. To solve these problems and enable more fine-tuning of the AK HC2's volume, we have developed the AK HC (Android) smartphone application for volume control for the Android OS.

■Roon Tested Devices
AK HC2 is a Roon-tested device. The Roon team profiled it to ensure easy setup and daily use, so you can rest assured that if you own or are considering purchasing a Roon-tested device, you are in good hands.

Design Concept
The design concept of the AK HC2 is "Slope. Considering that it is a portable accessory that can be connected to mobile devices, we have incorporated Astell&Kern's design philosophy of balance as well as ease of use. The design features an easy-to-grip, hexagonal, columnar aluminum body that symbolizes the powerful performance of the 4.4mm dual DAC cable, with a diagonal slope running diagonally across the body. The sharply cut Slope embodies Astell&Kern's design identity of face and line and is designed for ease of connection to the headphone jack. This allows the user to focus on the flow of the "AK Life" experience that unfolds when the earphones are connected. The front is designed to be discreet and unobtrusive except for parting lines and a small logo, completing a rugged yet sophisticated finish. This is intended to allow the user to concentrate on the form and modeling and, in addition to making the user feel as if they are holding more than a product in their hands.

Color: Dark Silver
Body material: Aluminum
DAC: Cirrus Logic CS43198 x 2 (Dual-DAC)
Supported sampling rate: PCM max. 384KHz/32bit, DSD max. DSD256 (11.2MHz/1bit) stereo
Input: USB Type-C / Lightning (with included conversion connector)
Compatible OS: Windows 10, 11 / MAC OS X 10.7 or higher, Android OS / iOS (smartphones & tablet PCs)
Output: 4.4mm 5-pole balanced output (with GND connection)
Size (W x H x D): USB plug 12 mm x 21 mm x 6.5 mm, headphone output 22.8 mm x 60 mm x 12.1 mm
Weight: Approx. 29g
Output level: Balanced 4Vrms (unloaded)
Frequency Response: ±0.011dB (20Hz~20kHz) balanced, ±0.145dB (20Hz~70kHz) balanced
S/N Ratio: 122dB @ 1kHz, balanced
Crosstalk: -146dB @ 1kHz, balanced
THD+N: 0.0004% @ 1kHz, balanced
IMD: 0.0003% 800Hz 10kHz (4:1) balanced
Output impedance: 4.4mm (1.5Ω), balanced
Accessories： USB Type-C to Lightning conversion adapter
Country of Origin： China
Manufacturer's Warranty：1 year for main unit / 90 days for accessories