Imagine you’re listening to your favorite song on your device. The music is stored as digital data, kind of like a secret code. The AK HC4 Portable DAC is like a decoder. It takes this digital data and changes it into sounds that your ears can hear. This little device is good at its job, making your music sound clear and lively. Even though it’s a high-tech gadget, it’s designed to be easy to use. So, even if you’re in 7th grade, you can enjoy better sound with the AK HC4 Portable DAC. It’s like having a mini concert right in your headphones!

What is the AK HC4 Portable USB DAC? 

It’s like a tiny magician that changes secret digital music codes back into sound you can hear. The AK HC4 has a top-notch DAC that can make your music sound incredibly clear and detailed, bringing out every tiny musical bit you might have missed before.

AK HC4 Portable DAC
Image Source: MOON AUDIO

Key Features of AK HC4 Portable USB DAC

KeySpecifications
Product NameAK HC4 Portable USB DAC
BrandAstell & Kern
Price$220.00
In StockYes
DescriptionA portable Hi-Fi USB DAC delivering clear and robust audio with both 3.5 and 4.4mm jacks.
Features3.5mm, 4.4mm Dual Output, AKM AK4493S DAC, DAR (Digital Audio Remaster), Supports iOS devices, Interchangeable Cable (Type-C / Lightning Cable Included), Supported UAC1.0 (For Gaming System), Roon Tested
DACAKM AK4493S
Sample RatePCM: 8kHz ~ 384kHz (8/16/24/32 bits per Sample), DSD Native: DSD64(1bit 2.8MHz), Stereo / DSD128(1bit 5.6MHz), Stereo / DSD256(1bit 11.2MHz), Stereo
Output LevelUnbalanced 2Vrms / Balanced 3Vrms (Condition No Load)
InputUSB Type-C (Supports UAC 1.0 and UAC 2.0)
Output Jacks3.5mm (Unbalanced), 4.4mm (Balanced, Only 5-pole supported)
Dimensions29.5mm[W] x 64.5mm[H] x 14.5mm[D]
WeightAbout 1.09oz (31g)
Frequency Response±0.062dB (20Hz~20kHz) Unbalanced, ±0.063dB (20Hz~20kHz) Balanced, ±0.066dB (20Hz~70kHz) Unbalanced, ±0.067dB (20Hz~70kHz) Balanced
Signal to Noise Ratio118dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced │ 118dB @ 1kHz, Balanced
Crosstalk-134dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced │ -136dB @ 1kHz, Balanced
THD+N0.0005% @ 1kHz, Unbalanced │ 0.0009% @ 1kHz, Balanced
IMD SMPTE0.0005% 800Hz 10kHz (4:1) Unbalanced │ 0.0004% 800Hz 10kHz (4:1) Balanced
Output ImpedanceUnbalanced Out 3.5mm (0.9ohm) │ Balanced Out 4.4mm(1.6ohm)
Body ColorMoon Silver
Body MaterialAluminum
LED IndicatorStandby: White / PCM: Red / DSD: Blue / UAC1.0: Green (When connected to UAC 1.0, the LED is fixed green)

Build Quality

The AK HC4 Portable DAC is built like a tiny tank. It’s made with strong materials that can handle being carried around in your bag or pocket. Even though it’s small, it’s very tough. It’s like a superhero gadget – small but mighty! So, you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged easily. This means you can enjoy your favorite music in amazing quality, wherever you go, without worrying about your DAC.

Image Source: MOON AUDIO

What makes the AK HC4 Portable DAC so special? Check this out:

  1. Super Clear Sound: Think of hearing music with super clear highs, rich middles, and bass that feel like a gentle earthquake. That’s what this magic gadget can do!
  2. Portable and Strong: It’s like having a tough and tiny music buddy. You can take it anywhere without worrying about it getting hurt.
  3. Lots of Ways to Connect: It can connect to almost anything – your phone, computer, or any other cool music device you have.
  4. Magic Sound Booster: It’s like adding a sprinkle of magic dust to your music. It makes everything sound much better and cooler!

The benefits of using the AK HC4 Portable DAC

  • Way Better Sound: Hear your music in a way that feels like discovering a whole new world.
  • More Fun Listening: Feel like you’re right in the middle of your favorite band’s concert. It’s that awesome!
  • Works with Everything: Whether it’s your phone, computer, or any music thing, this gadget makes it all sound super cool.

Okay, let’s talk competition. There are other cool gadgets like this, but the AK HC4 stands out for being super good at making music sound fantastic while being easy to carry around. It’s also really sturdy and lasts a long time.

This gadget is perfect for:

  • Travel and Fun: Make your travel tunes way cooler!
  • Home Fun: Jazz up your movie nights and jam sessions at home.
  • Music Pros: Musicians and sound experts love this for making sure their music sounds perfect.

But hey, don’t just take our word for it! Check out what people say:

The AK HC4 makes my music sound unbelievably good!

John Doe, Music Lover

It’s a must-have for anyone who loves music!

Martin B, Music Lover

Ready to dive into a whole new music world? Here are some tips to make your AK HC4 experience even cooler:

  • Play with Settings: Try different settings to find the perfect sound for your ears and headphones.
  • Use Cool Stuff: Pair it with awesome music sources and headphones for the best sound.
  • Take Care of It: Keep it clean and safe from dust and water – that way, it stays awesome for a long time.

How does AK HC4 compare to other portable DACs?

The AK HC4 Portable DAC stands out in the market of portable DACs for several reasons:

  1. Dual Outputs: Unlike many other DACs, the AK HC4 features both a 3.5mm (unbalanced) and a 4.4mm (balanced) headphone jack. This gives users the flexibility to use a wide range of headphones.
  2. AKM AK4493S DAC Chip: The AK HC4 is equipped with the AK4493S DAC chip from AKM. This chip is known for its improved noise control, lower power design, and ultra-precise amp design technology, delivering exceptionally high-quality Hi-Fi sound.
  3. Digital Audio Remaster (DAR) Technology: The AK HC4 features DAR technology, which upscales the sample rate to go beyond the original limitations of the source format. This means that even if your original audio source isn’t high-resolution, the AK HC4 can enhance it to give you a better listening experience.
  4. Gaming Support: The AK HC4 supports UAC1.0 for gaming use cases. This makes it a versatile choice for gamers who also appreciate high-quality audio.
  5. Detachable Cable: The HC4 model introduces a detachable cable, which makes it possible to switch connector types as needed.
  6. Price: At 0, the AK HC4 is more affordable than some other high-end DACs with dual outputs, such as the Ifi Go Bar (9) and the Questyle M15 (9).

So, ready to ditch the boring and crank up the awesome? The AK HC4 Portable DAC isn’t just a gadget, it’s a passport to a world where every song is an adventure. It’s like having a backstage pass to your favorite band, hearing every secret note, and feeling the music vibrate through your bones. So, grab your headphones, plug in the AK HC4, and get ready to unleash the hidden symphony in your music! You might just discover your next favorite song is already hiding in your phone, waiting for the AK HC4 to set it free. Trust us, your ears will thank you!

FAQs

Will the AK HC4 make my music sound louder?

It can! But the real magic of the AK HC4 is that it makes your music sound clearer, richer, and more detailed. You’ll hear things you never noticed before, like the subtle breath in a singer’s voice or the delicate brushwork on a cymbal. It’s like giving your ears a superpower!

Can I use the AK HC4 with any headphones?

Yes! The AK HC4 has two headphone outputs: a 3.5mm jack for standard headphones and a 4.4mm balanced jack for high-end models. So, no matter what kind of headphones you have, you can enjoy the AK HC4’s amazing sound quality.

How long does the battery last?

The AK HC4 has a long-lasting battery that can keep your music pumping for up to 10 hours on a single charge. That’s enough to listen to your entire music library on the go!

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I am a tech review writer with a passion for gadgets and a commitment to providing my readers with accurate and informative reviews. I have over 10 years of experience in the tech industry, and I have reviewed hundreds of products, from smartphones and laptops to smart home devices and wearables gadgets. I talk about their Special Features and Benefits. I also add user's experience for my reader. I invite you to follow my reviews and subscribe to my blog to stay up-to-date on the latest tech trends and to learn more about the products I recommend.

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