---
product_id: 590240746
title: "– Astell & Kern HC4 - Portable Headphone Dac & Amp"
brand: "astell&kern"
price: "401855CFA"
currency: XOF
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 13
category: "Astell&Kern"
url: https://www.desertcart.sn/products/590240746-astell-and-kern-hc4-portable-headphone-dac-and-amp
store_origin: SN
region: Senegal
---

# Interchangeable USB-C & Lightning cables AKM AK4493s DAC for ultra-high res sound Dual 3.5mm & 4.4mm outputs, no adapters needed – Astell & Kern HC4 - Portable Headphone Dac & Amp

**Brand:** astell&kern
**Price:** 401855CFA
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> 🎶 Elevate your sound game—portable perfection for the discerning audiophile.

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** – Astell & Kern HC4 - Portable Headphone Dac & Amp by astell&kern
- **How much does it cost?** 401855CFA with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.sn](https://www.desertcart.sn/products/590240746-astell-and-kern-hc4-portable-headphone-dac-and-amp)

## Best For

- astell&kern enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted astell&kern brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Dual Output Freedom:** Choose balanced 4.4mm or standard 3.5mm outputs to perfectly power any IEM or headphone without extra adapters—pure convenience meets audiophile-grade clarity.
- • **Hi-Fi Sound Mastery:** Experience pristine, ultra-high resolution audio with the advanced AKM AK4493s DAC, delivering native DSD256 and 32bit/384kHz playback.
- • **Compact Powerhouse Design:** Ultra-portable at just 31g and 29.5x64.5x14.5mm, with noise-minimizing rear output and tantalum capacitors for stable, distortion-free listening anywhere.
- • **Digital Audio Remaster Tech:** Elevate your playlists beyond source limits with DAR upsampling, revealing subtle nuances and immersive soundstage that make every track feel fresh.
- • **Seamless Device Compatibility:** Switch effortlessly between smartphones, tablets, PCs, and gaming consoles with included USB-C and Lightning cables plus UAC 1.0 & 2.0 support.

## Overview

The Astell & Kern HC4 is a premium portable headphone DAC and amplifier featuring the AKM AK4493s DAC chip for ultra-high resolution audio up to DSD256 and 32bit/384kHz. It offers dual 3.5mm and 4.4mm outputs for versatile headphone compatibility, interchangeable USB-C and Lightning cables for seamless connectivity, and Digital Audio Remaster technology to upsample audio beyond original formats. Compact and lightweight, the HC4 supports UAC 1.0 and 2.0 for broad device compatibility including smartphones, PCs, and gaming consoles, delivering noise-free, high-fidelity sound on the go.

## Description

Product Description AK HC4 The successor to the highly rated HC3, the premium DAC is our first to feature the AK4493S DAC to deliver exceptional hi-fi sound as well as interchangeable USB-C and Lightning connection, 3.5mm and 4.4mm dual output and Digital Audio Remaster technology for delicate, analogue-like sound. Ultra-high resolution sound from AKM AK4493s DAC AK HC4 features the enhanced AK4493s DAC from AKM, with improved noise control, lower power design, and ultra-precise amp technology for exceptional Hi-Fi sound. Supporting Native DSD256 and up to 32bit/384kHz, it ensures high-grade sound quality, delivering the excellence of Astell&Kern. Precision DAC and AMP Design for Hi-Fi Sound HC4 achieves stable Dual Output power and Hi-Fi sound with its exclusive AMP circuitry. Compact at 29.5 x 64.5 x 14.5mm, it integrates micro resistors and capacitors without compromising performance. Tantalum capacitors ensure stability, and AK's power management minimizes current consumption. 3.5mm, 4.4mm Dual Output AK HC4 boasts Dual Output with 3.5mm and 4.4mm connectors, eliminating the need for adapters. The 4.4mm Balanced output delivers 3Vrms for sensitive headphones, ensuring clear separation and minimal noise. The 3.5mm output supports existing IEMs and headphones, fully unleashing their capabilities. Digital Audio Remaster Technology AK HC4 features DAR technology, previously limited to Astell&Kern's latest audio players. DAR upsamples the source sample rate beyond its format limits, delivering a refined sound. This technology enriches the listening experience by capturing subtle nuances and subtle details at a higher level. Smartphone, PC & gaming connectivity with UAC 1.0 & 2.0 AK HC4 ensures compatibility for gaming by supporting both UAC 2.0 and UAC 1.0 connections. While modern devices favour UAC 2.0, gaming devices often rely on UAC 1.0. Connect to devices like PlayStation and Switch, experiencing low latency and enhanced sound for immersive gaming across platforms. Noise-Free Rear Output Structure AK HC4 minimizes noise with its rear audio output design, deviating from typical USB DAC layouts. Digital signals pass through a dual shielded cable to the audio circuit before DAC conversion, ensuring superior, noise-free sound compared to other USB DAC products.

Review: Much ignored brilliance - Purchased this back in December 2023. I wanted a portable dongle dac, not anything bigger as I use it for my phone. I don’t have a lot of experience with multiple dongle dacs, but this one blew me away. It’s available power especially when balanced is outstanding. Sound is rich and clean, easy to listen for many hours at a time. Currently using with Ayra Organic and it powers it to levels that I choose not to experience for my elderly ears sake ! My only criticism is with the volume control as there are vast differences between each setting, so it can be difficult to find a just right volume. Not deducting a star though, as it’s still a brilliant piece of kit, especially at price. My IFi Gryphon can’t match it, and it’s not a dongle and over twice the price. I’m puzzled as to how this product is never mentioned in dongle reviews.
Review: Blown away - At this price point it’s a no brainer and I dread to think how good the high end Astell & Kern products sound. I’m driving the Shure SE846 which are notoriously difficult to drive without altering the sound due the low impedance, the only configuration I’ve had that could drive the SE846 to their full potential was a chord Hugo2 (used purely as a DAC) plugged into a Shure SHA900 (used as an amp). That combo sounded incredible BUT it was not portable and the Hugo 2 is massive. So the HC4… This thing boggles the mind at £240 with proper portability. My last set up cost above cost £3000 and the sound is… I really don’t want to say it but better on this HC4. The HC4 is silent, ultra detailed and places the instruments very well. The bass is full bodied and articulate, timbre is great too. I’m not even over exaggerating when I say this DAC pretty much sounds perfect using the balanced output, the 3.5 unbalance has less clarity and bass timbre is off slightly. I had the HC3 before this too, the HC4 is leagues above it in every department, the HC3 sounds bloated in the bass, shouty when pushed, has a slight dark signature and lacks the holographic soundstage you get with the HC4. I’m in love with this product. VERY impressed and I have extensive experience with high end Hi-Fi owning Jl Audio, Bowers & Wilkins, Benchmark to name a few. Let this product break in and you’ll see improvements in the sound after around 5 hours of use. I’m not sure how AK did it but bravo. UPDATE This is the best the SE846 have ever sounded, the raw power of the HC4 is excellent, it’s hard to describe but the whole sound is powerful when called upon from the bass all the way through the midrange and and up into the treble. This amp is very transparent so the music comes through as the artist intended meaning no two tracks sound the same. All this without any distortion at all… The level of detail and soundstage I’m pulling from this little thing is unreal, I can hear EVERYTHING on a well recorded track. Forget the price, this is a true High Fidelity product. The DAR switch… it adds a more spacial signature to the sound and makes the bass a touch more pronounced. It’s good for when I’m out and about but when I want to hear a reference sound I turn it off. It definitely makes spacial effects more pronounced but the price of this is that the imaging is thrown off slightly and instead of the music placed in front of and around you, you’re thrown into the mix, a bit like 3d but it’s VERY subtle. Sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference, depends on the music you’re listening to. So what could be better? At this price nothing, at a higher price point an even more vivid sound. So anyway as you can tell I’m impressed 😂

## Features

- AKM AK4493s DAC Ultra High Resolution Sound Reproduction
- Exclusive circuit with improved noise control, low-power design and ultra-precise amp design technology
- Digital Audio Remaster technology upsamples sound sampling rate beyond source format limits
- Dual output with 3.5mm and 4.4mm connectors, use the HC4 with most HiFi IEM and headphones without the need for additional adapters or cables
- UAC 1.0 and UAC 2.0 support a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, PCs and game consoles
- Interchangeable cable (Type-C / Lightning cable included) for seamless connectivity to a wide range of source devices

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B0CNRS66YJ |
| Best Sellers Rank | 148 in Headphone Amplifiers |
| Box Contents | Astell&Kern HC4 DAC & AMP, USB-C to Lightning Cable, USB-C to USB-C |
| Brand | Astell&Kern |
| Brand Name | Astell&Kern |
| Colour | Lunar Silver |
| Compatible Devices | ['Headphone', 'Tablets', 'Amplifier'] |
| Compatible devices | ['Headphone', 'Tablets', 'Amplifier'] |
| Connector Type | USB-C, Lightning |
| Connector type | USB-C, Lightning |
| Country of Origin | Korea, Republic of |
| Current Rating | 1 Amps |
| Customer Reviews | 4.0 out of 5 stars 44 Reviews |
| Item Dimensions | 14 x 29 x 64 millimetres |
| Item Weight | 31 Grams |
| Item dimensions L x W x H | 14 x 29 x 64 millimetres |
| Manufacturer | Astell&Kern |
| Manufacturer Part Number | IRV-AK-HC4 |
| Model Number | IRV-AK-HC4 |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Number of Ports | 1 |
| Package Quantity | 1 |
| Power Plug Type | No Plug |
| Product Finish Type | Silver |
| Product Warranty | 1 |
| Smart Home Compatibility | Not Smart Home Compatible |
| Specific Uses For Product | Personal Audio Listening |
| Specific uses for product | Personal Audio Listening |
| Unit Count | 1.0 count |

## Product Details

- **Compatible devices:** ['Headphone', 'Tablets', 'Amplifier']
- **Specific uses for product:** Personal Audio Listening
- **Connector type:** USB-C, Lightning
- **Item dimensions L x W x H:** 14 x 29 x 64 millimetres
- **Brand:** Astell&Kern

## Images

![– Astell & Kern HC4 - Portable Headphone Dac & Amp - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/619+nI99vzL.jpg)
![– Astell & Kern HC4 - Portable Headphone Dac & Amp - Image 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61ttJibWNoL.jpg)
![– Astell & Kern HC4 - Portable Headphone Dac & Amp - Image 3](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61t1M0L7EsL.jpg)
![– Astell & Kern HC4 - Portable Headphone Dac & Amp - Image 4](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/518eKbdlDZL.jpg)
![– Astell & Kern HC4 - Portable Headphone Dac & Amp - Image 5](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51kc41N6UAL.jpg)

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Much ignored brilliance
*by A***R on 27 March 2025*

Purchased this back in December 2023. I wanted a portable dongle dac, not anything bigger as I use it for my phone. I don’t have a lot of experience with multiple dongle dacs, but this one blew me away. It’s available power especially when balanced is outstanding. Sound is rich and clean, easy to listen for many hours at a time. Currently using with Ayra Organic and it powers it to levels that I choose not to experience for my elderly ears sake ! My only criticism is with the volume control as there are vast differences between each setting, so it can be difficult to find a just right volume. Not deducting a star though, as it’s still a brilliant piece of kit, especially at price. My IFi Gryphon can’t match it, and it’s not a dongle and over twice the price. I’m puzzled as to how this product is never mentioned in dongle reviews.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Blown away
*by L***W on 27 December 2023*

At this price point it’s a no brainer and I dread to think how good the high end Astell & Kern products sound. I’m driving the Shure SE846 which are notoriously difficult to drive without altering the sound due the low impedance, the only configuration I’ve had that could drive the SE846 to their full potential was a chord Hugo2 (used purely as a DAC) plugged into a Shure SHA900 (used as an amp). That combo sounded incredible BUT it was not portable and the Hugo 2 is massive. So the HC4… This thing boggles the mind at £240 with proper portability. My last set up cost above cost £3000 and the sound is… I really don’t want to say it but better on this HC4. The HC4 is silent, ultra detailed and places the instruments very well. The bass is full bodied and articulate, timbre is great too. I’m not even over exaggerating when I say this DAC pretty much sounds perfect using the balanced output, the 3.5 unbalance has less clarity and bass timbre is off slightly. I had the HC3 before this too, the HC4 is leagues above it in every department, the HC3 sounds bloated in the bass, shouty when pushed, has a slight dark signature and lacks the holographic soundstage you get with the HC4. I’m in love with this product. VERY impressed and I have extensive experience with high end Hi-Fi owning Jl Audio, Bowers & Wilkins, Benchmark to name a few. Let this product break in and you’ll see improvements in the sound after around 5 hours of use. I’m not sure how AK did it but bravo. UPDATE This is the best the SE846 have ever sounded, the raw power of the HC4 is excellent, it’s hard to describe but the whole sound is powerful when called upon from the bass all the way through the midrange and and up into the treble. This amp is very transparent so the music comes through as the artist intended meaning no two tracks sound the same. All this without any distortion at all… The level of detail and soundstage I’m pulling from this little thing is unreal, I can hear EVERYTHING on a well recorded track. Forget the price, this is a true High Fidelity product. The DAR switch… it adds a more spacial signature to the sound and makes the bass a touch more pronounced. It’s good for when I’m out and about but when I want to hear a reference sound I turn it off. It definitely makes spacial effects more pronounced but the price of this is that the imaging is thrown off slightly and instead of the music placed in front of and around you, you’re thrown into the mix, a bit like 3d but it’s VERY subtle. Sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference, depends on the music you’re listening to. So what could be better? At this price nothing, at a higher price point an even more vivid sound. So anyway as you can tell I’m impressed 😂

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Lovely dac dongle with a usb socket of dubious robustness.
*by R***T on 12 July 2024*

It's got musicality with a fascinating vastness to it's soundscape presentation however pairing it with fiio FH7s Iem revealed it's shortfalls in treble resolve and left a uncomfortable and fatiguing experience. So stick with headphones or IEM's of equivalent pricing for a balanced experience. Physically the usb C ports durability gives me the fear, I found the ground shield felt loose within a matter of days and manufactured myself a splint to increase its chances of survival thus taking the strain off the socket. The DAR (digital audio remastering) may appeal if you're listening to an audiobook or podcast but in musical terms I'd call it the collaps image switch due to it taking any depth out of a recording providing an insightful yet very two dimensional plane. Overall I like this dac a lot but it only achieves so much restrained by it's price point.

## Frequently Bought Together

- Astell&Kern HC4 USB DAC & Amplifier - Moon Silver
- Astell&Kern HC3 Hi-Fi USB Dual DAC Cable - Aluminium
- CS947 Tacima 6 Way Mains Conditioner with Surge Protection

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*Product available on Desertcart Senegal*
*Store origin: SN*
*Last updated: 2026-07-21*