Astell & Kern unveils the HC5, a new portable USB DAC designed to meet the expectations of the most discerning music lovers. Presented as the most accomplished model in the manufacturer’s range of compact DACs, the HC5 follows in the footsteps of the HC3 and HC4, while marking a major evolution in terms of design, power and technological sophistication. It is based on an AKM DAC combined with DAR oversampling, capable of processing audio streams up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512. Its amplifier stage, delivering up to 5 VRMS, combined with balanced and unbalanced outputs, promises to power a wide range of headphones and earbuds with efficiency and control.
The new portable flagship
A recognized specialist in DAPs, Astell & Kern has gradually extended its expertise to a range of compact USB DACs, repeatedly acclaimed for their design quality and performance, directly inherited from its high-end portable audio players. This adventure began in 2021 with the PEE51, before continuing with the HC3, capable of processing 32-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD256 streams. A new step was then reached with the HC4, which further refined the formula by combining support for the same high-resolution formats with a more elaborate DAC circuit based on an AKM chip, as well as significantly more powerful amplification.
The new Astell & Kern HC5 is the latest addition to this line, which it has completely redefined in terms of both technology and aesthetics. Its metal chassis features more understated, less angular lines, while incorporating a 1.6-inch control screen for the first time. The latter is accompanied by a 150-position rotary volume knob, enabling precise, fully autonomous adjustment, without depending on the controls of the connected source.
AKM DAC inherited from A&K DAPs
The A&K HC5 DAC and portable headphone amplifier incorporates high-quality components, including an AKM AK4499EX chip, already used in the most sophisticated architectures of the brand’s portable audio players, including the A&ultima SP3000 and Astell&Kern A&ultima SP4000. This chip is supported by an AK4191EQ digital processor, optimized for clean separation of digital and analog signals, minimizing noise and preserving precise musical detail. This architecture ensures native playback of PCM streams up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512, with DAR (Digital Audio Remaster) technology for resampling lower-resolution streams to maximize listening accuracy.
Amplification designed to power all types of headphones
With the HC5, Astell & Kern offers amplification that is truly scaled to power a wide variety of headphones and in-ear monitors, including high-impedance and low-sensitivity models. To achieve this, it incorporates a High Driving Mode amplification architecture, a topology that relies on a horizontal arrangement of operational amplifiers while maintaining extremely low noise. This specific layout provides increased sonic density, extended dynamics, and a more natural sense of space, even when driving demanding hi-fi headphones. The various components are efficiently isolated to limit interference and maximize the signal-to-noise ratio. This architecture allows the Astell & Kern HC5 DAC to develop up to 5 Vrms through a 4.4mm balanced output and 2.5 Vrms through a 3.5mm unbalanced output, with very low output impedance (around 0.5Ω for 3.5mm and 1.1Ω for 4.4mm). These values allow both sensitive earphones and more energy-hungry headphones to be driven without loss of control.
Universal compatibility
The A&K HC5 portable headphone amplifier is designed to work with a wide range of devices. It supports UAC 1.0 and 2.0 modes, which means it’s plug-and-play on Android and iOS as well as Windows, macOS and even some game consoles like the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation. This versatility not only makes it an ideal companion for music lovers, but also for gamers wishing to drastically improve the audio of their games. For pairing with these different sources, it comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable, as well as a USB-C to Lightning cable. The latter use high-quality conductors and double shielding to limit interference and maximize the transfer of Hi-Res signals.
Note from the expert UAC (USB Audio Class) standards define how a USB audio device communicates with a digital source. The UAC 1.0 standard, historically the oldest, offers universal compatibility without requiring a specific driver. It is used in particular by game consoles and certain proprietary systems, but is generally limited to moderate resolution audio streams. In contrast, the UAC 2.0 standard allows the transport of high-definition audio signals, with very high sampling frequencies and native DSD support. It is now preferred on computers, smartphones, and tablets to fully leverage the potential of audiophile DACs.
With the new Astell & Kern HC5 DAC, the Korean manufacturer affirms its commitment to providing a hi-fi quality audio experience even on the move. Combining a reference AKM AK4499EX chip, powerful amplification capable of driving demanding headphones, and sophisticated ergonomics incorporating an OLED display and precise volume control, the HC5 is resolutely targeted at music lovers who demand a sound level close to that of a dedicated audiophile player, while retaining portability. An outstanding model that will be available very soon for €499.
