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Astell&Kern AK HC5
More and more listeners are happy to stream music from a smartphone, laptop or games console, but do not necessarily want to accept a step down in quality compared with a full-sized hi-fi system. It is this group that Astell&Kern is targeting with the AK HC5, a compact USB digital to analogue converter that brings the flagship DAC architecture from the Korean brand's top portable players into a highly portable dongle format. The new device is intended as a natural companion for smartphones, notebooks and gaming hardware in situations where convenience matters as much as sound quality and where users would like to get closer to the performance associated with high end portable players.
At the heart of the AK HC5 sits the AK4499EX DAC, a converter previously reserved for Astell&Kern's highest tier digital audio players. Paired with the AK4191EQ digital processor, it forms a flagship front end that separates the digital and analogue sections and is designed to minimise noise, which in turn is meant to deliver high levels of clarity and detail. According to the manufacturer, the internal architecture has been transferred directly from its top DAPs so that the dongle can offer sound as close as possible to full size components in a compact enclosure. The feature set also includes functions usually associated with more expensive devices. The AK HC5 supports Digital Audio Remaster upsampling to raise the incoming signal to higher sampling rates and offers six DAC filters so users can fine tune the character of the sound to their own preferences. As a result, the miniature DAC is positioned not only as a simple interface between a phone and a pair of headphones but also as a tool for shaping the sonic signature of a mobile listening system in a more deliberate way.
Driving power for demanding headphones is handled by a High Driving Mode derived from the amplification architecture used in the SP4000. The internal amplifier uses a horizontally laid out op amp topology developed to achieve a high output voltage, greater perceived density and improved dynamics. This is intended to ensure that the AK HC5 can cope not only with in ear monitors but also with more demanding over ear headphones that might previously have required a separate desktop amplifier. The signal cable features dual noise shielding, which is meant to secure a clean and stable transmission path with reduced susceptibility to interference from smartphones, computers or consoles. Solutions of this kind are particularly important with high resolution audio, where electromagnetic noise can have a real impact on perceived quality.
The AK HC5 also stands out in terms of ergonomics. A 1.62 inch OLED display on the body shows key operating information, while a 150 step volume wheel allows for precise level adjustment. Together these elements are designed to improve day to day usability and give the listener better control over playback, regardless of the source the DAC is connected to. Support for UAC 1.0 and 2.0 means the AK HC5 offers broad compatibility across platforms. It can work with smartphones, laptops and games consoles without additional drivers in typical use cases, allowing it to slip quickly into the role of a universal sound quality upgrade for many devices. Worldwide suggested retail pricing for the Astell&Kern AK HC5 has been set at €499/$449/£399. Info and pictures by Astell&Kern.
