Astell&Kern HC5

The Astell&Kern HC5 is the fifth generation of A&K's HC dongle series and a meaningful departure from what came before: the first HC model to use the AK4499EX DAC chip, previously reserved exclusively for A&K's top-tier digital audio players including the SP4000. Paired with the AK4191EQ digital processor for complete separation of digital and analog signal paths, the HC5 brings flagship-class conversion to any device with a USB-C port: smartphones, laptops, tablets, and gaming consoles. It also introduces the first OLED display and precision volume wheel on any A&K dongle.

Type and Technology

USB-C bus-powered portable DAC and headphone amplifier. AKM AK4499EX DAC chip paired with AK4191EQ digital processor, the same architecture used in the SP4000, cleanly separating digital modulation from analog conversion to minimize noise and maximize detail retrieval. Supports PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD256 natively. Astell&Kern DAR (Digital Audio Remaster) upsampling technology with three modes: DAR-off for direct playback, DAR-PCM for upsampling to PCM 384kHz, and DAR-DSD for upsampling to DSD256. Six selectable DAC filter modes for tonal customization. Dual noise-shielded cable structure with copper conductors and aluminum shielding for clean, stable signal transmission between device and HC5. UAC 1.0 and 2.0 compatibility ensures broad device support including gaming consoles that do not natively support UAC 2.0. 1.62-inch OLED display showing volume level, sample rate, filter mode, and DAR status. 150-step precision volume wheel for fine output level control. Outputs: 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced. Bus-powered via USB-C, no battery required.

Sound Character

Neutral, clean, and warm-leaning with the characteristic AKM tonal quality that A&K's flagships are known for. The AK4499EX's separation of digital and analog stages keeps the noise floor low enough that the HC5 consistently resolves detail that smartphone headphone outputs and lesser dongles obscure. DAR mode adds a further dimension: DAR-PCM and DAR-DSD upsampling genuinely change the presentation, adding a smoother, more analog-like character to compressed or lower-resolution sources. The 2.5Vrms single-ended and 5Vrms balanced output levels make the HC5 best suited to IEMs and easy-to-drive headphones rather than demanding planars.

Build and Finish

Compact dongle form factor with a premium matte finish. 1.62-inch OLED display and tactile 150-step volume wheel distinguish it from every previous HC model. Dual noise-shielded cable design (copper conductors with aluminum shielding) is visibly more substantial than the cables on previous HC generations. USB-C input at the top. Available in black.

Best For

Audiophiles who want A&K's flagship DAC architecture in a device that plugs directly into their phone, laptop, or gaming console, and those who want DAR upsampling as a practical tool for improving everyday streaming and compressed audio sources without switching to a full DAP.

What's in the Box

• Astell&Kern HC5 USB DAC and headphone amplifier
• Dual noise-shielded USB-C cable
• Documentation

Specifications