AK USB-C Dual DAC Cable

Ultra-portable sonic upgrade
 
  • Enhance the sonic performance on your mobile device
  • Features dual Cirrus Logic CS43198 MasterHIFi™ DACs
  • Support for high-resolution audio playback up to native DSD256 and 32bit/384kHz
  • 4-core silver-plated copper cable design shields from noise and enhances sound
  • Ultra-portable, robust and premium full metal housing
Sale price£109.00
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AK USB-C Dual DAC Cable

 

Seriously upgrade the sound performance on your mobile device with this essential, ultra-portable, high-resolution audio Dual DAC cable.

 

Transform your sound on-the-go

The Astell&Kern AK USB-C Dual DAC Cable enables music fans to experience the best sound quality possible from a computer or mobile device, while on-the-move. This ultra-compact audio accessory will transform the sonic performance on an Android smartphone, Windows 10 PC, tablet PC or MacOS computer.

Essential audio accessory

With leading smartphone manufacturers omitting headphones jacks, enjoying high-quality music playback on-the-go or on your desktop is becoming increasingly difficult. This is where the AK USB-C Dual DAC Cable becomes an essential audio accessory: Plug the dual DAC cable in the USB-C input on your device, connect a pair of 3.5mm headphones and immerse yourself in dynamic and detailed sounds

Serious sound

At the heart of the Astell&Kern AK USB-C DUAL DAC Cable sit two Cirrus Logic CS43198 MasterHIFi™ DACs which support high-resolution audio playback up to native DSD256 and 32bit/384kHz. With years of expertise in audio circuit and amplifier design, the company is able create a complex and highly integrated circuit design to fit into a diminutive chassis.

Amp it up!

The dual DACs are paired with an independent analog amplifier, designed to deliver a distortion free, live, warm and clear sound as the artist intended, while harbouring power to sufficiently drive a variety of high impedance headphones.

Premium design

As you would expect from an Astell&Kern the device, the USB-C Dual DAC Cable boasts a stunning, angled surface design that follows the ‘light and shadow’ concept employed throughout all Astell&Kern products. The smooth, polished metal zinc alloy body offers a reassuring premium feel and bulletproof protection for life on-the-road.

“This little DAC doesn’t just do the basics by amplifying the sound and beefing up its tone, it also goes the extra mile to open up music and let you in on more of its detail… (Astell&Kern’s digital) know-how has been put to good use in offering USB-C device owners an affordable, practical way to soup up their smartphone or desktop sound through wired headphones.”

What Hi-Fi?, 5 Stars

Switching to the AK cable the difference is night and day… For an accessory that is hardly bigger than an adapter cable, the AK USB-C Dual DAC cable is an extraordinary little unit that may well revolutionise music playback on dynamic headphones from your PC. For the price, it represents excellent value for money and it is certainly versatile enough to play many modern audio file formats in their native resolution.”

Hi-Fi Choice, 5 Stars, Recommended Award

“There’s only one word to describe the tone of the AK USB-C Dual DAC Cable and that’s exquisite. There’s a level of detail and an ambiance to the sound created by this amazing little gadget that brings a whole new dimension to the music…It has the potential to revivify anyone’s favourite music by reinterpreting it with skill and delicacy…To sum up, this is a superbly capable headphone amplifier and DAC.”

Forbes

“Introduce the Astell & Kern into the chain between your laptop and your headphones, and the difference in sound quality is roughly similar to the difference between a rowing boat and a speedboat. Your music gains punch, drive, dynamism, detail, sheer volume… and consequently is far, far more satisfying to listen to..”

Wired

“Astell&Kern's gorgeous new Dual DAC Amplifier Cable enables you to enjoy the finest quality sound from your Mac. Just attach it into a spare USB-C port, plug your headphones into the 3.5mm jack and marvel at how much better everything sounds…Stunning!”

iCreate (issue 224)

 
AK USB-C Dual DAC Cable
   

Included in the box

 
  • 1x USB-C DUAL DAC Cable
General Specifications
Model
USB-C Dual DAC Cable
Body material:
Zinc Alloy
Body colour:
Titan
DAC:
Cirrus Logic CS43198 x 2
Sample Rate:
· PCM: Support up to 32bit/384kHz
· DSD Native: DSD64(1bit 2.8MHz), Stereo / DSD128(1bit 5.6MHz), Stereo / DSD256(1bit 11.2MHz), Stereo
Input:
USB Type-C Input (for Windows 10, Android Smartphone & Tablet PC, macOS)
Output:
3.5mm headphone
Dimensions:
· USB Plug: 12mm[W] x 20mm[H] x 8.2mm[D]
· 3.5mm Headphone: 17mm[W] x 50mm[H] x 10.3mm[D]
Weight:
Approx. 25g
Audio Performance
Frequency response:
± 0.030 (Condition: 20 Hz~20 kHz)
S/N:
118dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced
THD+N:
0.0004% @ 1kHz, Unbalanced
IMD SMPTE:
0.0003% 800Hz 10kHz (4:1) Unbalanced
Output impedance:
2ohm
Output power or voltage:
2Vrms (condition no load)