Astell&Kern / IRVAKHC2

Astell&Kern / AK HC2 is a USB-DAC cable equipped with a 4.4mm 5-pole balanced output, achieving high output and amazing L/R separation. Equipped with CS43198 dual DAC, compatible with 384KHz/32bit/DSD256. The second portable USB-DAC cable that allows you to easily enjoy high quality sound with plug and play.

■Super high resolution sound with CS43198 dual DAC
・The AK HC2 uses a dual DAC configuration that uses two Cirrus Logic Master HIFI? DACs, CS43198, which are installed only in some proven products, including the A&norma series of AK high-resolution audio players, one for each left and right independently. Stable sound quality is achieved with a high S/N ratio and low distortion. It supports native playback of up to PCM384KHz/32bit and DSD256, and can play ultra-high quality sound files and support high-resolution streaming, so you can enjoy Astell&Kern's premium Hi-Fi sound.

■The crystallization of AK's ultra-precision acoustic design technology
・AK HC2's compact size and uncompromising performance make it easy to enjoy true Hi-Fi sound anytime, anywhere. Astell&Kern is loved by many music lovers as a high-resolution audio player that is faithful to the original sound. The technology and know-how cultivated with that player has been condensed into a compact body. By using ultra-small resistors and capacitors, we achieved miniaturization while improving performance. In addition, it is equipped with a tailored ultra-small tantalum capacitor that is used in AK player products to suppress power fluctuations and achieve stable system and audio performance, creating an optimal audio circuit. Furthermore, while considering the connected equipment and minimizing current consumption due to bus power, it simultaneously achieves high output of 4Vrms, high S/N, and low distortion. This makes it possible to drive with high-impedance headphones, and conversely, even when using high-sensitivity earphones, you can enjoy noise-free, low-distortion sound that is faithful to the original sound.

■Amazing L/R channel separation with 4.4mm 5-pole balanced output
・We have adopted a 4.4mm 5-pole balanced output (with GND connection) so that you can pursue more Hi-Fi sound with headphones or earphones. AK HC2 achieves high output with balanced output and amazing L/R channel separation while minimizing noise. Maximize the performance of your headphones and earphones.

■Easy and convenient plug and play
- Easily enjoy Astell&Kern's superior sound by simply connecting directly to a Windows PC, Mac, smartphone, or tablet with a plug-and-play USB Type-C port. Since it is a bus-powered system that uses the power from the connected playback device, there is no need to charge it, and there is no need to connect it to an external sound card, amplifier, or DAC. The AK HC2 also comes with a USB Type-C to Lightning adapter and is compatible with iOS devices.

■Rear audio output structure that suppresses noise
・AK HC2 uses a rear audio output structure that suppresses noise to the absolute minimum, rather than placing a DAC on the USB terminal side directly connected to the device to process and output audio signals. The digital signal from the device enters the audio circuit via a double shielded cable and is then converted to an analog signal by a DAC. By post-processing the digital signal, we achieve superior sound with less noise.

■Highly durable dual noise shield cable
・AK HC2 is a model that is directly connected with a non-removable cable like the previous model PEE51 (AK HC1). It enables comprehensive sound tuning including cables, and by reducing the number of contact points, it achieves both noise prevention, sound quality, and ease of use. The cable section uses a dual noise shield cable to minimize noise and deliver clear and faithful sound to the source. Copper core wire is coated with tin to prevent corrosion and strengthen tensile strength for increased durability. Furthermore, the entire cable is wrapped in aluminum film and woven with tin-plated copper wire to minimize noise interference with the sound.

■Volume control function using dedicated Android app “AK HC”
- When using a USB-DAC with an Android device, compatibility issues may occur, such as the connected device automatically setting the volume to maximum or playing at a low volume. In order to solve these problems and make it possible to more precisely adjust the volume of the AK HC2, we have developed the volume control smartphone app ""AK HC"" (Android) for Android OS.

■Devices that have been confirmed to work with Roon
・AK HC2 is a Roon tested device. Profiled by the Roon team to ensure easy setup and daily use. If you own or are considering purchasing a Roon tested device, you can rest assured.

■Design concept
-The design concept of AK HC2 is ""Slope"". Considering that it is a portable accessory that can be connected to mobile devices, we have adopted not only ease of use but also Astell&Kern's well-balanced design philosophy. The design points include an easy-to-grip design and a hexagonal column-shaped aluminum body, which symbolizes the powerful performance of the 4.4mm dual DAC cable, and a diagonal slope. The sharply cut slope embodies Astell&Kern's design identity of surfaces and lines, and pursues ease of connection to the headphone jack. This allows users to focus on the flow of the ``AK Life'' experience that unfolds by connecting the earphones. The front has a subtle design other than the parting line and small logo to avoid getting in the way, creating a tough yet sophisticated finish. This is intended to help users focus on the form and design, and to make them feel like they are holding more than just the product.

■Color: Dark Silver
■Body material: Aluminum
■DAC: Cirrus Logic CS43198×2 (Dual-DAC)
■Supported sampling rate: PCM maximum: 384KHz/32bit
■DSD maximum: DSD256 (11.2MHz/1bit) stereo
■Input: USB Type-C / Lightning (using the included conversion connector)
■Supported 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 section: 12mm x 21mm x 6.5mm, headphone output section: 22.8mm x 60mm x 12.1mm
■Weight: Approx. 29g
■Output level: Balanced 4Vrms (no load)
■Frequency characteristics: ±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) Balance
■Output impedance: Balanced 4.4mm (1.5Ω)
■Accessories: USB Type-C to Lightning conversion adapter
■Country of origin: China
■Manufacturer's warranty: 1 year for main unit / 90 days for accessories