Astell Kern AK HC4 USB DAC Amplifier Cable User Manual

AK HC4
USB DAC AMPLIFIER CABLE
AK HC4 MANUAL

Package Contents

AK HC4 / Type-C Cable / Lightning Cable / Manual / Warranty card

How to Use

1. Connect the AK HC4 to the playback device (Smartphone, tablet PC or computer) and ensure the white LED light is on.
2.  Turn down the volume on the playback device to a minimum level.
3. Start music playback.
4. When connected to the Master device, pressing the volume +,- buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds will switch to UAC1.0 mode.

IMPORTANT: Before beginning music playback, check volume level on playback device and reduce to a minimum level when using AK HC4. AK HC4 has a built-in amplifier making the sound output more significant than other devices at the same sound output level. It is important to start at a low volume level to protect your hearing.
If you allow access when running Tidal and some Apps on Android devices, the volume will be fixed to the maximum output. Please check this before using it.
Depending on the playback device you are connecting to, the volume will default to the maximum output level when the AK HC4 is connected for the first time and each time thereafter. Always check the volume level on the playback device before use.
The AK HC4 cable should NOT be connected to an Astell& Kern DAP as the volume will be fixed at maximum output when connected and cannot be adjusted on the player or AK HC4. Use with the maximum volume may severely damage hearing.
Astell&Kern is not liable for any damage due to user negligence. Be sure to check the volume first when using.

Note

1. Compatibility
   • Please use UAC1.0 mode only when connecting to some gaming devices.
   • In UAC1.0 mode, the LED is fixed in green.
   • The AK HC4 is not compatible with every device. Due to hardware, software and/or system requirements for some devices, compatibility issues may occur. Compatibility issues will not be accepted as a reason for exchange, refund or repair.
   • When connecting the AK HC4 with a Windows PC for the first time, the computer should recognize the device and the driver should install automatically. If the computer does not recognize the device or the driver does not install correctly, the driver can be downloaded from our website. www.astellnkern.com > Support > Download
   • Connecting to a master device using various conversion adaptors (USB-A, Micro 5 pin, etc.) may cause an unstable connection and other compatibility issues.
   • The product requires a separate paid/free player to be installed to be able to play DSD and high-quality PCM audio files on a smartphone.

2. Operation/System
   • The AK HC4 cable does not have a built-in battery. Power is supplied from the connected device (Android smartphone, tablet PC or computer).
   • Power consumption may vary depending on the source and file type being played or the battery capacity of the connected device.
   • System stabilization for the AK HC4 will be available via firmware updates. For details on how to download and update the AK HC4, please refer to our website, www.astellnkern.com -> Download.

Specifications

General Specifications

DSD Native: DSD64(1bit 2.8MHz), Stereo /
DSD128(1bit 5.6MHz), Stereo / DSD256(1bit 11.2MHz), Stereo
Input| USB Type-C Input (for Android™ Smartphone, Tablet PC,
Windows 10/11, iOS, mac OS)
Output| Unbalanced (3.5mm) /
Balanced Out (4.4mm, only 5-pole supported)
Dimensions| 29.5mm[W] x 64.5mm[H] x 14.5mm[D] (Excluding Cable)
Weight| about 31g
Audio Specifications
Output Level| Unbalanced 2Vrms / Balanced 3Vrms (Condition No Load)
Frequency Response| ±0.062dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz)Unbalanced /
±0.063dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz) Balanced
±0.066dB (Condition : 20Hz~70kHz)Unbalanced /
±0.067dB (Condition : 20Hz~70kHz) Balanced
S/N| 118dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced / 118dB @ 1kHz, Balanced
Crosstalk| -134dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced / -136dB @ 1kHz, Balanced
THD+N| 0.0005% @ 1kHz, Unbalanced /
0.0009% @ 1kHz, Balanced
IMD SMPTE| 0.0005% 800Hz 10kHz (4:1) Unbalanced /
0.0004% 800Hz 10kHz (4:1) Balanced
Output Impedance| Unbalanced 0.9ohm / Balanced 1.6ohm

Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

SDoC information
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Responsible Party – U.S. Contact Information
Company Name| Invixion Inc.
Address| 19600 Fairchild Road, Suite 125 Irvine, CA 92612
Telephone| 949-336-4540
Contact name| support@theinvixion.com

References

• Astell&Kern
• Astell&Kern
• Astell&Kern

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