Astell&Kern AK HC3 (PEE53)

The USB DAC for 3.5 mm headphones with microphone support

Astell&Kern AK HC3 combines two ESS ES9219MQ DACs with a 3.5 mm output that also supports compatible CTIA headsets with microphones and in-line controls.

It is the HC model most clearly aimed at calls, gaming and conferencing as well as music. PCM up to 32-bit/384 kHz and native DSD256 are supported, but the headphone connection remains unbalanced; users of 4.4 mm balanced cables should instead look to HC2 or HC4.

Key features

• Dual ESS ES9219MQ DACs.
• Format compatibility reaches 32-bit/384 kHz PCM and native DSD256.
• 3.5 mm output supporting compatible 3-pole and 4-pole CTIA plugs.
• Microphone and in-line controller support with suitable headsets.
• Up to 2 Vrms output.
• Dual-shielded USB-C cable.
• USB-C to Lightning adaptor included for compatible iOS devices.
• Status LED for PCM, DSD and MQA operation.

Music and voice through the same connection

What separates HC3 from the other HC dongles is its headset microphone interface. A direct USB connection also offers lower latency than Bluetooth, allowing the same headset to cover listening, gaming chat or online meetings while retaining dedicated DAC conversion.

When to choose it over HC2 and HC4

HC2 focuses on 4.4 mm balanced output and reaches 4 Vrms, while HC4 provides both output types and adds DAR. HC3 is the more logical choice when preserving a 3.5 mm headset connection with microphone and controls is the priority, especially with phones and notebooks also used for communication.