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
Join Club Audiophile to begin your pursuit of great sound. Earn points and save on every purchase.
READ MORE
While this product is out of stock, consider...
Why Astell&Kern is Special
Designed in Korea
Established & Reputed
Trust us, our reputation in the audio world speaks for itself!
This headphone or gear comes from a well-respected brand known for its high-quality audio equipment, so you can be confident in your purchase.
If you see a product marked as “🎖️ Established & Reputed”, it means you're getting a top-tier device from a brand that's earned its stripes in the audio industry.
Revered by Audiophiles
Audiophiles can be really picky and tough to impress and if the audiophile community says something sounds good, you can bet it's great!
This headphone or gear has gained recognition and admiration from audiophiles, who are known for their discerning taste in high-fidelity audio. They appreciate its precision, attention to detail and its ability to deliver an immersive sonic experience.
If you see a product marked as "🙌🏻 Revered by Audiophiles", it means that it meets the highest standards of sound quality and performance, making it a top choice for anyone who values exceptional audio experiences.
Born in 2004
Why we love this DAC/Amp
Premium Economy
Sensible spending and class above in quality.
This headphone or gear offers top-notch sound and performance without much impact on your pocket, promising a delightful experience that exceeds your expectations at an economical price point.
If you see a product marked as “💎 Premium Economy," it indicates that you're getting a high-quality audio product with exceptional sound clarity and reliable performance, all at a budget-friendly price.
Ideal for Beginners
Lost in the Audio Maze? Let Us Guide Your Beginner Audiophile Journey!
If you are a newcomer in the audio world, this headphone or gear is a stepping stone for those overwhelmed by the plethora of options available.
If you see a product marked with “🌱 Ideal for Beginners," it indicates that this device is perfect for starting your audiophile journey.
For Audiophiles On-the-Go
Are you an audiophile looking to carry your music with you wherever you go?
This headphone or gear is portable and is designed to deliver top-notch audio quality on the move, ensuring your favourite tracks sound their best no matter where you are.
If you see a product marked "🛺 For Audiophiles On-the-Go", it means this product is perfectly portable, turning every journey into a musical adventure with studio-quality sound!
Works Great with Type-C
Don’t have a 3.5mm headphone jack on your phone? Don’t worry we got you covered.
This headphone or gear is fully compatible with Type-C USB connectors. Not only do they seamlessly connect to your device without needing an additonal dongle or adapter and ensures optimal performance without any hassle.
If you see a product marked as “📱 Works Great with Type-C”, you can be confident that you'll experience seamless connectivity with a universal connection standard that simplifies your audio setup.
Built like a Tank
No need to worry about durability.
If you're seeking a headphone or gear with a strong, rugged build, this snapshot indicates that this is the one for you.
If you see a product marked with “🪖 Built like a Tank", it means this product is crafted with metal in its design, ensuring exceptional robustness and durability.
Why it Sounds Amazing
DAC Chip
Know the secret to your pristine audio.
This headphone or gear reveals the secret sauce behind superior audio quality, highlighting the presence of a high-performance DAC chip for pristine sound reproduction.
If you see products marked as “⚙️ DAC Chip”, expect to experience your music with unparalleled clarity, detail, and fidelity, ensuring that every note and nuance is faithfully reproduced for your listening pleasure.
Power Output
When you need that juice to get the best out of your products.
This headphone or gear packs a punch, revealing the product's impressive power output capabilities, ensuring it can handle even the most demanding products with ease.
If you see products marked as “🚀 Power Output”, you're in for a treat with robust performance for driving high-fidelity products without breaking a sweat.
Balanced Output
Upgrading from single-ended to balanced can be the easiest way to improve your sound.
This DAC, Amp or Hi-Res player offers a balanced output, ensuring pristine audio quality with minimised interference and enhanced clarity for your listening pleasure.
If you see a product marked as "⚖️ Balanced Output”, get ready for a symphony of crystal-clear tunes, free from any unwanted noise drama!
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 |
OTHER DETAILS
| GENERIC NAME | DAC & Amp |
| IMPORTER DETAILS | Importers Name: Ferrari Video Address: 63/18, 1st Main Road, Gandhi Nagar, Chennai - 600020 Contact No: 044-24420733 |
| NET QUANTITY | 1 |
| MANUFACTURER DETAILS | Name: Dreamus Company Address: 18-gil 5, Bangbaero, Seocho-Gu, Seoul, Korea 06664 |
| PACKAGE CONTENTS | Astell&Kern AK HC4 Type-C Cable Lightning Cable |
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 |
OTHER DETAILS
| GENERIC NAME | DAC & Amp |
| IMPORTER DETAILS | Importers Name: Ferrari Video Address: 63/18, 1st Main Road, Gandhi Nagar, Chennai - 600020 Contact No: 044-24420733 |
| NET QUANTITY | 1 |
| MANUFACTURER DETAILS | Name: Dreamus Company Address: 18-gil 5, Bangbaero, Seocho-Gu, Seoul, Korea 06664 |
| PACKAGE CONTENTS | Astell&Kern AK HC4 Type-C Cable Lightning Cable |
|
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 More
AKM AK4493S
Cirrus Logic CS43198
ESS Sabre ES9281AC
3.5mm (Single-Ended)
4.4mm (Balanced)
3.5mm (Single-Ended)
4.4mm (Balanced)
3.5mm (Single-Ended)
4.4mm (Balanced)
🌱 Beginners
🪴 Budding Enthusiasts
🦈 Serious Audiophiles Only
Upto 3Vrms
Upto 250mW
Upto 2.62Vrms @ 300 Ohms
USB Type-C
USB
USB-C
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
32-Bit/384kHz PCM
DSD512
PCM: PCM: 44.1kHz-768kHz (16/24/32Bit)
DSD: DSD64(1Bit2.8MHz)
DSD128(1Bit 5.6MHz)
DSD256(1Bit 11.2MHz)
DSD512(1Bit 22.4MHz)
USB Type-C
Lightning
USB
USB-C
1. Astell&Kern AK HC4
2. Type-C Cable
3. Lightning Cable
1. Moondrop Moonriver 2: Ti
2. Type-C Cable
3. USB-A to Type-C
4. Certificate
5. Manual
6. Warranty Card
1. Questyle M15i Mobile Headphone Amplifier with DAC
2. Type-C to Type-C Cable
3. Type-C to USB-A Adapter
4. Warranty Card
5. User Manual
Have 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?
Customer Reviews
Genuinely happy with this dongle DAC/Amp, for me it adds a sense of space and airiness to music when paired with the JH Audio Roxannes or the Softears Studio 4, and I definitely didn't run into significant battery drain, heat, or interference issues, even with it affixed to the back of my phone via Fiio's MagClip, not to mention it looking really great once you have everything set up nicely. Not many accessories in the box, but having both USB-C and Lightning cables in the box is a great bonus for those of us still holding on to older iPhones.
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review for the Astell&Kern - AK HC4. We're thrilled to hear that you're enjoying the design and sound quality of the dongle DAC/Amp. Happy listening!
Excellent
Hey there, thank you for your lovely ratings!
Headphone Connect Is Coming To a City Near You
