Astell&Kern Unveils the AK HC5: A Powerful DAC/Amp with DSD Upscaling and Dual Outputs

Astell&Kern, the high-end brand under iRiver, has officially launched its new AK HC5 DAC/Amp. This device is designed to significantly enhance high-resolution lossless audio playback from mobile phones and can even upscale standard audio formats to near-lossless quality, catering to audiophiles on the go.

Astell&Kern Unveils the AK HC5

At its core, the AK HC5 is powered by an AK4191EQ digital audio processor and a flagship-grade AK4499EX DAC. This powerful combination supports a wide frequency range from 20Hz to 70kHz with a total distortion of just ±0.06dB. To ensure broad compatibility with the majority of Hi-Fi headphones on the market, the device is equipped with both a 3.5mm single-ended output and a 4.4mm balanced output.

The AK HC5 excels in audio processing, supporting native decoding of both PCM and DSD formats. It also incorporates Astell&Kern's proprietary DAR (Digital Audio Remaster) sound technology, which elevates audio quality by upscaling sources. For instance, it can upscale 48 kHz PCM audio to 384 kHz PCM and can even convert lower-quality PCM and DSD sources up to DSD256. For further sonic customization, users can choose from six different impulse response filters to tailor the sound to their preference.

Astell&Kern Unveils the AK HC5

The device boasts impressive performance metrics. When using the balanced output, it achieves a Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) of 125 dB (@1 kHz), crosstalk of -141 dB, and a Total Harmonic Distortion plus Noise (THD+N) of 0.0004%. With the unbalanced output, the specs are equally strong, with an SNR of 121 dB (@1 kHz), crosstalk of -139 dB, and a THD+N of 0.0005%.

For user convenience, the AK HC5 features a 1.62-inch OLED display that provides at-a-glance information such as battery level, audio parameters, and volume. A tactile rotary knob allows for precise volume adjustments across 150 levels. Connectivity is handled via a modern USB-C port, making it compatible with a wide range of devices including iPhones, Android smartphones, computers, and gaming consoles.

The Astell&Kern AK HC5 is scheduled for an imminent overseas market release with a retail price of $450. It stands as a premium, feature-rich solution for listeners who demand superior audio quality and versatility from a portable DAC/Amp.

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