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AK HB1 Portable Bluetooth DAC/Amp
AK HB1 Portable Bluetooth DAC/Amp
AK HB1 Portable Bluetooth DAC/Amp
AK HB1 Portable Bluetooth DAC/Amp
AK HB1 Portable Bluetooth DAC/Amp
AK HB1 Portable Bluetooth DAC/Amp
AK HB1 Portable Bluetooth DAC/Amp
AK HB1 Portable Bluetooth DAC/Amp
AK HB1 Portable Bluetooth DAC/Amp
AK HB1 Portable Bluetooth DAC/Amp
Experience seamless, wireless Hi-Fi sound on the go with headphones and IEMs More details
AK HB1 Portable Bluetooth DAC/Amp
AK HB1 Portable Bluetooth DAC/Amp
AK HB1 Portable Bluetooth DAC/Amp
AK HB1 Portable Bluetooth DAC/Amp
AK HB1 Portable Bluetooth DAC/Amp
AK HB1 Portable Bluetooth DAC/Amp
AK HB1 Portable Bluetooth DAC/Amp
AK HB1 Portable Bluetooth DAC/Amp
AK HB1 Portable Bluetooth DAC/Amp
AK HB1 Portable Bluetooth DAC/Amp
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The Astell&Kern AK HB1 redefines portable audio with its Bluetooth DAC/AMP, offering seamless high-quality audio and Hi-Fi streaming without cables. Pair effortlessly via Bluetooth with your mobile device to enjoy wireless Hi-Fi sound through various IEMs and headphones, thanks to its compact design and potent built-in headphone amplifier.
Moreover, the AK HB1 serves as a USB DAC, delivering Astell&Kern's pristine sound quality. It effortlessly connects to gaming devices and enhances multimedia experiences with microphones, transforming your mobile device into a versatile hub. Despite its size, the AK HB1 competes with larger high-end USB DACs, offering impressive sound quality and the power to drive most In-ear monitors and low-impedance headphones for a musical, clear, and accurate audio experience.
We recommend pairing the Astell&Kern HB1 Portable Bluetooth DAC/Amp with our popular Black Dragon USB Audio Cable. The Black Dragon USB Cable is designed for digital bus transmission when getting the most out of your audio is crucial. Made with UP-OCC copper conductors and high-quality materials, the Black Dragon USB Cable features reinforced connectors designed to maintain a secure, stable connection at all times. The Black Dragon USB Cable will bring more detail and resolution to your hi-res audio playback.
The AK HB1 incorporates Qualcomm's CSR8675 Bluetooth chipset, ensuring robust support for high-resolution audio transmission with a stable connection. It supports a wide range of codecs, from LDAC for 24-bit/96kHz playback to aptX™ HD for stable 24-bit/48kHz support, alongside AAC and SBC. This extensive codec compatibility ensures seamless wireless playback of high-resolution streaming audio from smartphones and PCs.
Additionally, the AK HB1 offers Bluetooth multi-point functionality, enabling simultaneous connection to two devices. This feature allows seamless switching between mobile devices, such as listening to music from a tablet while receiving notifications and calls on a smartphone.
The AK HB1 offers more than just Bluetooth connectivity, delivering exceptional high-resolution sound via USB DAC connection to PCs, smartphones, tablets, and more. With straightforward USB plug-and-play functionality, it enables audiophile-grade sound reproduction with portable headphones and IEMs. Supporting Native DSD256 and 32-bit/384kHz playback, the AK HB1 ensures compatibility with a wide array of high-quality audio sources, showcasing Astell&Kern's renowned premium sound quality. It seamlessly integrates into existing home audio setups as a desktop DAC.
Moreover, featuring a renderer function supporting MQA 8X, the AK HB1 enables MQA playback without external DACs or playback devices. By connecting the AK HB1 via cable to compatible devices supporting MQA unfolding, users can enjoy MQA audio through network-enabled apps and streaming services effortlessly.
The AK HB1 integrates ESS's ES9281AC PRO DAC for exceptional noise control and superior ultra-high-quality Hi-Fi sound performance. In addition, the AK HB1 introduces an exclusive headphone amplification circuitry that surpasses standard built-in DAC AMP configurations. Its AMP delivers a robust 4Vrms output (in Balanced connection) and offers dual connectivity options — 3.5mm unbalanced and 4.4mm balanced headphone jacks, accommodating a broad spectrum of IEMs and headphones.
Maintaining a compact form factor of 33 x 68.4 x 16.5 mm, Astell&Kern utilizes micro resistors and capacitor parts to achieve a small footprint without compromising performance. The device incorporates carefully selected ultra-small tantalum capacitors, akin to those used in AK player products, to ensure a stable system and superior audio performance by managing power fluctuations effectively. Furthermore, Astell&Kern's proprietary power management technology enhances output and audio performance while minimizing current consumption tailored to the connected device.
The AK HB1 ensures seamless usability across both Android and iOS devices with its interchangeable cable supporting Type-C and Lightning connections. Featuring a dual-shielded design, the cable minimizes noise, preserving the integrity of high-quality sound. Its copper core wire is tin-coated to prevent corrosion and enhance tensile strength for increased durability.
Moreover, the cable incorporates an aluminum film for additional noise blocking, with extra shielding around the power cable to further reduce noise—a critical concern in audio quality. The tin-coated copper wire is intricately woven to minimize interference and maintain pristine sound quality. Finished with a fabric jacket atop a TPE jacket, the cable offers superior durability, usability, and aesthetic appeal.
The AK HB1 caters to a wide range of devices by supporting both UAC 2.0 and UAC 1.0 connections, ensuring compatibility with modern smartphones, tablets, PCs, and gaming devices.
Connect the AK HB1 to gaming consoles like PlayStation and Nintendo Switch using USB DAC with a USB-C to USB-C cable for low latency and superior sound quality. This setup enhances critical details such as footsteps and reload sounds, providing a competitive edge in gaming that rivals top-tier headphones and gaming headsets.
Enhance your car audio with the AK HB1. Activate Car Mode for high-quality DAC/AMP sound seamlessly integrated into your vehicle. Connect to the AUX port; power toggles with your vehicle’s ignition for easy use with paired devices.
The AK HB1 ensures crystal-clear voice quality and stability with Knowles's high-quality MEMS microphone technology and Qualcomm's cVc Generation 8.0 call solution featuring Clear Voice Capture technology. This setup effectively suppresses ambient noise, delivering clear vocals during calls. Additionally, the AK HB1 includes a 4-pole in-line MIC, facilitating voice calls via wired earphones. Enjoy enhanced call clarity alongside the AK HB1's exceptional Hi-Fi sound.
*Note: The in-line MIC function is available exclusively when using USB DAC mode. During Bluetooth (BT) connections, the AK HB1 utilizes its built-in microphone for calls.
*Please use CTIA-compliant earphones with 4-pole connections; OMTP-compliant products are not supported.
The AK HB1 automatically recognizes devices when they are connected via a USB cable, whether playback or charging devices, streamlining the charging process without requiring additional setting adjustments.
Also, the charging mode can be turned on/off to allow simultaneous playback and device charging, preventing battery depletion during playback.
*Charging notes:
1. When connected to a charger via USB, it charges at normal speed (1 hour and 30 minutes to full charge).
2. When connected to a playback device via USB, the charging speed is adjusted, and the charging mode can be turned on/off.
Charging Mode On: Charges HB1's battery using the playback device's battery power.
Charging Mode Off: Operates only by AK HB1's battery without charging from external devices.
Two LED indicators on the AK HB1 provide real-time device status updates, including file type and battery level. A brief press of the power button displays battery status through color codes: Blue for 100%, Green for 60-99%, Yellow for 20-60%, Red for 10-20%, and Blinking Red for 1-10%. For precise battery percentage, consult the AK Control app. During playback, the LED changes color based on the streaming format: Red for PCM, Blue for DSD, and Magenta for MQA Renderer, offering clear visual feedback on your music's format.
With the AK Control App, you can manage AK HB1 settings, check battery status, handle multi-point connections, and activate car mode. Customize your audio with DAC filter options like linear phase fast roll-off, minimum phase slow roll-off, and hybrid fast roll-off, all adjustable through the app. Explore the user guide and fine-tune sound quality using the built-in equalizer for a personalized listening experience.
What devices are compatible with the Astell&Kern AK HB1?
The AK HB1 is compatible with a wide range of devices including smartphones, tablets, PCs, and gaming consoles that support USB audio output.
How do I connect the AK HB1 to my smartphone or tablet?
You can connect the AK HB1 via Bluetooth for wireless audio or using a USB-C or Lightning cable for direct wired connection, depending on your device's port.
Can the AK HB1 be used with headphones and IEMs?
Yes, the AK HB1 features both 3.5mm unbalanced and 4.4mm balanced headphone jacks, supporting a variety of headphones and in-ear monitors.
What audio formats does the AK HB1 support?
The AK HB1 supports high-resolution audio formats including FLAC, WAV, ALAC, DSD, and MQA, ensuring high-quality audio playback.
Does the AK HB1 have a built-in microphone for calls?
Yes, the AK HB1 includes a microphone for voice calls when using wired earphones. It supports call management and clear voice capture technology.
How long does the battery of the AK HB1 last?
Battery life varies based on usage, but the AK HB1 typically offers several hours of playback time on a full charge. Battery status can be checked via LED indicators or the AK Control App.
Can I customize sound settings on the AK HB1?
Yes, the AK Control App allows you to adjust DAC filters, EQ settings, and manage sound profiles to tailor your audio experience.
