ASTELL&KERN INTRODUCE THEIR ALL-NEW BLUETOOTH DAC AND AMP - THE AK HB1

Astell&Kern's AK HB1 stands out as a portable Bluetooth DAC&Amp, providing a cable-free, high-quality audio experience and seamless Hi-Fi streaming services. By effortlessly connecting your mobile device to the Astell&Kern AK HB1 through Bluetooth, users can enjoy wireless Hi-Fi sound with a powerful built-in amplifier, accommodating various IEMs and headphones. Its compact and lightweight design adds to the convenience. Beyond Bluetooth, the AK HB1 also serves as a USB DAC, ensuring Astell&Kern's renowned sound quality. It further extends its versatility by enabling connections to gaming devices and immersive entertainment systems through microphones, transforming your mobile device into a multifunctional hub for a myriad of multimedia possibilities.

EMBEDS THE LATEST ESS DAC CHIPSET WITH A POWERFUL AMPLIFICATION STAGE

The Astell&Kern AK HB1 integrates ESS’s ES9281AC PRO DAC, ensuring superior noise control and delivering exceptional ultra-high-quality Hi-Fi sound performance. Going beyond the standard built-in DAC AMP, the AK HB1 features an exclusive AMP circuitry that achieves a robust 4Vrms output in a Balanced connection, supporting both 3.5mm unbalanced and 4.4mm balanced connectivity for versatile compatibility with a broad range of IEMs and headphones. Despite its compact dimensions (33 x 68.4 x 16.5 mm), Astell&Kern prioritise performance by incorporating micro resistors and capacitor parts, along with ultra-small tantalum capacitors to maintain stability and optimal audio circuit design. The device's output and audio performance are further enhanced by Astell&Kern's distinctive power management technology, minimising current consumption for connected devices.

ENJOY WIRELESS BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY WITH SUPPORT FOR MULTIPLE CODECS

The Astell&Kern AK HB1 comes equipped with Qualcomm's CSR8675 Bluetooth chipset, ensuring a reliable connection for the transmission of high-resolution audio sources. Supporting a range of codecs, including LDAC with 24-bit/96 kHz and aptX™ HD with stable 24-bit/48kHz, AK HB1 accommodates various audio preferences. With compatibility with commonly used codecs like AAC and SBC, this device ensures seamless wireless playback of high-resolution streaming audio from both smartphones and PCs. Additionally, the AK HB1 incorporates Bluetooth multi-point capability, enabling simultaneous connection with up to two devices. This functionality facilitates easy switching between different mobile devices, allowing users to enjoy music from a tablet PC while simultaneously receiving notifications and calls on their smartphone.

UNLEASH HI-RES AUDIO PLAYBACK WITH USB CONNECTIVITY AND MQA RENDERING

The Astell&Kern AK HB1 surpasses typical Bluetooth playback by offering exceptional, full high-resolution audio through its USB DAC connection to various devices, including PCs, smartphones, and tablets. With support for Native DSD256 and 32-bit/384kHz playback, AK HB1 ensures compatibility with a wide range of high-quality audio sources, delivering Astell&Kern's renowned premium sound quality. Additionally, featuring a renderer function that supports MQA 8X, AK HB1 enables MQA playback without the need for external DACs or playback devices. By connecting AK HB1 via cable to compatible devices supporting MQA unfolding, users can enjoy MQA audio playback through network-enabled apps and streaming services from any location.

EASY PLUG-AND-PLAY CONNECTIVITY WITH SUPPORT FOR UAC 1.0 & 2.0 PROTOCOLS

Astell&Kern AK HB1 streamlines the transition between Bluetooth and USB cable connections through its USB Plug & Play functionality. Users can connect AK HB1 to their PC or smart device using a USB cable for high-resolution sound while controlling settings through the app on their Bluetooth-connected smartphone. With BT Priority Mode activated, AK HB1 effortlessly switches to Bluetooth mode upon receiving a Bluetooth signal during USB DAC use. While modern devices support UAC 2.0 connections, some gaming devices rely on UAC 1.0. AK HB1 caters to both by supporting UAC 2.0 and UAC 1.0 connections, ensuring cross-platform compatibility. This allows users to connect AK HB1 to gaming devices like PlayStation and Switch, providing low latency and enhanced sound for an immersive gaming experience.

DEDICATED CAR MODE AND CRYSTAL CLEAR VOICE CALLS WITH HIGH SENSITIVITY MEMS MIC

Activate Astell&Kern AK HB1's dedicated Car Mode for a seamless high-quality DAC/AMP sound experience on the road. Connect AK HB1 to your vehicle's AUX port, and its power intuitively turns on/off based on your vehicle's ignition, allowing you to enjoy audio from paired devices effortlessly. With Knowles's high-quality MEMS microphone technology and Qualcomm's cVc Generation 8.0 call solution, AK HB1 ensures crystal-clear voice quality and stability, suppressing ambient noise for clear vocals. Additionally, the AK HB1 features a 4-pole in-line MIC for voice calls via wired earphones during USB DAC use. This enhances call quality alongside AK HB1's exceptional Hi-Fi sound. Note that the in-line MIC functionality is exclusive to USB DAC mode, while the built-in microphone handles calls during Bluetooth connections. AK HB1 supports only CTIA-compliant earphones for 4-pole configurations (OMTP-compliant products are not supported).

SMART CHARGING SYSTEM WITH LED INDICATOR AND PROPRIETARY APP FOR CONFIGURATION

Astell&Kern AK HB1 effortlessly identifies connected USB devices for playback or charging, streamlining the charging process without additional adjustments. The charging mode is adaptable, enabling simultaneous playback and charging to prevent battery depletion. Charging speed varies based on the connection; charging via USB takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, while connected to a playback device, the charging speed adjusts, and the mode can be toggled on/off. In Charging Mode On, the HB1's battery is charged using the playback device's power, and Charging Mode Off operates solely on the AK HB1's battery. Two LED lights provide status information. The AK Control app enhances functionality, offering features like Device Priority, Volume Level, User EQ setup, Car Mode DAC Filter setting, and more for easy setup.

BUNDLED WITH A HIGH-QUALITY DUAL SHIELDED CABLE FOR CLEAN AND VIVID SOUND

To achieve flawless compatibility across Android and iOS devices without extra adapters, the Astell&Kern AK HB1 incorporates an interchangeable cable that supports Type-C and Lightning connections. The dual-shielded audio cable is crafted to minimise noise, ensuring a more dynamic and authentic sound experience. The copper core wire, coated with tin for corrosion prevention and increased tensile strength, ensures robust durability. An aluminium film envelops the entire cable to block noise, with an additional layer of shielding around the power cable, effectively reducing audio interference. Addressing the crucial issue of noise in audio, the intricately woven tin-coated copper wire further diminishes interference. The audio cable is adorned with a fabric jacket over the TPE jacket, providing enhanced durability and usability with a visually appealing aesthetic.