In stock and ready to ship
In Stock and Ready to Ship
Ships in 1 to 3 business days. Monday to Friday, except bank holidays. Subject to stock availability and security checks.
- Astell&Kern HC5
Astell&Kern HC5
DAC/AMP Portable Dongle
- First USB DAC Cable with AK4499EX
- Constant High Driving with DAR Support
- 1.62" OLED Display
- 150-step Volume Control
- Dual Noise-Shielded Cable
- Roon Tested (Certification in progress)
- AK4191EQ x4 AK4499EX x4 DAC configuration
VAT and Duties Included for UK and Eligible EU Customers.
If you are outside the UK or EU, the price does not include any taxes. Local taxes and import duties will be extra. They will be raised by the local authorities and billed directly to the customer.
VAT and Import Taxes FAQ
Astell&Kern HC5
The First USB DAC Cable with AK4499EX
For the first time in a USB DAC cable, the AK4499EX DAC— previously only used in flagship DAPs—delivers top-tier sound performance.
The combination of the AK4191EQ digital processor and AK4499EX DAC perfectly separates and processes digital and analog signals, minimizing noise interference and reproducing even the finest details with precision. Experience premium, digital-audio-player–level sound quality through a USB DAC cable.

Noise Suppression Design for Pure, Clean Sound
Due to the nature of USB DAC cables that receive power from external devices, minimizing sound degradation caused by incoming noise is essential.
The AK HC5 features a dedicated amplifier with excellent PSRR (Power Supply Rejection Ratio) / CMRR (Common Mode Rejection Ratio) noise-suppression performance, delivering pure and clean sound no matter what device it is connected to.

Dual Noise Shielded Cable
To minimize noise and deliver clean, lifelike original sound even over wired connections, a Dual Noise-Shielded Cable design was adopted. The internal conductors are made of tin-plated copper wire to prevent corrosion and oxidation, while their high tensile strength enhances durability. Each conductor is individually insulated with TPE to minimize signal interference, and an aluminum film shield provides the first layer of protection against external electromagnetic noise. An additional tinned copper braided shield further suppresses any remaining noise, ensuring exceptional signal purity. The outer fabric jacket not only enhances durability and flexibility but also adds a refined, premium appearance.

Precision You Can See and Feel
The 150-step volume wheel, using the same encoder system found in Astell&Kern players, allows for precise and fine-tuned volume adjustment. A 1.62-inch OLED display provides a quick overview of current settings and playback information, transforming every touch and adjustment into a seamless and intuitive experience.

Vivid Sound Perfected with DAR
DAR (Digital Audio Remaster) technology upsamples the input digital audio’s sample rate using a high-precision algorithm, delivering playback quality that surpasses the limits of the original data. This results in more detailed expression and an expanded dynamic range, reproducing natural, lifelike sound that’s closer to the original recording.

Wide Compatibility, UAC 2.0 & 1.0 Dual Support
Supporting both UAC 2.0 and 1.0, the AK HC5 ensures perfect compatibility with a wide range of devices.
With UAC 1.0 mode, it can be directly connected to gaming consoles such as PlayStation and Nintendo Switch, delivering dynamic, immersive sound for gaming. From music listening to gaming, the AK HC5 provides high-resolution sound in any situation.

Beyond Protection
More than just protection, the case enhances the design and presence of the AK HC5 even when covered. Made with a premium polyurethane material from Synt3, an Italian specialist manufacturer, the case provides perfect protection while delivering a soft, refined texture that feels both luxurious and comfortable to the touch.

Technical specifications
Shipping and Returns
- Dispatch
- 1–3 business days In-stock items, Monday to Friday except bank holidays, subject to stock and security checks.
- Delivery
- Tracked or signed Delivery options and costs are shown at checkout. We don't profit from shipping charges.
- Returns
- 14 days For electronics such as DACs, amps and players, in like-new condition with all original packaging and accessories.
Good to know
- Return shipping is paid by the customer.
- Open box, B-stock, refurbished and clearance items can't be returned.
- Please add a valid phone number at checkout in case we need to verify your identity.
Warranty
- New products
- 1-year manufacturer warranty Most products. The exact warranty is set by the manufacturer.
- Pre-owned & open box
- 3 months B-grade, open box, refurbished, ex-demo and second-hand items.
- Covered
- Defects in materials, parts and workmanship
- Not covered
- Accidents, misuse and unauthorised repairs Including abnormal conditions, deliberate abuse and operator error.
- Making a claim
- Send it to us, we ship it back free You cover shipping to Elise Audio; we pay to send the repaired or replacement product back.
The First USB DAC Cable with AK4499EX
For the first time in a USB DAC cable, the AK4499EX DAC— previously only used in flagship DAPs—delivers top-tier sound performance.
The combination of the AK4191EQ digital processor and AK4499EX DAC perfectly separates and processes digital and analog signals, minimizing noise interference and reproducing even the finest details with precision. Experience premium, digital-audio-player–level sound quality through a USB DAC cable.

Noise Suppression Design for Pure, Clean Sound
Due to the nature of USB DAC cables that receive power from external devices, minimizing sound degradation caused by incoming noise is essential.
The AK HC5 features a dedicated amplifier with excellent PSRR (Power Supply Rejection Ratio) / CMRR (Common Mode Rejection Ratio) noise-suppression performance, delivering pure and clean sound no matter what device it is connected to.

Dual Noise Shielded Cable
To minimize noise and deliver clean, lifelike original sound even over wired connections, a Dual Noise-Shielded Cable design was adopted. The internal conductors are made of tin-plated copper wire to prevent corrosion and oxidation, while their high tensile strength enhances durability. Each conductor is individually insulated with TPE to minimize signal interference, and an aluminum film shield provides the first layer of protection against external electromagnetic noise. An additional tinned copper braided shield further suppresses any remaining noise, ensuring exceptional signal purity. The outer fabric jacket not only enhances durability and flexibility but also adds a refined, premium appearance.

Precision You Can See and Feel
The 150-step volume wheel, using the same encoder system found in Astell&Kern players, allows for precise and fine-tuned volume adjustment. A 1.62-inch OLED display provides a quick overview of current settings and playback information, transforming every touch and adjustment into a seamless and intuitive experience.

Vivid Sound Perfected with DAR
DAR (Digital Audio Remaster) technology upsamples the input digital audio’s sample rate using a high-precision algorithm, delivering playback quality that surpasses the limits of the original data. This results in more detailed expression and an expanded dynamic range, reproducing natural, lifelike sound that’s closer to the original recording.

Wide Compatibility, UAC 2.0 & 1.0 Dual Support
Supporting both UAC 2.0 and 1.0, the AK HC5 ensures perfect compatibility with a wide range of devices.
With UAC 1.0 mode, it can be directly connected to gaming consoles such as PlayStation and Nintendo Switch, delivering dynamic, immersive sound for gaming. From music listening to gaming, the AK HC5 provides high-resolution sound in any situation.

Beyond Protection
More than just protection, the case enhances the design and presence of the AK HC5 even when covered. Made with a premium polyurethane material from Synt3, an Italian specialist manufacturer, the case provides perfect protection while delivering a soft, refined texture that feels both luxurious and comfortable to the touch.

- Dispatch
- 1–3 business days In-stock items, Monday to Friday except bank holidays, subject to stock and security checks.
- Delivery
- Tracked or signed Delivery options and costs are shown at checkout. We don't profit from shipping charges.
- Returns
- 14 days For electronics such as DACs, amps and players, in like-new condition with all original packaging and accessories.
Good to know
- Return shipping is paid by the customer.
- Open box, B-stock, refurbished and clearance items can't be returned.
- Please add a valid phone number at checkout in case we need to verify your identity.
- New products
- 1-year manufacturer warranty Most products. The exact warranty is set by the manufacturer.
- Pre-owned & open box
- 3 months B-grade, open box, refurbished, ex-demo and second-hand items.
- Covered
- Defects in materials, parts and workmanship
- Not covered
- Accidents, misuse and unauthorised repairs Including abnormal conditions, deliberate abuse and operator error.
- Making a claim
- Send it to us, we ship it back free You cover shipping to Elise Audio; we pay to send the repaired or replacement product back.