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Astell&Kern AK HC3 USB Dual DAC
£199.00 £165.83
SKU
AK HC3
Free UK Delivery
12 Months
New
48 Hours
If you're looking for a lightweight, hi-fi quality USB DAC that is easy to use and provides a consistently clear and noise-free sound, the Astell&Kern AK HC3 is an excellent choice. Its ES9219MQ Dual DAC delivers ultra-high sound quality and its dual shielded cable minimises noise interference.
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Astell&Kern AK HC3 USB Dual DAC Amplifier Cable
If you're looking for a lightweight, hi-fi quality USB DAC that is easy to use and provides a consistently clear and noise-free sound, the Astell&Kern AK HC3 is an excellent choice. Its ES9219MQ Dual DAC delivers ultra-high sound quality and its dual shielded cable minimises noise interference. The AK HC3 is compatible with most Android and iOS smartphones and tablets, Windows 10/11 and macOS products, making it easy to use regardless of your device. Furthermore, the AK HC3 requires no charging or connecting to an external sound card, AMP, or DAC, and its LED display allows for real-time indication. With its sophisticated design and lightweight, the AK HC3 is perfect for Hi-Fi lovers who want an all-in-one solution for their mobile audio needs.
Here is what Astell&Kern say about the HC3
Astell&Kern introduces the new AK HC3, a lightweight USB DAC that boasts a sleek and noise-free design for all your on the go entertainment needs.
The AK HC3's ultra-high sound quality is produced through the ES9219MQ Dual DAC. The Dual DAC from ESS is well known to audio fans for it's excellent control and low power consumption, making the AK HC3 desirable to those looking for a true mobile Hi-Fi experience. To add to the hi-resolution sound performance, provided through the lower latency of the direct USB connection, the AK HC3 also boasts a high-quality microphone input that is perfect for gamers. The AK HC3 is conveniently designed for any Hi-Fi lovers that are always on the move as it uses power from the connected playback device and does not need to be charged up or connected to a seperate external sound card, AMP or DAC.
Key Features
- ES9219MQ Dual DAC from ESS for true Hi-Fi quality
- Dual shielded cable for minimising noise interference
- Proprietary app for Android users
- Compatible with most Android and iOS smartphones and tablets, Windows 10/11 and macOS products
- LED display for real-time indication
- Full aluminium housing
- Super light, weighs only 20g
Compact Design, Easy to Use
Whether you are using a laptop or smartphone, the AK HC3 USB-C port is compatible with Windows PC and Apple Mac devices and a USB-C to lightning adaptor is provided for IOS users. Astell&Kern have made the AK HC3 with convenience in mind by making this USB DAC compatible with any 3 or 4-pole 3.5mm plug earphones and headsets as well as in-line controller and microphone features of 4-pole earphones and headsets. A common compatibility issue with many USB DACs arises when different connected devices are being set automatically to maximum volume output or playback at too low volume. To resolve such issues Astell&Kern have created an effortless Hi-Fi experience by providing an Android proprietary app that allows for detailed volume control.
No more noise interference
To deliver a vivid unique sound, the AK HC3 features a rear output structure and a dual noise shielded cable. Unlike most USB DAC products, the AK HC3 uses the dual shielded cable to pass digital signals from the playback device through to the DAC, where the signals are then converted to analog. To minimise noise intereference to your music or video conferences the copper core wire is coated with tin and the entire dual noise shielded cable is wrapped in aluminium film. Astell&Kern have used micro resistors and capacitor parts to achieve the small dimensions of this DAC without compromising performance. Similar to other AK player products, the HC3 uses tailored ultra-small tantalum capacitors to create a stable system and audio performance by controlling the power fluctuations. The audio experience is enhanced with Astell&Kern's unique technology while minimising current consumption in consideration of the connected device.
'Light and Shadow' Concept
Astell&Kern have a design philosophy that allows for a more immersive music experience with no visual distractions. The 'light and shadow' concept is applied to the AK HC3 and users will see all four sharp sides, centered around the traversing centreline, positioned proportionally on a single point, making the device uniquely reflective and iridescent. Not only is the AK HC3 sleek in design but it is also super light, weighing just 20g.
Precautions When Using the Product
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Specification
- DSD Native: DSD64(1bit 2.8MHz), Stereo / DSD128(1bit 5.6MHz), Stereo / DSD256(1bit 11.2MHz), Stereo
- USB Type-C Input(for Windows 10,11, Android, iOS smartphone & Tablet PC, macOS)
- Outputs: 3.5mm (CTIA standard 4-pole supported)
- LED Standby: White / PCM || Red / DSD || Blue
- Dimensions: USB Plug:12.5mm[W] x 21mm[H] x 8.7mm[D]. 3.5mm Headphone:18.2mm[W] x 59mm[H] x 11.5[D]
- Frequency Response: ±0.020dB (Condition : 20Hz~70kHz) ±0.013dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz)
- Signal to Noise Ratio: 118dB @ 1kHz
- Crosstalk: -130dB @ 1kHz
- THD+N: 0.0005% @ 1kHz
- IMD SMPTE: 0.0002%, 800Hz 10kHz (4:1)
- Output Impedance: 2 ohm
- Output Power or Voltage: 2Vrms (Condition No Road)
About Astell&Kern
Astell&Kern is the ultimate digital music source that brings you Mastering Quality Sound or MQS. Astell means ‘Stars’ in Latin and Kern means ‘Center’ in German. We believe Astell&Kern is the center of music.
Today, original music performances can be captured in digital almost exactly as they were performed due to new, advanced recording technology currently available. However, these high quality recordings are mainly listened to through inferior sound formats, such as MP3 or through streaming services. With the debut of the MP3 format, music lovers sacrificed sound quality for the convenience of being able to carry their music collection wherever they went. Because the MP3 format heavily compresses files for the sake of convenience, the vocals and instruments you hear are only an inferior version of the original. The soundstage and the ambience of the original performance often disappears when listening to compressed MP3 music. After pondering these issues, Astell&Kern was our solution to poor sound quality for the sake of portability, and our way in reviving the original sound quality of music, MQS, for music artists, recording engineers, and professionals.
Astell&Kern's pursuit is to provide natural and original sound without distortion. It showcases the presence of the original recording with miniscule details you may not have noticed from other music systems, while playing back high-resolution music bit by bit, exactly as it was recorded. The ability to play back the exact recording of any live performance is what Astell&Kern is known for.
The power of true sound from Astell&Kern can now be experienced and has been part of many famous audio exhibitions around the world. Astell&Kern is now admired by music lovers from many countries, including the USA, China, Japan, UK, France, and many more around the world.
Specification
- DSD Native: DSD64(1bit 2.8MHz), Stereo / DSD128(1bit 5.6MHz), Stereo / DSD256(1bit 11.2MHz), Stereo
- USB Type-C Input(for Windows 10,11, Android, iOS smartphone & Tablet PC, macOS)
- Outputs: 3.5mm (CTIA standard 4-pole supported)
- LED Standby: White / PCM || Red / DSD || Blue
- Dimensions: USB Plug:12.5mm[W] x 21mm[H] x 8.7mm[D]. 3.5mm Headphone:18.2mm[W] x 59mm[H] x 11.5[D]
- Frequency Response: ±0.020dB (Condition : 20Hz~70kHz) ±0.013dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz)
- Signal to Noise Ratio: 118dB @ 1kHz
- Crosstalk: -130dB @ 1kHz
- THD+N: 0.0005% @ 1kHz
- IMD SMPTE: 0.0002%, 800Hz 10kHz (4:1)
- Output Impedance: 2 ohm
- Output Power or Voltage: 2Vrms (Condition No Road)
UK Delivery
1. We use Royal Mail 1st Class Services as a Standard Postage Option
Orders received before 4.30pm Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays) are usually dispatched the same day by FIRST CLASS post (unless premium postal or timed courier services are selected), subject to stock availability. Over 98% of our orders are usually delivered the next working day including Saturdays.
Standard delivery is usually within 2-3 working days, although 98% of all orders are delivered the next working day including Saturdays . In extreme cases, such as delivery to the Highlands and Islands, this may take 3 days.
All items are fully insured and come with an invoice from Futureshop.co.uk. We use the Royal Mail for delivery of small packages and DPD or Interlink Express for items that weigh over 2KG. Items over 2KG are fully insured and will usually be delivered within 48 hours of placing your order Monday to Friday subject to stock availability. For International orders, we use FedEx Services where customers have selected this option.
Please note, special orders for non-standard cable lengths or custom-made cables may be subject to longer delivery time-scales. This may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
We offer 'Free UK delivery on orders over £99' subject to the following terms & conditions:
- Applies only to orders with £99 or more of items (including VAT at the UK rate), at FutureShop.co.uk
- Free Delivery on orders over £99 utilises Royal Mail First Class postal service for items weighing under 2KG. For items weighing over 2KG, we use DPD next working day services which deliver from 9.00am to 6pm within mainland UK (excludes Royal Mail Special Delivery Services and timed next day delivery services by UK Mail).
- Applies only to deliveries to addresses within mainland UK and Northern Ireland addresses. Applies only to orders that are to be delivered to a single Mainland UK delivery address.
- You will not be eligible for free delivery on your order if any items are cancelled or returned for a refund, bringing the total order amount below £99. Where items are returned, the refund due will be the cost of the item less any postage costs.
- We reserve the right to change or discontinue 'Free delivery on orders over £99 promotion at any time.
- FREE DELIVERY FOR ORDERS OVER £99 OFFER DOES NOT APPLY TO TRADE CUSTOMERS.
Free Delivery on orders over £99 utilises Royal Mail First Class postal service for items weighing under 2KG. For items weighing over 2KG, we use DPD or Interlink Express next working day services which deliver from 9.00am to 6pm within mainland UK.
Free Delivery for orders over £99 excludes Royal Mail Special Delivery Services and timed next day delivery services by DPD or Interlink Express.
2. Special Delivery UK - Guaranteed Next Working Day
We have 99.9% of the UK covered With Royal Mail Next Day Special Delivery. We guarantee delivery to most UK addresses by 1pm the next working day. This includes Northern Ireland, Jersey and Guernsey. Some places take longer to deliver to but we still guarantee delivery within three working days by 5.30 PM.
For the Next Day Special Delivery service, orders must be received by futureshop.co.uk by 4.30pm weekdays. Orders after the 4.30pm deadline cannot be guaranteed for same day dispatch.
Please note, Royal Mail Special Delivery for next working day may not be possible where non-standard cable lengths are ordered. If this is the case, the item will be shipped via The Royal Mail Special Delivery service as soon as the cable is custom made.
For orders weighing over 2KG, we reserve the right to ship items using Next Day Pre-Noon Courier Services where Royal Mail Special Delivery option has been selected.
3. Channel Islands & Northern Ireland
We accept orders from all Channel Islands including Alderney, Jersey, Guernsey and Sark. Unless you select a premium service, Items weighing under 2KG are delivered using our standard UK delivery option above. For items weighing over 2KG, a surcharge may be applied for all deliveries to the Channel Islands as well as Northern Ireland.
European Countries
Deliveries to EU member states are subject to 20% VAT. We offer the following shipping services:
- Royal Mail First Class International Untracked Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 10 working days.
- Royal Mail First Class International Tracked Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 3 to 7 working days.
- DHL Express International - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. DHL orders must be received by 3:30pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe
- Federal Express International Priority - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. FedEx orders must be received by 3.00pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe
- Federal Express International Economy - Item are usually delivered within 48 to 72 hours
Worldwide - Excluding UK & Europe
Deliveries outside of the EU are not subject to 20% VAT and so the 20% tax on items is automatically deducted when you login or register.
We offer the following shipping services:
- Royal Mail First Class International Untracked Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 15 working days.
- Royal Mail First Class International Tracked Airmail - Items are usually delivered within 10-15 working days.
- DHL Express International - Items are usually delivered within 48 hours. DHL orders must be received by 3:30pm in order to ship items the same day, subject to stock availability.
- Federal Express International Priority - Items are usually delivered within 48 hours. FedEx orders must be received by 3.00pm in order to ship items the same day, subject to stock availability.
Where the actual weight of the package significantly exceeds the shipping cost charged on orders, we may write to you for an additional shipping charge. For larger orders, items may be shipped in multiple packets.