Astell&Kern - AK HC2

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.