Astell&Kern AK HC2 4.4mm Balanced USB-C / Lightning DAC Cable

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.

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.

High Performance Dual-DAC Design

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.

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.

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.
* The iOS Lightning Adapter is only compatible with AK HC2.