Astell&Kern - AK HC3
Portable DAC & AmpGET 18% GST INPUT
One of the reasons headphones and earphones in India are more expensive than overseas is because of the Goods & Services Tax in India.
Don't let the GST input go to waste especially if you can avail an offset.
All products sold on Headphone Zone carry a GST compliant invoice and all products sold include an 18% GST.
Simply enter your GST number at the time of checkout.
Browse EMI Plans
₹ 1,446 per month with Snapmint
Tenure available: 3, 6 and 9 months
Eligibility: Above 18 years of age, Credit Card NOT Required
Transaction value: Available on all orders
Payment Gateway: Please choose Snapmint Cardless EMI at checkout
3 Months
(No Cost EMI)
₹ 4,000
₹ 4,000
₹ 0
6 Months
(Low Cost EMI)
₹ 4,000
₹ 2,088
₹ 536
9 Months
(Low Cost EMI)
₹ 4,000
₹ 1,446
₹ 1,040
₹ 2,667 per month with axio
Tenure available: 3 or 6 Months
Eligibility: All above 21 years of age
Transaction value: Available on all orders below Rs. 60,000/-
Payment Gateway: Please choose Razorpay at checkout
3 Months
No Cost EMI
₹ 5,333
₹ 0
6 Months
No Cost EMI
₹ 2,667
₹ 0
₹ 5,333 per month with Bajaj Finserv
Tenure available: 3 Months
Eligibility: All Bajaj Finance card owners
Transaction value: All orders above Rs. 4,500/-
Payment Gateway: Please choose Razorpay at checkout
3 Months
No Cost EMI
₹ 5,333
₹ 0
₹ 5,333 per month with Zest Money
Tenure available: 3 Months
Eligibility: All Zestmoney users
Transaction value: Depends on your credit limit
Payment Gateway: Please choose Cashfree at checkout
3 Months
No Cost EMI
3
No Cost EMI
₹ 5,333
₹ 0
EMI Options through Other Credit Cards
American Express
3
14%
₹ 5,458
₹ 375
6
14%
₹ 2,776
₹ 660
9
14%
₹ 1,883
₹ 948
12
14%
₹ 1,437
₹ 1,239
18
14%
₹ 991
₹ 1,831
24
14%
₹ 768
₹ 2,437
Axis Bank
3
No Cost EMI
₹ 5,333
₹ 0
6
No Cost EMI
₹ 2,667
₹ 0
9
14%
₹ 1,883
₹ 948
12
14%
₹ 1,437
₹ 1,239
18
15%
₹ 998
₹ 1,967
24
15%
₹ 776
₹ 2,619
Bank of Baroda
3
No Cost EMI
₹ 5,333
₹ 0
6
No Cost EMI
₹ 2,667
₹ 0
9
13%
₹ 1,875
₹ 879
12
13%
₹ 1,429
₹ 1,149
18
15%
₹ 998
₹ 1,967
24
15%
₹ 776
₹ 2,619
Citi Bank
3
No Cost EMI
₹ 5,333
₹ 0
6
No Cost EMI
₹ 2,667
₹ 0
9
15%
₹ 1,891
₹ 1,017
12
15%
₹ 1,444
₹ 1,330
18
15%
₹ 998
₹ 1,967
24
15%
₹ 776
₹ 2,619
HDFC Bank
3
No Cost EMI
₹ 5,333
₹ 0
6
No Cost EMI
₹ 2,667
₹ 0
9
15%
₹ 1,891
₹ 1,017
12
15%
₹ 1,444
₹ 1,330
18
15%
₹ 998
₹ 1,967
24
15%
₹ 776
₹ 2,619
HSBC Bank
3
No Cost EMI
₹ 5,333
₹ 0
6
No Cost EMI
₹ 2,667
₹ 0
9
13.50%
₹ 1,879
₹ 913
12
13.50%
₹ 1,433
₹ 1,194
18
13.50%
₹ 987
₹ 1,764
ICICI Bank
3
No Cost EMI
₹ 5,333
₹ 0
6
No Cost EMI
₹ 2,667
₹ 0
9
13.99%
₹ 1,883
₹ 947
12
13.99%
₹ 1,436
₹ 1,238
18
14.99%
₹ 998
₹ 1,965
24
14.99%
₹ 776
₹ 2,617
INDUSIND Bank
3
No Cost EMI
₹ 5,333
₹ 0
6
No Cost EMI
₹ 2,667
₹ 0
9
13%
₹ 1,875
₹ 879
12
12%
₹ 1,421
₹ 1,059
18
12%
₹ 976
₹ 1,563
24
12%
₹ 753
₹ 2,076
Kotak Mahindra Bank
Tenure
Interest%
Installment
Interest
3
No Cost EMI
₹ 5,333
₹ 0
6
No Cost EMI
₹ 2,667
₹ 0
9
14%
₹ 1,883
₹ 948
12
14%
₹ 1,437
₹ 1,239
18
15%
₹ 998
₹ 1,967
24
15%
₹ 776
₹ 2,619
RBL Bank
3
No Cost EMI
₹ 5,333
₹ 0
6
No Cost EMI
₹ 2,667
₹ 0
9
15%
₹ 1,891
₹ 1,017
12
15%
₹ 1,444
₹ 1,330
18
15%
₹ 998
₹ 1,967
24
15%
₹ 776
₹ 2,619
SBI Bank
3
No Cost EMI
₹ 5,333
₹ 0
6
No Cost EMI
₹ 2,667
₹ 0
9
14%
₹ 1,883
₹ 948
12
14%
₹ 1,437
₹ 1,239
Standard Chartered Bank
3
No Cost EMI
₹ 5,333
₹ 0
6
No Cost EMI
₹ 2,667
₹ 0
9
14%
₹ 1,883
₹ 948
12
14%
₹ 1,437
₹ 1,239
YES Bank
3
No Cost EMI
₹ 5,333
₹ 0
6
No Cost EMI
₹ 2,667
₹ 0
9
14%
₹ 1,883
₹ 948
12
14%
₹ 1,437
₹ 1,239
18
15%
₹ 998
₹ 1,967
24
15%
₹ 776
₹ 2,619
Payment Offers
Snapmint
Tenure available: 3, 6 and 9 months
Eligibility: Above 18 years of age, Credit Card NOT Required
Transaction value: Available on all orders
Payment Gateway: Please choose Snapmint Cardless EMI at checkout
3 Months
(No Cost EMI)
₹ 4,000
₹ 4,000
₹ 0
6 Months
(Low Cost EMI)
₹ 4,000
₹ 2,088
₹ 536
9 Months
(Low Cost EMI)
₹ 4,000
₹ 1,446
₹ 1,040
Axio
Tenure available: 3 or 6 Months
Eligibility: All above 21 years of age
Transaction value: Available on all orders below Rs. 60,000/-
Payment Gateway: Please choose Razorpay at checkout
3 Months
No Cost EMI
₹ 5,333
₹ 0
6 Months
No Cost EMI
₹ 2,667
₹ 0
Bajaj Finance
Tenure available: 3 Months
Eligibility: All Bajaj Finance card owners
Transaction value: All orders above Rs. 4,500/-
Payment Gateway: Please choose Razorpay at checkout
3 Months
No Cost EMI
₹ 5,333
₹ 0
Zest Money
Tenure available: 3 Months
Eligibility: All Zestmoney users
Transaction value: Depends on your credit limit
Payment Gateway: Please choose Cashfree at checkout
3 Months
No Cost EMI
3
No Cost EMI
₹ 5,333
₹ 0
MobiKwik
Cashback Offer
- Select Cashfree at Checkout to transact through Mobikwik
- Get Additional Cashback upto Rs. 500/- on transaction via MobiKwik wallet
- Use Code :- MBK500 on MobiKwik Payment page to avail the additional cashback.
- Transaction to be done through MobiKwik wallet only
- Offer can be availed on minimum transaction of Rs. 1999/-
- Offer can be availed once per user during the campaign
- Offer valid till 30th September '23
- T&C Applied
Club Audiophile
Club Audiophile
Join Club Audiophile to begin your pursuit of great sound. Earn points and save on every purchase.
READ MORE
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
If you’re someone who enjoys listening to music while commuting. These portable Amps & DACs allow you to listen to your favourite track without compromising on the audio quality
Ideal for Gaming
Sometimes, DAC & Amps embed a built-in microphone so you can use it while gaming. If you are someone working from home, or a professional gamer, you'll benefit from a DAC & Amp with a microphone.
You can expect these DAC & Amps to offer brilliant microphone quality and clear audio so that teammates can hear you at the other end. Just plug them in, and game your way to victory!
Metal
Build
ESS Sabre ES9219MQ
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.
2Vrms
Power Output
Works with Android & iOS
One thing all of our phones have in common is that they have replaced the portable media player. These headphones and devices are perfect to pair with your Android and iOS devices and offer functionality previously unknown. If you’re someone who usually switches between a variety of devices with different OS, then these are suited for you. You can expect these headphones and devices to connect seamlessly without any hassle and even offer OS-specific functionality depending on the device. Headphones and devices designed to work with Android and iOS come in wired and wireless formats. Quite often you will also find Hi-Fi equipment offering direct connectivity to devices with Android and iOS to simplify the connectivity process.
Super Lightweight
Design
DESCRIPTION
ASTELL&KERN INTRODUCES AN ALL-NEW USB DAC & AMP - THE AK HC3
Astell&Kern has been at the forefront when it comes to designing some of the game-changing audio devices. With their continuous pursuit of perfection, Astell&Kern has always amazed audio enthusiasts worldwide. Driven by a passion for music and a quest for innovation, Astell&Kern products have proved to be the finest in the audio industry. Astell&Kern takes great pleasure in introducing their all-new USB DAC & Amp - the AK HC3. The AK HC3 delivers music that is true to the original sound when it was recorded or performed to touch your hearts and revive them. It is a promising DAC & Amp with dual DACs from ESS Sabre. It supports PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) 32bit/384kHz, Native DSD256 (Direct Stream Digital). Hear the difference in sound quality with the all-new AK HC3 USB DAC & Amp and delve into pure sonic bliss!
EXPERIENCE ULTRA HIGH-RESOLUTION SOUND WITH DUAL ESS SABRE DAC CHIPS AND 8X MQA SUPPORT
To take the performance level of the HC3 to new levels, a team of engineers designed it to be extremely powerful & clean in its delivery. Astell&Kern has incorporated ES9219MQ dual DAC from ESS Sabre for true Hi-Fi sound quality. The AK HC3 is the result of; years of effort and design expertise that provides all the benefits of its predecessor, HC1 (PEE51), while enabling high-quality sound across various settings. The dual DACs enable playback of Hi-Fi sounds in ultra-high quality, excellent noise control, and low power consumption. In addition, it supports Native DSD256 and 32-bit/384 kHz, supporting any high-resolution sound. The Atell&Kern AK HC3 is a renderer that supports MQA 8X playback in ultra-high quality to deliver sound that's much closer to the original sound. With its compact size and uncompromising performance, the AK HC3 makes it easy to enjoy "real" Hi-Fi sound anytime, anywhere.
EXCEPTIONAL POWER MANAGEMENT AND OPTIMAL AUDIO CIRCUITRY FOR UNRIVALLED PERFORMANCE
The AK HC3 is the result of Astell&Kern's ultra-fine audio design technology. Astell&Kern is adored by countless music lovers thanks to their dedication and meticulous delivery of the original sound with their signature portable high-resolution audio players. The team of engineers at Astell&Kern have included cutting-edge technology and know-how accumulated from their DAP designs over the years in the all-new AK HC3. Astell&Kern has used micro resistors and capacitor parts to achieve the small dimensions without compromising performance. Custom ultra-small tantalum capacitors used in AK player products to create a stable system and audio performance by controlling power fluctuations are incorporated in the AK HC3. In addition, the output and audio performance are "enhanced" with Astell&Kern's unique power management technology by minimising power consumption with the connected device.
DUAL NOISE-SHIELDED CABLE WITH NOISE-FREE REAR OUTPUT STRUCTURE DELIVERS DISTORTION-FREE AUDIO
The AK HC3 incorporates 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. The DAC of the AK HC3 transforms digital signals from the device into analogue signals after passing through the dual-shielded cable and the audio circuit. In comparison to other USB DAC products, the outcome of post-processing the digital signal is better and noise-free. The AK HC3 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 then the tin-coated copper wire is woven to minimise noise interference.
EASY AND CONVENIENT PLUG & PLAY DESIGN WITH SUPPORT FOR COMPANION APP
Connect directly to a Windows PC, Mac, smartphone or tablet with a USB-C port that supports plug & play without needing a separate conversion adapter, and enjoy high-quality sound. The AK HC3 utilises power from the connected playback device, so it does not need to be charged or connected to a separate external sound card, AMP or DAC. Just plug in the HC3 to experience high-fidelity sound from a computer or mobile device. As common with many USB DACs, compatibility issues arise as different connected devices are set automatically to maximum volume output or playback at too low volume. To resolve this and offer greater control over the "volume" and function of the HC3, Astell&Kern has developed a companion app for Android OS devices. Additionally, Roon examined the AK HC3 to improve its performance and ensure ease of setup and daily use. Roon-tested devices provide the best audio performance, and the AK HC3 is no different.
NOTE: The HC3 is also compatible with iOS devices using the included USB-C to Lightning adapter.
EXQUISITELY CRAFTED FROM ALUMINIUM FUSED WITH MICROPHONE AND CONTROLLER SUPPORT AND LED INDICATOR
AK HC3 is super light with a full aluminium housing and weighs only 20g. The compact and lightweight body embodies Astell&Kern’s design philosophy, emphasising their fundamental ethos toward the music. The design inherits the light and shadow concept, which is the identity of Astell&Kern. All four sides centred around the traversing centerline are positioned proportionally and converge on a single point, making them uniquely reflective and iridescent. The high-quality finish hides everything except for design factors such as the contours and the logo, preventing any visual distractions for a more immersive music experience. The AK HC3 is compatible with 3, or 4-pole 3.5mm plug earphones and headsets, as well as in-line controller and microphone features of 4-pole earphones and headsets. The direct USB connection provides lower latency enabling a sound performance perfect for gaming. The voice chat features enhance your gaming experiences so you can play with others, and the microphone input makes it even more convenient for professional web conferencing. Plus, the rich sound capability adds to the utility of AK HC3 by making your video experiences more realistic and immersive. The AK HC3 also has an LED indicator that displays sampling rates (Standby: White / PCM: Red / DSD: Blue / MQA: Magenta).
NOTE:
When pairing your AK HC3 with iPhones, recording is supported for microphone input, but not supported for calls.
The unit does not have a built-in microphone.
SPECS
| MODEL | AK HC3 |
| BODY MATERIAL | Aluminum |
| BODY COLOR | Dark Gray |
| DAC | ES9219MQ x2 (Dual-DAC) |
| SAMPLE RATE | PCM: 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 | 3.5mm (CTIA standard 4-pole supported) |
| LED | Standby : White / PCM : Red / DSD : Blue |
| WEIGHT | about 20g |
| DIMENSIONS | USB Plug : 12.5mm[W] x 21mm[H] x 8.7mm[D] 3.5mm Headphone : 18.2mm[W] x 59mm[H] x 11.5[D] |
| FREQUENCY RESPONSE | ±0.013dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz) ±0.020dB (Condition : 20Hz~70kHz) |
| SIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO | 118dB @ 1kHz |
| CROSSTALK | -130dB @ 1kHz |
| THD + N | 0.0005% @ 1kHz |
| IMD SAMPTE | 0.0002%, 800Hz 10kHz (4:1) |
| OUTPUT IMPEDANCE | 2 ohm |
| OUTPUT POWER/VOLTAGE | 2Vrms (Condition No Road) |
| BOX CONTENTS | 1. Astell&Kern AK HC3 |
| 2. USB-C to Lightning adapter |
| GENERIC NAME | Headphone Amplifier |
| 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.
Where is Astell&Kern brand based?
Astell&Kern is a brand based in Korea.
How is Astell&Kern AK HC3 different from Astell&Kern AK HC2?
The AK HC3 is a portable single-ended DAC & Amp while the AK HC2 is a balanced DAC & Amp. The AK HC3 has a 3.5mm single-ended output and the AK HC2 has a 4.4mm pentaconn balanced output. These units also differ in terms of output power with AK HC3 delivering 2Vrms (Condition No Road) as compared to 4Vrms (Condition No Load) on AK HC2. The AK HC2 utilises Cirrus Logic CS43198 dual DAC chip and the AK HC3 utilises a dual ES9219MQ DAC chip from ESS Sabre.
What are the key features like on AK HC3?
Following are the key features:
ES9219MQ Dual DAC from ESS for true Hi-Fi quality
Dual-shielded cable
Supports headset microphones
Supports iOS devices
Proprietary app for Android (For Detailed Volume Control)
Compact but powerful
LED display shows song details
Full metal housing design
What are the DAC chips incorporated in the Astell&Kern AK HC3?
The Astell&Kern AK HC3 features dual ES9219MQ DAC chips from ESS Sabre.
What are the sampling/decoding rates supported?
The Astell&Kern AK HC3 supports PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) 32bit/384kHz, Native DSD256 (Direct Stream Digital).
Does it require charging?
No, the Astell&Kern AK HC3 utilises power from the connected playback device, so it does not need to be charged or connected to a separate external sound card, AMP or DAC.
Does it support a microphone input?
Yes, the Astell&Kern AK HC3 is compatible with 3, or 4-pole 3.5mm plug earphones and headsets, as well as in-line controller and microphone features of 4-pole earphones and headsets.
NOTE: The unit does not have a built-in microphone.
What do the LED indicators indicate?
The AK HC3 also has an LED indicator that displays sampling rates (Standby: White / PCM: Red / DSD: Blue / MQA: Magenta).
What is the input connection like on Astell&Kern AK HC3?
The Astell&Kern AK HC3 has USB Type-C as input connection.
What is the output port like on Astell&Kern AK HC3?
The Astell&Kern AK HC3 has a 3.5mm (CTIA standard 4-pole supported) output port.
Does it support companion apps?
Yes, it does support companion apps.
What is the purpose of the companion app?
As common with many USB DACs, compatibility issues arise as different connected devices are set automatically to maximum volume output or playback at too low volume. To resolve this and offer greater control over the 'volume' and function of the HC3, Astell&Kern has developed a companion app for Android OS devices.
What care needs to be taken while using the product?
Precautions When Using the Product:
This product is compatible with most Android and iOS smartphones and tablets, Windows 10/11 and macOS products. In some cases, it may not be compatible or may be restricted depending on the hardware, software and/or system of the device that you connect to.
When connecting to a Windows PC, the driver will automatically be recognized and installed. For high-quality sound files, you are required to install a separate USB DAC driver which can be downloaded from the Support — Download section on the website.
4-pole earphones and headphones support CTIA devices, but OMTP is not supported. HC3 may not support call features when paired with iPhones or some Android phone models with a 3.5-mm connector.
To play DSD and high-quality PCM sound files on a smartphone, you must install a separate free/paid player program that supports high-resolution audio playback. (When using the default player app on a mobile device, the file will be downsampled. Please make sure to play it with a different player app.)
Please note that the volume will be fixed to the maximum level if you allow access with Tidal and some other apps on Android devices. Make sure to check the volume on your connected player device before using headphones or earphones. Some devices may automatically set the output level to maximum volume when the cable is connected. Listening to headphones or earphones at maximum volume may damage your hearing. Please verify the volume level before each use.
Do not connect the USB-C Dual DAC Cable to an Astell&Kern player. When connecting the cable to a player and using it as an external DAC, the output volume will be fixed at the maximum volume setting. It is not possible to adjust the volume through the Astell&Kern player. Listening at maximum or a high-volume setting may cause serious damage to your hearing. Astell&Kern, its affiliates and agencies, cannot be held liable for any damage or injuries from negligent or inappropriate use.
Firmware updates may be released periodically for stability improvements. For more information on firmware updates and to check if a firmware update is available, please visit the Support — Download section on the website.
ASTELL&KERN INTRODUCES AN ALL-NEW USB DAC & AMP - THE AK HC3
Astell&Kern has been at the forefront when it comes to designing some of the game-changing audio devices. With their continuous pursuit of perfection, Astell&Kern has always amazed audio enthusiasts worldwide. Driven by a passion for music and a quest for innovation, Astell&Kern products have proved to be the finest in the audio industry. Astell&Kern takes great pleasure in introducing their all-new USB DAC & Amp - the AK HC3. The AK HC3 delivers music that is true to the original sound when it was recorded or performed to touch your hearts and revive them. It is a promising DAC & Amp with dual DACs from ESS Sabre. It supports PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) 32bit/384kHz, Native DSD256 (Direct Stream Digital). Hear the difference in sound quality with the all-new AK HC3 USB DAC & Amp and delve into pure sonic bliss!
EXPERIENCE ULTRA HIGH-RESOLUTION SOUND WITH DUAL ESS SABRE DAC CHIPS AND 8X MQA SUPPORT
To take the performance level of the HC3 to new levels, a team of engineers designed it to be extremely powerful & clean in its delivery. Astell&Kern has incorporated ES9219MQ dual DAC from ESS Sabre for true Hi-Fi sound quality. The AK HC3 is the result of; years of effort and design expertise that provides all the benefits of its predecessor, HC1 (PEE51), while enabling high-quality sound across various settings. The dual DACs enable playback of Hi-Fi sounds in ultra-high quality, excellent noise control, and low power consumption. In addition, it supports Native DSD256 and 32-bit/384 kHz, supporting any high-resolution sound. The Atell&Kern AK HC3 is a renderer that supports MQA 8X playback in ultra-high quality to deliver sound that's much closer to the original sound. With its compact size and uncompromising performance, the AK HC3 makes it easy to enjoy "real" Hi-Fi sound anytime, anywhere.
EXCEPTIONAL POWER MANAGEMENT AND OPTIMAL AUDIO CIRCUITRY FOR UNRIVALLED PERFORMANCE
The AK HC3 is the result of Astell&Kern's ultra-fine audio design technology. Astell&Kern is adored by countless music lovers thanks to their dedication and meticulous delivery of the original sound with their signature portable high-resolution audio players. The team of engineers at Astell&Kern have included cutting-edge technology and know-how accumulated from their DAP designs over the years in the all-new AK HC3. Astell&Kern has used micro resistors and capacitor parts to achieve the small dimensions without compromising performance. Custom ultra-small tantalum capacitors used in AK player products to create a stable system and audio performance by controlling power fluctuations are incorporated in the AK HC3. In addition, the output and audio performance are "enhanced" with Astell&Kern's unique power management technology by minimising power consumption with the connected device.
DUAL NOISE-SHIELDED CABLE WITH NOISE-FREE REAR OUTPUT STRUCTURE DELIVERS DISTORTION-FREE AUDIO
The AK HC3 incorporates 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. The DAC of the AK HC3 transforms digital signals from the device into analogue signals after passing through the dual-shielded cable and the audio circuit. In comparison to other USB DAC products, the outcome of post-processing the digital signal is better and noise-free. The AK HC3 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 then the tin-coated copper wire is woven to minimise noise interference.
EASY AND CONVENIENT PLUG & PLAY DESIGN WITH SUPPORT FOR COMPANION APP
Connect directly to a Windows PC, Mac, smartphone or tablet with a USB-C port that supports plug & play without needing a separate conversion adapter, and enjoy high-quality sound. The AK HC3 utilises power from the connected playback device, so it does not need to be charged or connected to a separate external sound card, AMP or DAC. Just plug in the HC3 to experience high-fidelity sound from a computer or mobile device. As common with many USB DACs, compatibility issues arise as different connected devices are set automatically to maximum volume output or playback at too low volume. To resolve this and offer greater control over the "volume" and function of the HC3, Astell&Kern has developed a companion app for Android OS devices. Additionally, Roon examined the AK HC3 to improve its performance and ensure ease of setup and daily use. Roon-tested devices provide the best audio performance, and the AK HC3 is no different.
NOTE: The HC3 is also compatible with iOS devices using the included USB-C to Lightning adapter.
EXQUISITELY CRAFTED FROM ALUMINIUM FUSED WITH MICROPHONE AND CONTROLLER SUPPORT AND LED INDICATOR
AK HC3 is super light with a full aluminium housing and weighs only 20g. The compact and lightweight body embodies Astell&Kern’s design philosophy, emphasising their fundamental ethos toward the music. The design inherits the light and shadow concept, which is the identity of Astell&Kern. All four sides centred around the traversing centerline are positioned proportionally and converge on a single point, making them uniquely reflective and iridescent. The high-quality finish hides everything except for design factors such as the contours and the logo, preventing any visual distractions for a more immersive music experience. The AK HC3 is compatible with 3, or 4-pole 3.5mm plug earphones and headsets, as well as in-line controller and microphone features of 4-pole earphones and headsets. The direct USB connection provides lower latency enabling a sound performance perfect for gaming. The voice chat features enhance your gaming experiences so you can play with others, and the microphone input makes it even more convenient for professional web conferencing. Plus, the rich sound capability adds to the utility of AK HC3 by making your video experiences more realistic and immersive. The AK HC3 also has an LED indicator that displays sampling rates (Standby: White / PCM: Red / DSD: Blue / MQA: Magenta).
NOTE:
When pairing your AK HC3 with iPhones, recording is supported for microphone input, but not supported for calls.
The unit does not have a built-in microphone.
| MODEL | AK HC3 |
| BODY MATERIAL | Aluminum |
| BODY COLOR | Dark Gray |
| DAC | ES9219MQ x2 (Dual-DAC) |
| SAMPLE RATE | PCM: 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 | 3.5mm (CTIA standard 4-pole supported) |
| LED | Standby : White / PCM : Red / DSD : Blue |
| WEIGHT | about 20g |
| DIMENSIONS | USB Plug : 12.5mm[W] x 21mm[H] x 8.7mm[D] 3.5mm Headphone : 18.2mm[W] x 59mm[H] x 11.5[D] |
| FREQUENCY RESPONSE | ±0.013dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz) ±0.020dB (Condition : 20Hz~70kHz) |
| SIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO | 118dB @ 1kHz |
| CROSSTALK | -130dB @ 1kHz |
| THD + N | 0.0005% @ 1kHz |
| IMD SAMPTE | 0.0002%, 800Hz 10kHz (4:1) |
| OUTPUT IMPEDANCE | 2 ohm |
| OUTPUT POWER/VOLTAGE | 2Vrms (Condition No Road) |
| BOX CONTENTS | 1. Astell&Kern AK HC3 |
| 2. USB-C to Lightning adapter |
| GENERIC NAME | Headphone Amplifier |
| 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.
Where is Astell&Kern brand based?
Astell&Kern is a brand based in Korea.
How is Astell&Kern AK HC3 different from Astell&Kern AK HC2?
The AK HC3 is a portable single-ended DAC & Amp while the AK HC2 is a balanced DAC & Amp. The AK HC3 has a 3.5mm single-ended output and the AK HC2 has a 4.4mm pentaconn balanced output. These units also differ in terms of output power with AK HC3 delivering 2Vrms (Condition No Road) as compared to 4Vrms (Condition No Load) on AK HC2. The AK HC2 utilises Cirrus Logic CS43198 dual DAC chip and the AK HC3 utilises a dual ES9219MQ DAC chip from ESS Sabre.
What are the key features like on AK HC3?
Following are the key features:
ES9219MQ Dual DAC from ESS for true Hi-Fi quality
Dual-shielded cable
Supports headset microphones
Supports iOS devices
Proprietary app for Android (For Detailed Volume Control)
Compact but powerful
LED display shows song details
Full metal housing design
What are the DAC chips incorporated in the Astell&Kern AK HC3?
The Astell&Kern AK HC3 features dual ES9219MQ DAC chips from ESS Sabre.
What are the sampling/decoding rates supported?
The Astell&Kern AK HC3 supports PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) 32bit/384kHz, Native DSD256 (Direct Stream Digital).
Does it require charging?
No, the Astell&Kern AK HC3 utilises power from the connected playback device, so it does not need to be charged or connected to a separate external sound card, AMP or DAC.
Does it support a microphone input?
Yes, the Astell&Kern AK HC3 is compatible with 3, or 4-pole 3.5mm plug earphones and headsets, as well as in-line controller and microphone features of 4-pole earphones and headsets.
NOTE: The unit does not have a built-in microphone.
What do the LED indicators indicate?
The AK HC3 also has an LED indicator that displays sampling rates (Standby: White / PCM: Red / DSD: Blue / MQA: Magenta).
What is the input connection like on Astell&Kern AK HC3?
The Astell&Kern AK HC3 has USB Type-C as input connection.
What is the output port like on Astell&Kern AK HC3?
The Astell&Kern AK HC3 has a 3.5mm (CTIA standard 4-pole supported) output port.
Does it support companion apps?
Yes, it does support companion apps.
What is the purpose of the companion app?
As common with many USB DACs, compatibility issues arise as different connected devices are set automatically to maximum volume output or playback at too low volume. To resolve this and offer greater control over the 'volume' and function of the HC3, Astell&Kern has developed a companion app for Android OS devices.
What care needs to be taken while using the product?
Precautions When Using the Product:
This product is compatible with most Android and iOS smartphones and tablets, Windows 10/11 and macOS products. In some cases, it may not be compatible or may be restricted depending on the hardware, software and/or system of the device that you connect to.
When connecting to a Windows PC, the driver will automatically be recognized and installed. For high-quality sound files, you are required to install a separate USB DAC driver which can be downloaded from the Support — Download section on the website.
4-pole earphones and headphones support CTIA devices, but OMTP is not supported. HC3 may not support call features when paired with iPhones or some Android phone models with a 3.5-mm connector.
To play DSD and high-quality PCM sound files on a smartphone, you must install a separate free/paid player program that supports high-resolution audio playback. (When using the default player app on a mobile device, the file will be downsampled. Please make sure to play it with a different player app.)
Please note that the volume will be fixed to the maximum level if you allow access with Tidal and some other apps on Android devices. Make sure to check the volume on your connected player device before using headphones or earphones. Some devices may automatically set the output level to maximum volume when the cable is connected. Listening to headphones or earphones at maximum volume may damage your hearing. Please verify the volume level before each use.
Do not connect the USB-C Dual DAC Cable to an Astell&Kern player. When connecting the cable to a player and using it as an external DAC, the output volume will be fixed at the maximum volume setting. It is not possible to adjust the volume through the Astell&Kern player. Listening at maximum or a high-volume setting may cause serious damage to your hearing. Astell&Kern, its affiliates and agencies, cannot be held liable for any damage or injuries from negligent or inappropriate use.
Firmware updates may be released periodically for stability improvements. For more information on firmware updates and to check if a firmware update is available, please visit the Support — Download section on the website.
Don't sweat it, this
Astell&Kern - AK HC3 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.
DESIGN AWARD
iF Design
April, 2023
This product is rated 3.0 of 5.0 stars.
It has received 2 reviews.
Customer Reviews
This is a very nice device. My samsung note 10 plus and galaxy S22 ultra both recognized the device and worked well with it.
Power is good for dongle form factor but drains battery a little faster than looto paw S1.
The lows are tight and well articulated.
The mids are a bit forward and lush. Highs are pleasing and no sibilance or sensitivity. Details and soundstage is very good, almost near the level of A&K Kann that I possess.
The background is black and dynamics very good.
Its not for full sized headphones.
Its a great dongle for good quality music.
Hey Samrat, Thank you so much for your honest feedback, we're glad that you have such positive thoughts about the product and we'll share your thoughts with the brand as well.
Was not compatible with OnePlus 9 pro and I'm not able to make it work with MacBook M1 pro(2021) either.