Astell&Kern AK HB1 Wireless & Wired Headphone DAC Amp Bluetooth USB C Lightning
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The Astell&Kern AK HB1 is a portable Bluetooth and USB DAC/amp, using an ESS ES9281AC PRO DAC chip, with 3.5mm unbalanced and 4.4mm balanced headphone outputs delivering up to 4Vrms. It connects wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.0 (LDAC, aptX HD) or wired via USB-C and Lightning, and is part of Astell&Kern's AK accessory range.
Key specifications
- DAC: ESS ES9281AC PRO
- Bluetooth: 5.0 (Qualcomm CSR8675), LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC
- USB DAC: PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz, native DSD256, MQA renderer
- Outputs: 3.5mm unbalanced, 4.4mm balanced
- Output level: 2Vrms unbalanced, 4Vrms balanced (no load)
- Inputs: USB-C (UAC 1.0 and UAC 2.0), USB-C to Lightning cable included
- Battery: 600mAh, approximately 6 hours playback (AAC)
- Weight: approximately 40g
AK HB1 Wireless & Wired DAC
The AK HB1 is a lightweight portable DAC/amp with a built-in amplifier and microphone. It supports high-quality audio wirelessly and via USB-C and Lightning connections.
- 3.5mm and 4.4mm dual outputs for broad compatibility with wired headphones and earphones
- LDAC and aptX HD Bluetooth support for high-quality wireless audio from smartphones, tablets, PCs and portable gaming devices
- Full high-resolution playback via Plug & Play USB DAC connection
- Built-in microphone with Clear Voice Capture technology for calls while working, gaming or travelling
- Dedicated Car Mode: connects to your vehicle's AUX port and powers on/off with the ignition
- Simultaneous UAC 1.0 and UAC 2.0 support for cross-platform gaming on PlayStation, Nintendo Switch and more
Supreme connection with Hi-Fi sound
The AK HB1 delivers high-resolution audio via USB DAC to PCs, smartphones, tablets and more. It supports native DSD256 and 32-bit/384kHz playback, plus an MQA renderer function supporting MQA 8X — enabling MQA playback without an external DAC or dedicated playback device.
Extensive Codec Support
The AK HB1 supports LDAC and aptX HD for high-resolution wireless playback, alongside AAC and SBC for broader compatibility. The Qualcomm CSR8675 Bluetooth chip ensures a consistent, stable connection.
Exclusive AMP Circuitry
The AK HB1 uses exclusive AMP circuitry delivering up to 4Vrms balanced output. Dual outputs — 3.5mm unbalanced and 4.4mm balanced — cover a wide range of IEMs and headphones.
Simultaneous Support for UAC 1.0 & 2.0 for Gaming
Many gaming devices still use UAC 1.0 while modern smartphones and PCs use UAC 2.0. The AK HB1 supports both simultaneously, providing low-latency, enhanced audio on PlayStation, Nintendo Switch and other platforms.
Crystal-Clear Voice
The built-in microphone uses Clear Voice Capture technology to suppress ambient noise and deliver clear vocals during calls — suitable for use while working, gaming or travelling.
Car Mode
Car Mode connects the AK HB1 to your vehicle's AUX port. Power automatically turns on and off with the ignition, letting you enjoy DAC/amp-quality audio from paired devices without any manual switching.
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Specification
| Bluetooth | Chipset Qualcomm CSR8675 |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | Version 5.0 |
| Bluetooth | Codec LDAC, aptX ™ HD, aptX ™ , AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | Profile A2DP, AVRCP, HFP |
| Sample rate PCM | 8kHz ~ 384kHz (8/16/24/32bits per Sample) DSD Native: DSD64(1bit 2.8MHz), Stereo / DSD128(1bit 5.6MHz), Stereo / DSD256(1bit 11.2MHz), Stereo |
| Dimensions | 33 x 68.4 x 16.5mm (Excluding volume wheel) 39.8 x 68.4 x 16.5mm (Including volume wheel) |
| Weight | About 1.41oz (40g) |
| Frequency Response | ±0.135dB (Condition 20Hz~20kHz) Unbalanced │ 0.136 dB (Condition : 20Hz~20kHz) Balanced |
| IMD SMPTE 0.0003% 800Hz 10kHz (4 | 1) Unbalanced │ 0.0003% 800 Hz 10kHz (4:1) Balanced |
| Playback Time about 6hours (Standard | AAC ) |
More specs
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What's Included
- Astell&Kern AK HB1 Wireless & Wired DAC
- USB-C to Lightning Cable
- USB-C to USB-C Cable
- Warranty Card
- Quick start guide
Astell&Kern
About the Astell&Kern AKA15
From our tech experts at CEN
The Astell&Kern AK HB1 is a pocket DAC and amplifier that works both wirelessly and wired. It uses an ESS ES9281AC PRO DAC, connects by Bluetooth 5.0 with LDAC and aptX HD or by USB-C and Lightning, and drives headphones through 3.5mm and 4.4mm outputs at up to 4Vrms balanced. It weighs about 40g.
Who it suits
Phone, tablet and laptop users who want better sound from wired headphones without carrying a full player. It also has a built-in microphone for calls and a Car Mode that powers on and off with the ignition via your car's AUX port. For a standalone player, see the KANN MAX.
Our tech experts advise
Use the wired USB connection for full hi-res playback up to 32-bit/384kHz and native DSD256. Both USB-C and USB-C to Lightning cables are supplied. Note the 4.4mm socket supports 5-pole plugs only. Battery life is about 6 hours on AAC. Browse our Astell&Kern collection.
Explore the full Astell&Kern range at CEN, with fast UK dispatch and expert advice from our Nottingham team. Shop all Astell&Kern
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the AK HB1 work with an iPhone?
A: Yes. You can connect it wirelessly over Bluetooth or wired using the USB-C to Lightning cable included in the box. A USB-C to USB-C cable is also included for Android phones, tablets and PCs.
Q: Can I use the AK HB1 in the car?
A: Yes. Connect it to your vehicle's AUX input and activate Car Mode: it then turns on and off automatically with the ignition and plays audio from your paired devices.
Q: Does the AK HB1 work with games consoles?
A: It supports both UAC 1.0 and UAC 2.0 over USB-C, so it works with consoles such as PlayStation and Nintendo Switch as well as phones, tablets and PCs.
Q: What headphone outputs does the AK HB1 have?
A: A 3.5mm unbalanced output (supporting CTIA 4-pole earphones and headphones) and a 4.4mm balanced output (5-pole), delivering 2Vrms and 4Vrms respectively.
