Astell&Kern - AK HC4
Portable Balanced 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
Low Cost EMI Options through Credit Cards
ICICI Bank
3
Low Cost EMI
₹ 6,845
₹ 535
₹ 431
6
Low Cost EMI
₹ 3,490
₹ 943
₹ 763
9
15.99%
₹ 2,373
₹ 1,356
12
15.99%
₹ 1,814
₹ 1,774
18
15.99%
₹ 1,257
₹ 2,626
24
15.99%
₹ 979
₹ 3,500
HDFC Bank
3
Low Cost EMI
₹ 6,845
₹ 536
₹ 431
6
Low Cost EMI
₹ 3,490
₹ 944
₹ 763
9
16%
₹ 2,373
₹ 1,357
12
16%
₹ 1,815
₹ 1,775
18
16%
₹ 1,257
₹ 2,628
24
16%
₹ 979
₹ 3,502
SBI Bank
3
Low Cost EMI
₹ 6,850
₹ 552
₹ 444
6
Low Cost EMI
₹ 3,481
₹ 884
₹ 712
9
15%
₹ 2,363
₹ 1,271
12
15%
₹ 1,805
₹ 1,662
18
16%
₹ 1,257
₹ 2,628
24
16%
₹ 979
₹ 3,502
Axis Bank
3
Low Cost EMI
₹ 6,845
₹ 536
₹ 431
6
Low Cost EMI
₹ 3,490
₹ 944
₹ 763
9
16%
₹ 2,373
₹ 1,357
12
16%
₹ 1,796
₹ 1,549
18
16%
₹ 1,257
₹ 2,628
24
16%
₹ 979
₹ 3,502
Other EMI Options through Credit Cards
Citi Bank
3
14%
₹ 6,822
₹ 468
6
14%
₹ 3,471
₹ 825
9
16%
₹ 2,373
₹ 1,357
12
16%
₹ 1,815
₹ 1,775
18
16%
₹ 1,257
₹ 2,628
24
16%
₹ 979
₹ 3,502
Kotak Mahindra Bank
Tenure
Interest%
Installment
Interest
3
16%
₹ 6,845
₹ 536
6
16%
₹ 3,490
₹ 944
9
16%
₹ 2,373
₹ 1,357
12
16%
₹ 1,815
₹ 1,775
18
16%
₹ 1,257
₹ 2,628
24
16%
₹ 979
₹ 3,502
RBL Bank
3
13%
₹ 6,811
₹ 435
6
14%
₹ 3,471
₹ 825
9
15%
₹ 2,363
₹ 1,271
12
15%
₹ 1,805
₹ 1,662
18
15%
₹ 1,248
₹ 2,458
24
15%
₹ 970
₹ 3,273
Standard Chartered Bank
3
13%
₹ 6,811
₹ 435
6
13%
₹ 3,461
₹ 765
9
14%
₹ 2,354
₹ 1,185
12
14%
₹ 1,796
₹ 1,549
INDUSIND Bank
3
14%
₹ 6,822
₹ 468
6
14%
₹ 3,471
₹ 825
9
15%
₹ 2,363
₹ 1,271
12
15%
₹ 1,805
₹ 1,662
18
15%
₹ 1,248
₹ 2,458
24
15%
₹ 970
₹ 3,273
HSBC Bank
3
12.50%
₹ 6,806
₹ 418
6
12.50%
₹ 3,456
₹ 735
9
13.50%
₹ 2,349
₹ 1,142
12
13.50%
₹ 1,791
₹ 1,492
18
13.50%
₹ 1,234
₹ 2,205
YES Bank
3
13%
₹ 6,811
₹ 435
6
13%
₹ 3,461
₹ 765
9
14%
₹ 2,354
₹ 1,185
12
14%
₹ 1,796
₹ 1,549
18
15%
₹ 1,248
₹ 2,458
24
15%
₹ 970
₹ 3,273
Bank of Baroda
3
13%
₹ 6,811
₹ 435
6
14%
₹ 3,471
₹ 825
9
14%
₹ 2,354
₹ 1,185
12
15%
₹ 1,805
₹ 1,662
18
15%
₹ 1,248
₹ 2,458
24
16%
₹ 979
₹ 3,502
American Express
3
14%
₹ 6,822
₹ 468
6
14%
₹ 3,471
₹ 825
9
14%
₹ 2,354
₹ 1,185
12
14%
₹ 1,796
₹ 1,549
18
15%
₹ 1,248
₹ 2,458
24
15%
₹ 970
₹ 3,273
Talk to a Headphone Guru
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
4.4mm
Balanced Output
AKM AK4493S
DAC Chip
Upto 3Vrms
Power Output
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.
Connect With Type-C
& Lightning Cable
Metal
Build
DESCRIPTION
ELEVATE YOUR AUDIO WITH AK HC4: ASTELL&KERN'S PREMIUM DAC CABLE
Astell&Kern introduces the AK HC4, a premium Hi-Fi USB DAC cable designed to deliver a true Hi-Fi experience on smartphones and PCs. This compact solution packs the renowned Hi-Fi sound that Astell&Kern is celebrated for, providing audiophiles with an exceptional audio experience in a small and portable form factor.
UNLEASHING AKM'S AK4493S DAC FOR UNPRECEDENTED SOUND QUALITY
The AK HC4 sets itself apart by incorporating AKM's AK4493S DAC, marking a significant leap in achieving ultra-high-resolution sound. AKM's DAC, known for its excellence in Astell&Kern's digital audio players, is now seamlessly integrated into the USB DAC Cable lineup. Enhanced noise control, lower power design, and precise amp design technology contribute to the AK HC4's ability to deliver exceptionally high-quality Hi-Fi sound, supporting Native DSD256 and up to 32bit/384kHz for a premium audio experience.
EMBEDS AN EXCLUSIVE AMPLIFICATION CIRCUITRY FOR CLEAN POWER OUTPUT
To ensure stable output power and ultra-high-quality Hi-Fi sound, the AK HC4 introduces an exclusive AMP circuitry that surpasses standard built-in DAC AMP designs. Carefully selecting ultra-small tantalum capacitors and leveraging Astell&Kern's unique power management technology, the AK HC4 achieves a small footprint without compromising performance, providing a compact yet powerful solution for audiophiles.
3.5MM AND 4.4MM OUTPUT TO CONNECT YOUR FAVOURITE IEMS AND EARPHONES
Featuring Dual Output with both 3.5mm and 4.4mm connectors, the AK HC4 eliminates the need for adapters or additional cables. The 4.4mm Balanced output delivers a high output of 3Vrms, maximizing performance for sensitive headphones and IEMs. Simultaneously, the 3.5mm Unbalanced output ensures compatibility with a majority of existing IEMs and headphones, offering a sufficient output of 2Vrms for a versatile listening experience.
ASTELL & KERN HC4 REDEFINES AUDIO EXCELLENCE WITH DAR TECHNOLOGY AND GAMING BLISS
Equipped with Digital Audio Remaster (DAR) technology, the AK HC4 upsamples the sample rate of the sound source, delivering more refined and analogue-like original sound. This technology enhances the richness of the original sound, capturing subtle nuances and providing a higher level of auditory enjoyment. Additionally, the AK HC4 supports both UAC 2.0 and UAC 1.0 connections, making it ideal for gaming on various platforms, including PlayStation and Switch, ensuring low latency and enhanced sound for an immersive gaming experience.
LED INDICATORS ON THE FRONT PANEL AND BUNDLED WITH A DUAL NOISE-SHIELDED CABLE
The AK HC4 features a dual noise-shielded cable with interchangeable Type-C and Lightning connections for compatibility with Android and iOS devices. The copper core wire, coated with tin for corrosion prevention, is wrapped in an aluminum film to block noise effectively. The LED indicators on the front display song details and USB connection status, providing real-time information about the AK HC4's operation.
EXPERTLY DESIGNED TO HIGHLIGHT FORM AND ELEVATE FUNCTIONALITY
Before using the AK HC4, users are advised to check the volume settings on connected devices to prevent potential hearing damage. The product supports most Android and iOS devices, Windows 10/11, and macOS products but may have compatibility restrictions depending on specific hardware, software, or system configurations. The AK HC4's design philosophy, embracing light and shadow, is evident in its unibody structure, minimal bonding lines, and ergonomic features, providing users with both aesthetics and functionality.
SPECS
| MODEL | AK HC4 |
| BODY MATERIAL | Aluminum |
| BODY COLOR | Moon Silver |
| DAC | AKM AK4493S |
| SAMPLE RATE | PCM : 8kHz ~ 384kHz (8/16/24/32bits per Sample) DSD Native : DSD64(1bit 2.8MHz), Stereo / DSD128(1bit 5.6MHz), Stereo / DSD256(1bit 11.2MHz), Stereo |
| INPUT | USB Type-C (Supports UAC 1.0 and UAC 2.0) |
| HEADPHONE OUTPUT | Output 3.5mm (Unbalanced) 4.4mm (Balanced, Only 5-pole supported) |
| WEIGHT | About 1.09oz (31g) |
| DIMENSIONS | 29.5mm[W] x 64.5mm[H] x 14.5mm[D] |
| OUTPUT LEVEL | Unbalanced 2Vrms / Balanced 3Vrms (Condition No Load) |
| FREQUENCY RESPONSE | ±0.062dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz) Unbalanced ±0.063dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz) Balanced ±0.066dB (Condition : 20Hz~70kHz) Unbalanced ±0.067dB (Condition : 20Hz~70kHz) Balanced |
| SIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO | 118dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced 118dB @ 1kHz, Balanced |
| CROSSTALK | -134dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced -136dB @ 1kHz, Balanced |
| THD + N | 0.0005% @ 1kHz, Unbalanced 0.0009% @ 1kHz, Balanced |
| IMD SAMPTE | 0.0005% 800Hz 10kHz (4:1) Unbalanced 0.0004% 800Hz 10kHz (4:1) Balanced |
| OUTPUT IMPEDANCE | Unbalanced Out 3.5mm (0.9ohm) Balanced Out 4.4mm(1.6ohm) |
| BOX CONTENTS | 1. Astell&Kern AK HC4 |
| 2. Type-C Cable | |
| 3. Lightning Cable |
| 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 |
User Manual | AK HC4
Portable Balanced DAC & Amp
|
ELEVATE YOUR AUDIO WITH AK HC4: ASTELL&KERN'S PREMIUM DAC CABLE
Astell&Kern introduces the AK HC4, a premium Hi-Fi USB DAC cable designed to deliver a true Hi-Fi experience on smartphones and PCs. This compact solution packs the renowned Hi-Fi sound that Astell&Kern is celebrated for, providing audiophiles with an exceptional audio experience in a small and portable form factor.
UNLEASHING AKM'S AK4493S DAC FOR UNPRECEDENTED SOUND QUALITY
The AK HC4 sets itself apart by incorporating AKM's AK4493S DAC, marking a significant leap in achieving ultra-high-resolution sound. AKM's DAC, known for its excellence in Astell&Kern's digital audio players, is now seamlessly integrated into the USB DAC Cable lineup. Enhanced noise control, lower power design, and precise amp design technology contribute to the AK HC4's ability to deliver exceptionally high-quality Hi-Fi sound, supporting Native DSD256 and up to 32bit/384kHz for a premium audio experience.
EMBEDS AN EXCLUSIVE AMPLIFICATION CIRCUITRY FOR CLEAN POWER OUTPUT
To ensure stable output power and ultra-high-quality Hi-Fi sound, the AK HC4 introduces an exclusive AMP circuitry that surpasses standard built-in DAC AMP designs. Carefully selecting ultra-small tantalum capacitors and leveraging Astell&Kern's unique power management technology, the AK HC4 achieves a small footprint without compromising performance, providing a compact yet powerful solution for audiophiles.
3.5MM AND 4.4MM OUTPUT TO CONNECT YOUR FAVOURITE IEMS AND EARPHONES
Featuring Dual Output with both 3.5mm and 4.4mm connectors, the AK HC4 eliminates the need for adapters or additional cables. The 4.4mm Balanced output delivers a high output of 3Vrms, maximizing performance for sensitive headphones and IEMs. Simultaneously, the 3.5mm Unbalanced output ensures compatibility with a majority of existing IEMs and headphones, offering a sufficient output of 2Vrms for a versatile listening experience.
ASTELL & KERN HC4 REDEFINES AUDIO EXCELLENCE WITH DAR TECHNOLOGY AND GAMING BLISS
Equipped with Digital Audio Remaster (DAR) technology, the AK HC4 upsamples the sample rate of the sound source, delivering more refined and analogue-like original sound. This technology enhances the richness of the original sound, capturing subtle nuances and providing a higher level of auditory enjoyment. Additionally, the AK HC4 supports both UAC 2.0 and UAC 1.0 connections, making it ideal for gaming on various platforms, including PlayStation and Switch, ensuring low latency and enhanced sound for an immersive gaming experience.
LED INDICATORS ON THE FRONT PANEL AND BUNDLED WITH A DUAL NOISE-SHIELDED CABLE
The AK HC4 features a dual noise-shielded cable with interchangeable Type-C and Lightning connections for compatibility with Android and iOS devices. The copper core wire, coated with tin for corrosion prevention, is wrapped in an aluminum film to block noise effectively. The LED indicators on the front display song details and USB connection status, providing real-time information about the AK HC4's operation.
EXPERTLY DESIGNED TO HIGHLIGHT FORM AND ELEVATE FUNCTIONALITY
Before using the AK HC4, users are advised to check the volume settings on connected devices to prevent potential hearing damage. The product supports most Android and iOS devices, Windows 10/11, and macOS products but may have compatibility restrictions depending on specific hardware, software, or system configurations. The AK HC4's design philosophy, embracing light and shadow, is evident in its unibody structure, minimal bonding lines, and ergonomic features, providing users with both aesthetics and functionality.
| MODEL | AK HC4 |
| BODY MATERIAL | Aluminum |
| BODY COLOR | Moon Silver |
| DAC | AKM AK4493S |
| SAMPLE RATE | PCM : 8kHz ~ 384kHz (8/16/24/32bits per Sample) DSD Native : DSD64(1bit 2.8MHz), Stereo / DSD128(1bit 5.6MHz), Stereo / DSD256(1bit 11.2MHz), Stereo |
| INPUT | USB Type-C (Supports UAC 1.0 and UAC 2.0) |
| HEADPHONE OUTPUT | Output 3.5mm (Unbalanced) 4.4mm (Balanced, Only 5-pole supported) |
| WEIGHT | About 1.09oz (31g) |
| DIMENSIONS | 29.5mm[W] x 64.5mm[H] x 14.5mm[D] |
| OUTPUT LEVEL | Unbalanced 2Vrms / Balanced 3Vrms (Condition No Load) |
| FREQUENCY RESPONSE | ±0.062dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz) Unbalanced ±0.063dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz) Balanced ±0.066dB (Condition : 20Hz~70kHz) Unbalanced ±0.067dB (Condition : 20Hz~70kHz) Balanced |
| SIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO | 118dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced 118dB @ 1kHz, Balanced |
| CROSSTALK | -134dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced -136dB @ 1kHz, Balanced |
| THD + N | 0.0005% @ 1kHz, Unbalanced 0.0009% @ 1kHz, Balanced |
| IMD SAMPTE | 0.0005% 800Hz 10kHz (4:1) Unbalanced 0.0004% 800Hz 10kHz (4:1) Balanced |
| OUTPUT IMPEDANCE | Unbalanced Out 3.5mm (0.9ohm) Balanced Out 4.4mm(1.6ohm) |
| BOX CONTENTS | 1. Astell&Kern AK HC4 |
| 2. Type-C Cable | |
| 3. Lightning Cable |
| 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 |
|
User Manual | AK HC4
Portable Balanced DAC & Amp
|
Don't sweat it, this
Astell&Kern - AK HC4 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.
Gold Award
Major HiFi
Dec, 2023
"Everything about the Astell & Kern HC4 represents one of the best DAC dongles you can get.Using the HC4 with both headphones and IEMs enhances them with tons of power and detail."
Read MoreHave a question? Get in touch!
Check out the most common questions our customers ask. Still have questions? Talk to our Headphone Gurus.
What is the warranty period on the Astell&Kern AK HC4 and how do I claim warranty?
What DAC technology does the Astell&Kern AK HC4 use, and how does it contribute to sound quality?
What sets the Astell&Kern AK HC4's AMP circuitry apart, and how does it achieve stable output power in a compact design?
Does the Astell&Kern AK HC4 offer dual output options, and what are the benefits of having both 3.5mm and 4.4mm connectors?
How does the Astell&Kern AK HC4's Digital Audio Remaster (DAR) technology enhance audio quality, and is it suitable for gaming purposes?
What innovative features does the Astell&Kern AK HC4 offer in terms of cable design, shielding, and compatibility?
This product has no reviews yet.