Astell & Kern / AK HC5

＜＜February 2026 New Product！＞＞The AK HC5 is the brand's first high-end portable USB DAC, featuring AKM's flagship AK4499EX DAC and High Driving Mode technology, as well as upsampling "DAR" functionality, delivering stunning sound performance.

■ [Compact Form. Complete Perfection.] The First High-End Portable USB DAC
■ The first portable USB DAC to feature AKM's flagship DAC, the AK4499EX
■ High Driving Mode technology with horizontally paralleled OP AMPs
■ Pure, clear sound thanks to noise suppression design
■ Real-time upsampling "DAR" function
■ Six DAC filter types
■ UAC 2.0/UAC 1.0 switching function
■ High-durability dual noise-shielded cable
■ Bus-powered for easy plug-and-play operation
■ Includes Synt3 PU leather case

■ Model Name: AK HC5
■ Color: Satin Silver
■ Body Material: Aluminum
■ Size (W x H x D): 32mm x 64.3mm x 16mm
■ Weight: Approximately 46g
■ DAC: AKM AK4191EQ + AK4499EX
■ Supported Sampling Rates
・PCM: 768KHz/32bit
・DSD: DSD512 (22.4MHz/1-bit) Stereo
■Input: USB Type-C (UAC 2.0 / UAC 1.0 switchable)
■Output:
・3.5mm unbalanced output (3-pole)
・4.4mm balanced output (5-pole GND connection)
■Output Level (unloaded): 2.5Vrms (unbalanced) / 5Vrms (balanced)
■Output Impedance: 0.5Ω (unbalanced 3.5mm) / 1.1Ω (balanced 4.4mm)
■Frequency Response:
・±0.006dB (20Hz-20kHz), unbalanced / ±0.006dB (20Hz-20kHz), balanced
・±0.06dB (20Hz-70kHz), unbalanced / ±0.06dB (20Hz-70kHz), balanced
■S/N Ratio: 121dB @ 1kHz, unbalanced / 125dB @ 1kHz, balanced
■Crosstalk: -139dB @ 1kHz, unbalanced / -141dB @ 1kHz, balanced
■THD+N: 0.0005% @ 1kHz, unbalanced / 0.0004% @ 1kHz, balanced
■IMD: 0.0006% 800Hz 10kHz (4:1), unbalanced / 0.0005% 800Hz 10kHz (4:1), balanced
■Accessories: USB-C dual noise-shielded cable, Lightning dual noise-shielded cable, Synt3 dedicated PU leather case
■Manufacturer's warranty: 1 year for the device / 90 days for accessories
*Please keep your receipt, invoice, dated receipt, or other proof of purchase for this product warranty.
*Separate music playback software is required to use the USB-DAC function. Operation with all connected devices is not guaranteed.
*High sampling rate playback on Windows PCs requires the installation of a separate USB DAC driver.
*The above specifications are based on information current as of February 2026. Please note that they may be changed without notice to improve quality.

● Compatible with Android smartphones and tablet PCs, Windows 10/11 and Mac OS PCs, and iOS devices. On some Android devices, certain settings may need to be adjusted for proper functionality.
● Due to hardware, software, and system limitations of specific supported devices, we cannot guarantee that all functions will function correctly or be available.
● When connected to a Windows PC, the device will be automatically recognized and the correct driver will be installed. For high-quality sound playback, a separate USB-DAC driver may be required; however, it can be downloaded from the support page on our website.
● To play DSD and high-quality PCM audio sources (Hi-Res audio sources) on your smartphone, you will need to install a separate free or paid app that supports high-resolution audio playback. When using your smartphone's built-in player, audio may be downsampled.
● When connecting to a playback device, always check the volume level before plugging in earphones or headphones and wearing them. Some devices may automatically set the output level to maximum volume when connected. Listening to headphones or earphones at maximum volume may damage them or damage your hearing. Always check the volume level before each use.
●When connected to an Astell&Kern player and used as an external DAC, the player's output volume will be fixed at the maximum volume setting. You cannot adjust the volume on the player. Listening at maximum or high volume may cause serious hearing damage. Astell&Kern, its affiliates, and agents are not liable for any damage or injury caused by negligence or improper use.
●Firmware updates may be released periodically to improve stability. Details of firmware updates and their availability will be posted on our website as they become available.