Astell&Kern - AK HB1 (Ex-Demo Unit)

Portable Bluetooth DAC & Amp

Sale price₹ 14,999 Regular priceMRP: ₹ 23,999
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Why Astell&Kern is Special

🇰🇷

Designed in Korea

🎖️ Established & Reputed

Trust us, our reputation speaks for itself 🏆!


I believe that when a brand has decades of proven excellence, you can invest with confidence knowing your purchase is backed by years of audio engineering expertise. These products come from manufacturers with extensive histories of innovation and unwavering commitment to sonic excellence. Think of them like luxury watch brands - their reputation has been earned through decades of consistent quality and innovation.


With their extensive history of innovation and countless satisfied customers worldwide, you can be confident your investment is backed by proven audio engineering expertise and industry leadership 📈.


When you see "🎖️ Established & Reputed" products, expect time-tested excellence from manufacturers who've consistently demonstrated mastery in audio engineering for generations.

🙌🏻 Revered by Audiophiles

Audiophiles can be really picky 😤, and if the audiophile community says something sounds good, you can bet it's exceptional! I believe that earning audiophile reverence is like getting a standing ovation from music critics - it doesn't happen unless you've truly achieved something special. This audio gear has earned widespread acclaim from audiophiles worldwide, a community renowned for exacting standards and unwavering commitment to high-fidelity reproduction.


These discerning enthusiasts particularly value its extraordinary precision in sound reproduction and remarkable capability to create thoroughly immersive listening experiences. The audiophile community's endorsement carries significant weight because of their extensive experience with high-end equipment 🏆.


When you see "🙌🏻 Revered by Audiophiles" products, expect audiophile-grade excellence that satisfies even the most demanding listeners and consistently exceeds the highest standards.

🐣

Born in 2004

Why we love this DAC/Amp

💎 Premium Economy

Sensible spending meets sophisticated quality in perfect harmony 💫.


I tend to describe premium economy products as finding that sweet spot where exceptional value meets refined performance. Think of it like business class comfort at economy prices - you're getting significantly more than what you paid for. These headphones deliver a refined listening experience that rivals more expensive alternatives, making them an intelligent choice for discerning listeners who appreciate both value and excellence.


This thoughtfully curated selection demonstrates our commitment to bringing you outstanding sound quality and robust construction without requiring a significant financial investment. Each product has been meticulously evaluated to ensure it delivers performance characteristics typically associated with higher price brackets.


When you see "💎 Premium Economy" products, expect refined audio experiences that bridge the gap between entry-level and high-end offerings, delivering impressive clarity and features at accessible price points.


🦈 Serious Audiophiles Only

For those who have ventured deep into high-fidelity audio 🎯, the pursuit of sonic excellence becomes an endless journey of discovery and refinement. I believe that serious audiophiles demand equipment that can satisfy the most exacting standards and deliver performance that pushes boundaries. These products represent the pinnacle of acoustic engineering, incorporating advanced technologies and meticulous craftsmanship that enable them to reproduce music with utmost fidelity.


Each product has undergone rigorous evaluation to ensure it delivers exceptional performance that discerning listeners demand, from precise frequency response to impeccable detail retrieval and sophisticated sound staging. These devices incorporate premium components and engineering excellence that justify their position at the apex of audio performance.


When you encounter "🦈 Serious Audiophiles Only" products, expect uncompromising performance that satisfies the most demanding requirements and elevates critical listening to new heights.

🛺 For Audiophiles On-the-Go

In my experience, finding great audio gear that performs well on the move is like discovering a powerful sports car that’s also fuel efficient. Products marked For Audiophiles On-the-Go are designed to deliver remarkable sound quality without weighing you down. Whether you’re commuting, working remotely, or just travelling light, these products offer the perfect balance of portability and performance 🚶‍♂️.


What makes them special? They’re often compact, lightweight, and built with battery-efficient components that don’t compromise on sonic detail. From portable DAC/Amps to foldable headphones and wireless IEMs, this category is for those who demand great sound anytime, anywhere — no bulky setups or power bricks required.


When you see '🛺 For Audiophiles On-the-Go' products, expect: pocket-friendly size, reliable battery life, and premium sound wherever life takes you — ideal for travel, work, or daily use.

✂️ Use Wirelessly with Bluetooth

I tend to describe Bluetooth audio as wireless freedom with fewer strings attached — literally. When you see Use Wirelessly with Bluetooth, it means you can pair your headphones or IEMs with phones, laptops, or even TVs — all without reaching for a cable 🎶. It’s convenient, clutter-free, and great for everyday listening.


What’s happening behind the scenes is your gear is using Bluetooth codecs like SBC, AAC, LDAC, or aptX to compress and transmit your music wirelessly. Better codecs mean higher quality and lower latency. Of course, there’s a trade-off — Bluetooth won’t match the quality of wired gear, but today’s advancements have made the gap much smaller than before.


When you see '✂️ Use Wirelessly with Bluetooth' products, expect: tangle-free convenience and solid sound quality — great for commuting, workouts, or casual listening.


🤹🏼‍♂️ Multi-point Connection

I’ve found multi-point connection to be a game-changer, especially for folks juggling devices throughout the day. It’s like having a PA system that knows when to switch between two stages. With multi-point, your headphones or earbuds can stay connected to two devices — like your laptop and your phone — and switch automatically based on what you need.


Here’s what’s actually happening: the device uses smart Bluetooth profiles to maintain active links with two sources. So when you're watching a movie on your tablet and a call comes in on your phone, it can seamlessly switch without you lifting a finger. Just keep in mind — not all codecs support this, and some devices limit codec quality when multi-point is active.


When you see '🤹🏼‍♂️ Multi-point Connection' products, expect: seamless switching between devices, ideal for multitaskers who are always hopping between calls and playlists.

⏳ Battery Life

In my experience, battery life is one of those things that separates a good day from a frustrating one. It's like having a fuel gauge you can rely on — longer battery life means less charging and more uninterrupted music. Whether you're on a flight or just commuting across town, this is one spec you don’t want to overlook 🔋.


Technically, battery life refers to the hours your device can play music on a single charge. Today’s headphones and DACs can range from 4 to 40+ hours, depending on things like Bluetooth codec, volume, and active features like ANC. More battery life also means better travel and portability, though it might come at the cost of size or weight.


When you see '⏳ Battery Life' products, expect: longer listening sessions, fewer charging breaks, and stress-free portability for music that goes the distance.

🔋 Battery Capacity

I usually think of battery capacity like the size of your water tank — it determines how long the tap can run before drying up. In audio gear, higher capacity means more playtime, more power for your amp section, and better performance during high-demand usage 🧠. It’s especially important if your gear also powers powerful drivers or amps.


Measured in mAh (milliamp-hours), battery capacity helps you gauge how long your headphones, DAC, or amplifier will last between charges. Devices with higher capacity (like 3500mAh+) are ideal for extended use or when you’re away from a power source. Just know, larger capacity often means longer charging time and a slightly bulkier design.


When you see '🔋 Battery Capacity' products, expect: more power and longer playtimes — ideal for travel, long workdays, or heavy use without worrying about recharging.

Why it Sounds Amazing

⚙️ DAC Chip

I like to say the DAC chip is the heart of any audio device — it’s the part that actually transforms digital files into music you can hear 🎧. Think of it like a chef decoding a recipe to create a delicious meal. The better the DAC chip, the more faithfully it translates your music. And in my experience, a great DAC can completely change how your headphones sound.


Now, here’s what’s actually happening: a Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) takes digital signals (your MP3s, FLACs, or streams) and converts them into an analog waveform your ears can enjoy. Different DAC chips — like those from ESS, AKM, or Cirrus Logic — offer their own sound signatures, levels of clarity, and noise performance. A good DAC ensures accurate timing, minimal distortion, and exceptional resolution.


When you see '⚙️ DAC Chip' products, expect: clean, detailed audio and better synergy with high-quality headphones — perfect for anyone upgrading from average sound to audiophile quality.

🚀 Power Output

I like to think of power output in audio gear like engine horsepower, it determines how much muscle your setup really has 💪. Whether you’re trying to drive a pair of power-hungry planar headphones or just want headroom for dynamic peaks, power output is the spec you want to check first.


Technically, it refers to the amount of electrical power (measured in mW or Watts) an amp or DAC/Amp combo can deliver to your headphones. More power means better control, improved dynamics, and the ability to handle demanding gear without distortion. But more isn’t always better, too much power with sensitive IEMs can introduce hiss or harshness.


When you see '🚀 Power Output' products, expect: strong driving capability, better dynamics, and optimal performance with headphones that need serious juice to shine.


⚖️ Balanced Output

I often say balanced output is like using both hands to carry something heavy — it distributes power evenly and keeps things stable. In audio gear, balanced output helps reduce unwanted noise and interference, especially over longer cables. Think of it as a cleaner, more efficient way to transmit your music, ideal for anyone using high-end DACs, amps, or studio-grade headphones 🎧. You’ll typically find it on gear with XLR or 4.4mm connectors, and it's a must-have if you’re chasing that ultra-clean signal path.


Here’s what’s actually happening: a balanced output uses two separate signals, one inverted, so when interference is picked up along the cable, it gets cancelled out when the signals are recombined. The result? Cleaner audio, better dynamic range, and more power output — especially when paired with balanced headphones. The trade-off? You’ll need gear that supports balanced connections on both ends to really enjoy the benefits.


When you see '⚖️ Balanced Output' products, expect: ultra-low noise, more headroom, and better synergy with high-impedance headphones or sensitive IEMs — ideal for serious listening setups.

Headphone Zone Certified Demo Headphones

Our careful selection of demo headphones gives you the experience of pre-burned in headphones - at drop dead prices. We do this sale every year to clear up our existing demos and to make way for new units instead. These demo headphones have been used at our Experience Studio in Mumbai. The pictures above depict the condition of the product and also indicate the accessories available with the headphone. For any specific questions about the condition please get in touch with us! While the product itself is fully tested by our Headphone Gurus and the outer packaging may have suffered some damage.

Get The Best Deal

You may or may not get the original packaging or some accessories may be missing & because of the fact that they've been extensively used as a demo at the Experience Studio, we give a good discount compared to a new gear.

Unchanged Policies

Received a defective Demo unit? Return it under our 7 Day Replacement Guarantee Policy.
P.S. If you do not like your gear, unfortunately we will not be able to accept the return.

Pre-Burned In

Demo headphones save you the time of burning in new headphones. Typically, brand new headphones take up to weeks to fully break in and sound as good as they should. With demo headphones, you get to enjoy the best sound out of the box.

Unbiased Customer Service

We have the same Headphone Zone customer support experience for Demo Units or any products.

Consider It Vintage

Vintage products have a certain charm that cannot be put into words. Think of old, discontinued demo headphones as vintage. They have a story; they have, how-to-say, character.

Professionally Inspected

A thorough inspection means you receive a 100% working headphone with no sound output issues.

Luxury Meets Innovation: Difference in Sound Quality

Founded in October 2013 in South Korea, Astell&Kern is a premium audio brand renowned for its commitment to delivering uncompromised hi-res audio experiences. Derived from Greek, where "Astell" means "Stars" and "Kern" means "Core," the brand symbolizes the pursuit of capturing the essence of music—the "original sound." Astell&Kern addresses the decline in audio quality due to inferior formats like MP3, aiming to revive sound integrity for musicians and enthusiasts alike.

Their diverse product range, from audio players to earphones, reflects their dedication to precision and accuracy in sound reproduction. With acclaimed offerings like the Astell&Kern AK XB10 and Astell&Kern Billie Jean, they continue to enrich music and listening experiences globally, delivering soul-touching sound.

Explore Collection
Digital Trends

"In terms of Bluetooth, you get support for Multipoint, so the the HB1 can be connected to two source devices simultaneously, and there’s built-in hi-res audio codec compatibility with LDAC and aptX HD."

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What Hifi

"The AK HB1 comes with a "high-quality" microphone for clear voice calls. The DAC/amp combo comes loaded with the company's Clear Voice Capture technology which works to block out ambient noise while enhancing voice clarity."

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Major Hifi

"As far as portable wireless DAC/Amps go, the HB1 offers something that the rest don’t. It’s the only device of its kind that truly feels like the experience of listening to a high-end DAP."

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Moon Audio

"The functionality of the AK HB1 is not limited to portable use. You can add this to your current home audio desktop setup and integrate it as your desktop DAC to transform how you game on your PC."

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Bloom Audio

"The general function of HB1 as a portable DAC is excellent, and the sound quality is among the best in its class, with a clean, detailed, reference tuning that will perform well with your whole collection."

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