-8.28%

Astell&Kern HC2 Dual DAC Cable

✓ 1 Year Warranty included
✓ Authorised UK Dealer
✓ FREE Next Working Day Courier Service to mainland UK

High-resolution sound on streaming services allows you to fully appreciate the rich tones and emotional nuance of your music. However, as headphone ports disappear on smartphones, it makes it increasingly difficult to use wired earphones that deliver high quality sound, and people experience the limitations of wireless transmission and slow response speeds. Music lovers who wish to enjoy true high-quality Hi-Fi sound rather than what is currently being delivered by smartphone wireless standards and computers' built-in sound cards are becoming deeply concerned.

Regular Price £169.00
On Sale Price £155.00
YOU SAVE 8.28%
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Easy and Convenient — Plug & Play

Connect directly to a Windows PC, Mac, smartphone or tablet with a USB-C port that supports plug & play, without needing a separate conversion adapter, and enjoy high-quality sound.

The HC2 utilizes power from the connected playback device so it does not need to be charged or be connected to a separate external sound card, AMP or DAC. Just connect HC2 to experience high-fidelity sound from a computer or mobile device.

The HC2 is also compatible with iOS devices using the included USB-C to Lightning adapter.

* TRS and TRRS 4.4mm earphones and headphones can all be used, but note that the in-line controller and microphone features of TRRS earphones and headphones are not supported.

* This product is compatible with most Android and iOS smartphones and tablets, Windows 10/11 and macOS products. In some cases, it may not be compatible or may be restricted depending on the hardware, software and/or system of the device that you connect...Read More

 

 

Connected to be Hi-Fi

Developed to solve this problem, HC2 is Astell&Kern's second model with a specialized USB DAC function. While retaining the strengths of HC1 (PEE51), the first model, its functions have been supplemented to allow more people to enjoy true Hi-Fi sound. Introducing AK HC2, where you can experience and enjoy Astell&Kern's sincerity and philosophy for music. No matter what device you use, the moment you connect the HC2, the Hi-Fi experience will begin.

- Supports 4.4mm Balanced Output
- Powerful 4Vrms Output
- Equipped With CS43198
- Dual DAC for True Hi-Fi Sound
- Dual Shielded Cable- Full Aluminum Refined Material
- Compatible With iOS and Android Devices
- Optional Android APP (For Detailed Volume Control)

The Combination for Perfect Balance

The Astell&Kern HC2 USB-C Dual DAC Cable features two Cirrus Logic CS43198 MasterHIFI™ DACs, a MasterHIFI™-level DAC that graces only a select few products, including the A&norma series, that are proven and celebrated by music lovers.

The HC2 provides Native DSD256 and 32-bit/384kHz support that enables it to play back high-quality sound files so you can enjoy the luxury and premium sound quality of Astell&Kern.

The Result of AK’s Ultra-Fine Audio Design Technology

Astell&Kern is adored by countless music lovers thanks to our dedication and meticulous delivery of the original sound with our signature DAPs, or portable high resolution audio players.
We included the Astell&Kern technology and know-how that has been accumulated from our DAPs over the years in this small device, measuring just 14x53mm.

We used micro resistors and capacitor parts to achieve the small dimensions without compromising performance. Tailored ultra-small tantalum capacitors, which are used in AK player products to create a stable system and audio performance by controlling the power fluctuations, are also included to create the optimal audio circuit. In addition, the output and audio performance are enhanced with Astell&Kern's unique technology while minimizing current consumption in consideration of the connected device. This enables you to enjoy the original sound without any distortion even when using high-impedance headphones or sensitive earphones.

High Output Noise-Free Sound With 4.4mm Output

AK HC2 uses a 4.4mm balanced output—unlike the previous model that uses a 3.5mm unbalanced output—allowing a greater variety of headphones and earphones that are made for Hi-Fi sound to be used optimally with a small USB DAC.

With the use of the 4.4mm balanced output, a higher output can be achieved with clearer channel separation while minimizing noise. With HC2 you can enjoy high-quality sound via a balanced output that brings out the best performance in your headphones or earphones.

 
 
More Information
Features

General

Model: AK HC2
Body Material: Aluminum
Body Color: Dark Silver
DAC: CS43198 Dual
Sample Rate: PCM: Support up to 32bit/384kHz / DSD Native: DSD64(1bit 2.8MHz), Stereo /
DSD128(1bit 5.6MHz), Stereo / DSD256(1bit 11.2MHz), Stereo
Input: USB Type-C Input(for Windows 10,11, Android, iOS smartphone & Tablet PC, macOS)
Output: 4.4mm balanced out
Dimensions: USB Plug: 12 x 21 x 6.5mm / 4.4mm Headphone: 22.8 x 60 x 12.1mm
Weight: About 29g

 

Audio Performance

Frequency Response: ±0.011dB (Condition: 20Hz~20kHz) Balanced
±0.145dB (Condition: 20Hz~70kHz) Balanced
Signal to Noise: Ratio 122dB @ 1kHz, Balanced
THD+N: 0.0004% @ 1kHz, Balanced
IME SMPTE: 0.0003%, 800Hz 10kHz (4:1), Balanced
Output Impedance: 4.4mm (1.5ohm)
Output Power or Voltage: 4Vrms (condition No Load)

 

 


How will you send my item?

We ship to addresses within the UK using Royal Mail and DPD couriers.

How much does delivery cost?

Standard 2-3 working day delivery is FREE on all orders to mainland UK. Next working day courier service is available on all orders for a small fee of £4.99. On some items this is provided for FREE. 

For orders to UK Non-mainland and International destinations, there will be an additional charge at checkout. Please see below for more information.

How long does delivery take?

Depending on the delivery service you choose, delivery usually takes between 1-3 working days to mainland UK from the moment we despatch your order. Orders to UK non-mainland and international destinations can take longer.

When will you despatch my order?

Orders placed before 3pm are processed and despatched the same day (excluding bank holidays and weekends). Orders placed on weekends will be processed and despatched the following working day.

*Please note that international orders may require extra checks before we are able to despatch your order so timescales may vary.

Can I track my delivery?

Yes - Order tracking is offered as standard on all items, whether they are shipped via DPD or Royal Mail. You will receive your tracking information via email once we have despatched your order. 

UK Non-mainland and International destinations.

Due to the UK leaving the EU, some of our delivery partners have changed the way we ship to international and offshore destinations. This means that for the time being we are unable to ship items to these locations.

We are still accepting orders to these destinations however delivery times and prices are not final. We will confirm via email once we know more from our delivery partner.

Shipping for all items to UK Non-Mainland and International destinations will incur a charge at checkout. This charge is not final and we may need to charge for additional postage if required.

Shipping to international destinations may require further security checks and I.D. may need to be provided by the cardholder. We reserve the right to cancel any orders where you are do not pass our security checks or do not pay for appropriate postage.

Please note that we are unable to ship some items outside the UK. To avoid any disapointment please contact us before making your order.

What do you class as UK Non-mainland?

Rep. Ireland, N. Ireland, Channel Islands, Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Wight, Isle of Man and Scottish Highlands. If you are unsure whether your address is classed as UK Non-mainland please feel free to contact us and an advisor will be happy to help.

For any further enquiries with regards to your delivery please contact us on 020 8813 7666 and one of our adviser's will be happy to help.


If you're not happy with your item or you've changed your mind.

Even though we're sure you'll be happy with your purchase, it's important that you are aware of how we deal with returns in the event that you need to send something back.

We understand how inconvenient it can be when you buy a product and aren't 100% satisfied with it. For this reason we have designed our returns policy to prevent any further inconvenience to you in these instances.

Under 14 days

  • You can return your goods for a full refund or exchange as long as you inform us of your intention to return the goods within 14 days of receipt, starting from the day after you receive your goods (Exclusions apply, see below.)

  • All return costs are down to the buyer and it is recommended that you return your items using a trackable method with appropriate insurance (if required).

  • Once we have confirmed your return, please ensure that you return the item within 14 days.

  • If a returns number is provided then please ensure that the parcel has this clearly marked.

  • Items need to be returned in "as new" condition in their original packaging. We don't mind if you open the product to check it, however any used or damaged products will be subject to a 25% handling fee so please take care when opening your items. 

After 14 days

  • We will not offer a refund after 14 days of you receiving your delivery unless your product is faulty. 

Exclusions from our returns policy

As we're sure you'll understand, there are some products that we can't offer returns on due to their nature. These include:

  • Special order items and cables cut from a reel (priced per metre). These items will be clearly identifiable.

  • In-Ear headphones due to health and hygiene reasons.

  • Products that include software which require activation.

 Please note that these exclusions do not apply to items that become faulty.

If your product becomes faulty

We endeavour to get your items to you in fully working order, however in the event that your items do become faulty, please read below on what you should do next.

In a lot of cases with some products, faults can be fixed by performing some basic troubleshooting, so to prevent any further inconvenience to you we advise that you contact our Customer Service team who can guide you through some basic troubleshooting before sending items back.

Under 28 days

  • If your items become faulty within 28 days of delivery you are entitled to a full refund or exchange. Please contact our customer service centre who will provide necessary returns details.

  • Please send the items back with a cover note including a description of the fault and your original order number.

  • Once we have fully tested the item and confirmed the fault, we will process the refund or exchange including cost of carriage back to us (within reason).

  • If during our testing we cannot find a fault, no refund will be given and you will be charged for delivery of the item back to you.

After 28 days

  • After 28 days you will still be able to get your faulty items repaired or replaced within the manufacturers warranty and we will be happy to assist you with this. Please contact our customer service team to find out the best way to get your items repaired or replaced. Please be aware that after 28 days we will not cover you for any carriage costs.