




























Astell&Kern - AK HC2
Portable Balanced DAC & AmpGET 18% GST INPUT
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15%
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24
15%
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Designed in
Korea
Ideal for Audiophiles
These DAC & Amps are designed for discerning music lovers. If audio quality is important to you, a set of DAC & Amps like these would be ideal.
You can expect these DAC & Amps to present you with a refined listening experience. The audio quality exhibited by these DAC & Amps is a beautiful mix of musicality, technical brilliance and high precision.
These DAC & Amps deliver a spacious & open soundstage that makes you feel you are sitting at a live concert. Experience the magic and delve into pure sonic tranquility!
Best Suited for Portable Use
For those who value them, being able to carry their favourite DAC & Amp equipment when they are on the move is invaluable.
These DAC & Amps offer the ultimate portability experience without sacrificing sound quality. If you’re someone who appreciates cutting-edge engineering, quality sound and portability, then look no further.
Designed to be trusty companions, these DAC & Amps are cleverly engineered with the latest technology to offer the ultimate combination of portability & Hi-Fidelity!
Ideal for Commuting
4.4mm
Balanced Output
Metal
Build
Cirrus Logic CS43198
Dual DAC Chip
Pair with Laptop via USB
A majority of people use a laptop as the primary source device to listen to music or watch movies. Since the laptop is an essential part of the audio chain there are headphones and devices designed to work a laptop or computer system flawlessly. With the availability of USB connectivity, it becomes easier to pair various devices like an Amp, DAC or even headphones without worrying about drivers or any additional piece of software.
4Vrms
Power Output
DESCRIPTION
ENJOY ULTRA HIGH-RESOLUTION SOUND WITH THE ALL-NEW ASTELL&KERN HC2
High-resolution audio on streaming services allows you to appreciate rich tones and emotional nuance in your music. However, as headphone ports disappear on smartphones, it makes it increasingly difficult to use wired earphones that deliver high-quality sound. Due to this, people experience the limitations of wireless audio transmission and slow response speeds. Understanding this simple technological shift in our world, Astell&Kern brings forth an elegant solution with their all-new HC2. The Astell&Kern HC2 features dual DAC architecture in a portable form factor to present ultra high-resolution sound, along with USB-C connectivity. HC2 allows you to reveal micro-details in your music and gives you the ability to enjoy your music like never before.



EQUIPPED WITH DUAL DAC CHIPS TO DELIVER ULTRA HIGH-RESOLUTION LISTENING EXPERIENCE
Designed to complement Astell&Kern's series of Digital Audio Players, the HC2 lets you enjoy the dynamic and lifelike high-definition sound on your computer and Android mobile phones without using a high-end sound card. The Astell&Kern HC2 USB-C Dual DAC Cable features two Cirrus Logic CS43198 MasterHIFI DACs, a MasterHIFI level DAC that graces only a select few products, including the A&norma series, that are proven and celebrated by music lovers. The HC2 provides Native DSD256 and 32-bit/384kHz decoding support that enables it to play back high-quality sound files so you can enjoy the luxury and premium sound quality of Astell&Kern.



LEVERAGING ASTELL&KERN’S AUDIO DESIGN TECHNOLOGY AND AUDIO ARCHITECTURE
Astell&Kern is adored by countless music lovers thanks to their dedication and meticulous delivery of accurate sound with its signature DAPs, or portable high-resolution audio players. The HC2 showcases Astell&Kern's technologies and know-how in this small device. It features micro resistors and capacitors to achieve small dimensions without compromising performance. Tailored ultra-small tantalum capacitors, create a stable system and audio performance by controlling the power fluctuations. In addition, the output and audio performance are enhanced with Astell&Kern's proprietary technology while minimising power consumption. This architecture delivers pristine sound without distortion, even when using high-impedance headphones or sensitive earphones.


ENJOY HIGH OUTPUT AND NOISE-FREE SOUND WITH A BALANCED 4.4MM CONNECTION
HC2 uses a 4.4mm balanced output, allowing a greater variety of headphones and earphones to be paired for optimal performance. With a 4.4mm balanced connection, a higher output power of 4Vrms can be achieved with clear channel separation and minimised noise, unlike an unbalanced output. HC2 has a rear audio output design to minimise noise. Most USB DAC products have the DAC positioned in the USB terminal connected directly to the device to process and output audio. However, on the HC2, digital signals are transmitted from the source device through the dual shielded cable to the audio circuit before being converted to analogue signal by the DAC. By processing the digital signal in this manner, the result is superior and noise-free sound.


EASY PLUG & PLAY DESIGN WITH USB-C CONNECTION AND APP FOR VOLUME CONTROL
Astell&Kern HC2 has been designed to offer ultimate convenience with a plug & play design. Now you can connect the HC2 directly to a Windows PC, Mac, smartphone or tablet with a USB-C port, without needing a separate conversion adapter. The HC2 utilises power from the connected playback device, eliminating the need for charging. Just connect the HC2 to experience high-fidelity sound from a computer or mobile device. The HC2 is also compatible with iOS devices using the bundled USB-C to Lightning adapter. To resolve the issue of volume automatically set to maximum levels or output at low levels, Astell&Kern has designed a dedicated volume app for android devices, offering greater control over volume and the functions of the HC2.



EXPERTLY BUILT, ENGINEERED AND DESIGNED WITH PREMIUM AND REFINED MATERIALS
The team at Astell&Kern have leveraged all their knowledge of designing high-quality devices into the HC2. The HC2 features a dual shielded cable to minimise noise and deliver a more vivid, original sound. The copper core wire is coated with tin to prevent corrosion and strengthen tensile force for enhanced durability. In addition, the entire cable is wrapped in an aluminium film to block noise, the biggest issue in audio, then the tin-coated copper wire is woven to minimise noise interference to sound. The body of the Astell&Kern is made from aluminium refined material to add to its durability. To enhance the performance of the HC2 it has also been tested by Roon to guarantee a simple setup and easy daily use. Room tested devices guarantee the best audio performance.



SPECS
MODEL | AK HC2 |
BODY COLOR | Dark Silver |
BODY MATERIAL | Aluminum |
DAC | CS43198 Dual |
BIT/SAMPLE RATE | CM: Support up to 32bit/384kHz / DSD Native: DSD64(1bit 2.8MHz), Stereo / DSD128(1bit 5.6MHz), Stereo / DSD256(1bit 11.2MHz), Stereo |
INPUT | USB Type-C Input(for Windows 10,11, Android, iOS smartphone & Tablet PC, macOS) |
OUTPUT | 4.4mm balanced out |
LED | Power On/Off Indicator |
MICROPHONE PASS-THROUGH | Not supported |
WEIGHT | About 29g |
DIMENSIONS (WxHxD) | USB Plug: 12 x 21 x 6.5mm 4.4mm Headphone: 22.8 x 60 x 12.1mm |
FREQUENCY RESPONSE | ±0.011dB (Condition: 20Hz~20kHz) Balanced ±0.145dB (Condition: 20Hz~70kHz) Balanced |
SIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO | 122dB @ 1kHz, Balanced |
THD + N | 0.0004% @ 1kHz, Balanced |
IMD SMPTE | 0.0003%, 800Hz 10kHz (4:1), Balanced |
OUTPUT IMPEDANCE | 4.4mm (1.5ohm) |
OUTPUT LEVEL | 4Vrms (condition No Load) |
BOX CONTENTS | 1. Astell&Kern AK HC2 |
2. Adapter plug (female USB-C on one end and Apple Lightning connector on other end) | |
3. Manual | |
4. Warranty booklet |
GENERIC NAME | Headphone Amplifier |
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN | Korea |
IMPORTER DETAILS | Importers Name: Ferrari Video Address: 63/18, 1st Main Road, Gandhi Nagar, Chennai - 600020 Contact No: 044-24420733 |
NET QUANTITY | 1 |
FAQs
Whats the warranty period? How to claim warranty?
The warranty period on all Astell&Kern products is 1 year. Read more information on Astelle&Kern warranty.
Do I need to charge the Astell&Kern AK HC2?
No, you don't need to charge the Astell&Kern AK HC2 just plug and play.
Can I use the Astell&Kern AK HC2 with my smartphone?
Yes! You can easily connect the Astell&Kern AK HC2 to your Smartphone with USB C connection.
Is the Astell&Kern AK HC2 compatible with iOS devices?
The Astell&Kern AK HC2 is engineered to offer seamless connectivity with mobile OS, including iOS. You can connect the HC2 to any iOS device by using the bundled USB-C to Lightning adapter for quick connection.
Does the Astell&Kern AK HC2 come with a mic?
No, the Astell&Kern AK HC2 does not come with a microphone.
Does it support microphone pass-through?
No, it does not support microphone pass-through.
Which DAC Chip does the Astell&Kern AK HC2 use?
The Astell&Kern AK HC2 features Dual Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC Chip that lets you experience audiophile grade audio with a great amount of detail and audio separation.
Does Astell&Kern AK HC2 come with any balanced outputs?
Yes, the Astell&Kern AK HC2 does come with a 4.4mm balanced output.
ENJOY ULTRA HIGH-RESOLUTION SOUND WITH THE ALL-NEW ASTELL&KERN HC2
High-resolution audio on streaming services allows you to appreciate rich tones and emotional nuance in your music. However, as headphone ports disappear on smartphones, it makes it increasingly difficult to use wired earphones that deliver high-quality sound. Due to this, people experience the limitations of wireless audio transmission and slow response speeds. Understanding this simple technological shift in our world, Astell&Kern brings forth an elegant solution with their all-new HC2. The Astell&Kern HC2 features dual DAC architecture in a portable form factor to present ultra high-resolution sound, along with USB-C connectivity. HC2 allows you to reveal micro-details in your music and gives you the ability to enjoy your music like never before.



EQUIPPED WITH DUAL DAC CHIPS TO DELIVER ULTRA HIGH-RESOLUTION LISTENING EXPERIENCE
Designed to complement Astell&Kern's series of Digital Audio Players, the HC2 lets you enjoy the dynamic and lifelike high-definition sound on your computer and Android mobile phones without using a high-end sound card. The Astell&Kern HC2 USB-C Dual DAC Cable features two Cirrus Logic CS43198 MasterHIFI DACs, a MasterHIFI level DAC that graces only a select few products, including the A&norma series, that are proven and celebrated by music lovers. The HC2 provides Native DSD256 and 32-bit/384kHz decoding support that enables it to play back high-quality sound files so you can enjoy the luxury and premium sound quality of Astell&Kern.



LEVERAGING ASTELL&KERN’S AUDIO DESIGN TECHNOLOGY AND AUDIO ARCHITECTURE
Astell&Kern is adored by countless music lovers thanks to their dedication and meticulous delivery of accurate sound with its signature DAPs, or portable high-resolution audio players. The HC2 showcases Astell&Kern's technologies and know-how in this small device. It features micro resistors and capacitors to achieve small dimensions without compromising performance. Tailored ultra-small tantalum capacitors, create a stable system and audio performance by controlling the power fluctuations. In addition, the output and audio performance are enhanced with Astell&Kern's proprietary technology while minimising power consumption. This architecture delivers pristine sound without distortion, even when using high-impedance headphones or sensitive earphones.


ENJOY HIGH OUTPUT AND NOISE-FREE SOUND WITH A BALANCED 4.4MM CONNECTION
HC2 uses a 4.4mm balanced output, allowing a greater variety of headphones and earphones to be paired for optimal performance. With a 4.4mm balanced connection, a higher output power of 4Vrms can be achieved with clear channel separation and minimised noise, unlike an unbalanced output. HC2 has a rear audio output design to minimise noise. Most USB DAC products have the DAC positioned in the USB terminal connected directly to the device to process and output audio. However, on the HC2, digital signals are transmitted from the source device through the dual shielded cable to the audio circuit before being converted to analogue signal by the DAC. By processing the digital signal in this manner, the result is superior and noise-free sound.


EASY PLUG & PLAY DESIGN WITH USB-C CONNECTION AND APP FOR VOLUME CONTROL
Astell&Kern HC2 has been designed to offer ultimate convenience with a plug & play design. Now you can connect the HC2 directly to a Windows PC, Mac, smartphone or tablet with a USB-C port, without needing a separate conversion adapter. The HC2 utilises power from the connected playback device, eliminating the need for charging. Just connect the HC2 to experience high-fidelity sound from a computer or mobile device. The HC2 is also compatible with iOS devices using the bundled USB-C to Lightning adapter. To resolve the issue of volume automatically set to maximum levels or output at low levels, Astell&Kern has designed a dedicated volume app for android devices, offering greater control over volume and the functions of the HC2.



EXPERTLY BUILT, ENGINEERED AND DESIGNED WITH PREMIUM AND REFINED MATERIALS
The team at Astell&Kern have leveraged all their knowledge of designing high-quality devices into the HC2. The HC2 features a dual shielded cable to minimise noise and deliver a more vivid, original sound. The copper core wire is coated with tin to prevent corrosion and strengthen tensile force for enhanced durability. In addition, the entire cable is wrapped in an aluminium film to block noise, the biggest issue in audio, then the tin-coated copper wire is woven to minimise noise interference to sound. The body of the Astell&Kern is made from aluminium refined material to add to its durability. To enhance the performance of the HC2 it has also been tested by Roon to guarantee a simple setup and easy daily use. Room tested devices guarantee the best audio performance.



MODEL | AK HC2 |
BODY COLOR | Dark Silver |
BODY MATERIAL | Aluminum |
DAC | CS43198 Dual |
BIT/SAMPLE RATE | CM: Support up to 32bit/384kHz / DSD Native: DSD64(1bit 2.8MHz), Stereo / DSD128(1bit 5.6MHz), Stereo / DSD256(1bit 11.2MHz), Stereo |
INPUT | USB Type-C Input(for Windows 10,11, Android, iOS smartphone & Tablet PC, macOS) |
OUTPUT | 4.4mm balanced out |
LED | Power On/Off Indicator |
MICROPHONE PASS-THROUGH | Not supported |
WEIGHT | About 29g |
DIMENSIONS (WxHxD) | USB Plug: 12 x 21 x 6.5mm 4.4mm Headphone: 22.8 x 60 x 12.1mm |
FREQUENCY RESPONSE | ±0.011dB (Condition: 20Hz~20kHz) Balanced ±0.145dB (Condition: 20Hz~70kHz) Balanced |
SIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO | 122dB @ 1kHz, Balanced |
THD + N | 0.0004% @ 1kHz, Balanced |
IMD SMPTE | 0.0003%, 800Hz 10kHz (4:1), Balanced |
OUTPUT IMPEDANCE | 4.4mm (1.5ohm) |
OUTPUT LEVEL | 4Vrms (condition No Load) |
BOX CONTENTS | 1. Astell&Kern AK HC2 |
2. Adapter plug (female USB-C on one end and Apple Lightning connector on other end) | |
3. Manual | |
4. Warranty booklet |
GENERIC NAME | Headphone Amplifier |
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN | Korea |
IMPORTER DETAILS | Importers Name: Ferrari Video Address: 63/18, 1st Main Road, Gandhi Nagar, Chennai - 600020 Contact No: 044-24420733 |
NET QUANTITY | 1 |
Whats the warranty period? How to claim warranty?
The warranty period on all Astell&Kern products is 1 year. Read more information on Astelle&Kern warranty.
Do I need to charge the Astell&Kern AK HC2?
No, you don't need to charge the Astell&Kern AK HC2 just plug and play.
Can I use the Astell&Kern AK HC2 with my smartphone?
Yes! You can easily connect the Astell&Kern AK HC2 to your Smartphone with USB C connection.
Is the Astell&Kern AK HC2 compatible with iOS devices?
The Astell&Kern AK HC2 is engineered to offer seamless connectivity with mobile OS, including iOS. You can connect the HC2 to any iOS device by using the bundled USB-C to Lightning adapter for quick connection.
Does the Astell&Kern AK HC2 come with a mic?
No, the Astell&Kern AK HC2 does not come with a microphone.
Does it support microphone pass-through?
No, it does not support microphone pass-through.
Which DAC Chip does the Astell&Kern AK HC2 use?
The Astell&Kern AK HC2 features Dual Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC Chip that lets you experience audiophile grade audio with a great amount of detail and audio separation.
Does Astell&Kern AK HC2 come with any balanced outputs?
Yes, the Astell&Kern AK HC2 does come with a 4.4mm balanced output.
Don't sweat it, this
Astell&Kern - AK HC2 comes with a 1 Year warranty
from Astell&Kern that covers manufacturing defects.
All products featured on Headphone Zone are backed by an original manufacturer's warranty.
Read more about Astell&Kern's warranty in
India.

Award Winner
reddot
May, 2022

IF DESIGN AWARD
iF Design
May, 2022
This product is rated 5.0 of 5.0 stars.
It has received 1 review.