Astell & Kern AK HC3 User manual

AK HC3
USB-C
DUAL DAC
AMPLIFIER
CABLE
AK HC3 MANUAL

1. Connect the AK HC3 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.
How to Use
AK HC3 / iOS Adaptor / Manual / Warranty card
Package Contents
USB Type-C Plug
LED Indicator
Standby : White / PCM : Red / DSD : Blue / MQA : Magenta
3.5mm Headphone Port [Compatible with microphones and in-line controllers]
IMPORTANT: Before beginning music playback, check volume level
on playback device and reduce to a minimum level when using AK
HC3. AK HC3 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 HC3
is connected for the first time and each time thereafter. Always
check the volume level on the playback device before use.
The AK HC3 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 HC3. 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.

1. Compatibility
The product is compatible with most Android-powered smartphones and tablet
PCs, and Windows 10/11 and macOS products. If you use an iOS adapter, you can
connect to iOS-based devices. However, some devices may require additional
manual setup.
The AK HC3 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 connected to a smartphone or tablet PC, the product can play tracks without
any additional driver or application installed. And you can download and use an
additional APP for volume control. Search for [AK HC] and [AK USB DAC] in the
Play Store and install them. These APPs are only supported for Android version.
When connecting the AK HC3 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.
AK HC3 does not have a built-in microphone and uses the built-in microphone and
controller of the earphones or headphones you are connecting to.
When connected to an iPhone, the call function is not supported, and some Android
smartphones with a 3.5 mm port may be unable to make calls.
AK HC3 supports CTIA standard 4-pole earphones/headphones.
2. Operation/System
The AK HC3 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 HC3 will be available via firmware updates.
For details on how to download and update the AK HC3, please refer to our website,
www.astellnkern.com -> Download.
Note

1. 호환성
대부분의 안드로이드 기반 스마트폰 및 태블릿 PC, Windows 10/11, macOS 제품과
호환되며, iOS 아답타를 사용하는 경우 iOS 기반 디바이스와 연결할 수 있습니다.
다만 일부 기기의 경우, 별도의 수동 설정이 필요할 수 있습니다.
연결하는 기기의 하드웨어, 소프트웨어, 시스템 상의 제한에 따라 호환되지 않거나 일부
제약이 있을 수 있습니다. 호환성 문제는 제품의 교환 또는 수리 사유에 포함되지 않습니다.
스마트폰 및 태블릿 PC에 연결 시, 별도 드라이버나 앱 설치없이 재생 가능하며, 볼륨
조절을 위한 별도 APP을 다운받아 사용할 수 있습니다. Play Store에서 [AK HC],
[AK USB DAC]으로 검색하여 설치합니다. 해당 APP은 Android 버전만 지원됩니다.
Windows PC에 연결 시, 고음질 음원 재생을 위해 별도 USB DAC Driver 설치가 필요
합니다. 처음 Windows PC에 연결 시, 자동으로 드라이버를 인식해 설치됩니다. 만약
컴퓨터가 드라이버를 인식하지 못하면, 수동으로 USB DAC Driver를 설치하시기 바랍
니다. www.astellnkern.com -Support - Download에서 다운로드 가능합니다.
번들로 제공되는 아답터 외에 각종 변환 아답터(USB-A, Micro 5 pin 등)를 이용하여
Master 디바이스에 연결시, 불안정한 연결 및 호환성에 문제가 있을 수 있습니다.
스마트폰에서 DSD 및 고음질 PCM 음원 재생을 위해서는 별도의 유/무료 재생
플레이어를 설치하신 후 재생 가능합니다.
AK HC3는 마이크가 내장되어 있지 않으며, 연결하시는 이어폰 또는 헤드폰에 내장된
마이크와 컨트롤러를 통해 사용 가능합니다.
아이폰에 연결하여 사용하는 경우 통화 기능은 지원되지 않으며, 3.5mm 단자가 있는
일부 안드로이드 스마트폰의 경우 통화가 불가능 할 수 있습니다.
AK HC3는 CTIA 표준 규격의 4극 이어폰/헤드폰을 지원합니다.
2. 동작 / 시스템
배터리가 내장되어 있지 않으며, Master 디바이스 (스마트폰 및 태블릿 PC 그리고
PC)의 USB 단자를 통해 전원을 공급받아 작동되는 케이블입니다.
연결하는 기기의 배터리 용량이나 재생하는 음원의 파일에 따라 소모되는 전력이
다를 수 있습니다.
시스템 안정화를 위해 펌웨어 업데이트가 있을 수 있습니다. 자세한 펌웨어 업데이트
사항은 www.astellnkern.com - Support - Download를 참조하시기 바랍니다.
참고 사항

General Specifications
Product Name
Model Name
Body Material
Body Color
DAC
Sample Rate
Input
Output
Dimensions
Weight
Audio Specifications
Frequency Response
S/N
THD+N
IMD SMPTE
Output Impedance
Output Level
AK HC3
PEE53
Aluminum
Dark Grey
ESS ES9219MQ x2
PCM: Support up to 32bit/384kHz
DSD Native: DSD64(1bit 2.8MHz), Stereo /
DSD128(1bit 5.6MHz), Stereo / DSD256(1bit 11.2MHz), Stereo
USB Type-C Input (for Android™ Smartphone, Tablet PC,
Windows 10/11, iOS, mac OS)
3.5mm Headphone (CTIA standard 4-pole supported)
USB Plug : 12.5mm[W] x 21mm[H] x 8.7mm[D]
3.5mm Headphone : 18.2mm[W] x 59mm[H] x 11.5[D]
about 20g
±0.013dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz)
±0.020dB (Condition : 20Hz~70kHz)
118dB@1kHz
0.0005% @1kHz
0.0002% 800Hz 10kHz(4:1)
2 Ohm
2Vrms (Condition No Load)
Specifications
Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Report No.
Product Name
Model Name
Type of Equipment
KR22-YEF0076
AK HC3
PEE53
USB-C Dual DAC Amplifier Cable
Responsible Party – U.S. Contact Information
Company Name
Address
Telephone
Contact name
Invixion Inc.
19600 Fairchild Road, Suite 125 Irvine, CA 92612
[phone]
[email protected]
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.
SDoC information
The AK HC3 LED glows magenta to indicate that the unit is rendering an MQA stream or
file. This delivers the final unfold of the MQA file.
MQA is an award-winning British technology that delivers the
sound of the original master recording. The master MQA file is fully
authenticated and is small enough to stream or download.
Visit mqa.co.uk for more information
MQA and the Sound Wave Device are registered trademarks of MQA Limited.© 2016
MQA (Master Quality Authenticated)