Discuss versatility. Astell&Kern’s HB1 is a conveyable DAC/Amp with wi-fi Bluetooth connectivity that helps 24-bit LDAC and aptX HD in addition to native DSD256 and 32-bit/384 kHz PCM through USB.
The $259 accent in the end goals to enhance the sound high quality popping out of your smartphone, pill or laptop computer, and gaming console — whether or not linked wired or wirelessly.
AK HB1 is supplied with Qualcomm’s CSR8675 Bluetooth chipset, which helps the transmission of high-resolution audio sources. In the meantime, it additionally helps AAC and SBC codecs for compatibility with any Bluetooth gadget.
Bluetooth multi-point functionality permits connection of the AK HB1 with as much as two units concurrently. This characteristic permits you to effortlessly swap connections between varied cell units, enabling eventualities like having fun with music from a pill or PC whereas concurrently receiving notifications and calls in your smartphone.
Moreover, outfitted with a renderer perform that helps MQA 8Xthe AK HB1 allows MQA playback with out the necessity for exterior DACs or playback units. By merely connecting the AK HB1 through cable to appropriate units, which assist MQA unfolding, you may get pleasure from MQA audio playback by means of network-enabled apps and streaming companies from anyplace.
AK HB1 incorporates ESS’s ES9281AC PRO DAC for distinctive noise management and unparalleled ultra-high-quality Hello-Fi sound efficiency mixed with an unique Astell&Kern-designed AMP circuitry that supersedes commonplace built-in DAC AMPs present in competing merchandise.
This AMP circuitry allows a commanding 4 Vrms output (balanced connection) and twin connectivity choices — 3.5 mm unbalanced and 4.4 mm balanced, permitting compatibility with a variety of IEMs and headphones. A devoted quantity wheel permits customers to regulate the playback quantity from the HB1.
Astell&Kern used micro resistors and capacitor components to attain a small footprint type issue of 33 x 68.4 x 16.5mm with out compromising efficiency. Fastidiously chosen ultra-small tantalum capacitors, that are utilized in AK participant merchandise to create secure system and audio efficiency by controlling the facility fluctuations, are additionally used within the HB1 to create an optimum audio circuit design.
Output and audio efficiency are enhanced with Astell&Kern’s distinctive energy administration know-how to reduce present consumption of the linked gadget.
Options
Straightforward and Handy USB Plug & Play
AK HB1 simplifies the transition between Bluetooth and USB cable connections by supporting USB Plug & Play performance. Join AK HB1 to your PC or sensible gadget utilizing a USB cable to get pleasure from high-resolution sound whereas concurrently controlling varied settings and options by means of the app in your Bluetooth-connected smartphone. With BT Precedence Mode enabled, the AK HB1 seamlessly switches to Bluetooth mode, at any time when a Bluetooth sign is obtained whereas utilizing the USB DAC perform.
UAC 1.0 & 2.0 Help for Gaming
Whereas fashionable smartphones, tablets, and PCs assist UAC 2.0 connections, many gaming units nonetheless solely assist UAC 1.0 connections. The AK HB1 ensures compatibility by supporting each UAC 2.0 and UAC 1.0 connections for cross-platform high quality sound experiences.
Now you may join the AK HB1 to your gaming gadget similar to PlayStation 5 or Nintendo Change to get pleasure from low latency and enhanced audiophile-quality sound for an immersive gaming expertise.
Automobile Mode
Activate AK HB1’s devoted Automobile Mode to get pleasure from the identical high-quality, audiophile DAC/AMP sound in your automotive. Merely join the AK HB1 to your car’s AUX port, and its energy routinely activates/off based mostly in your car’s ignition, permitting you to get pleasure from audio from paired units.
Crystal-Clear Voice Calls with built-in mics
AK HB1 ensures crystal-clear voice high quality and stability because of Knowles’s high-quality MEMS microphone know-how and Qualcomm’s cVc Technology 8.0 name resolution with Clear Voice Seize know-how, which suppresses ambient noise whereas delivering clear vocals to the recipient.
The AK HB1 additionally incorporates a 4-pole in-line MIC, enabling voice calls through wired earphones. With the HB1, you may expertise enhanced name high quality alongside AK HB1’s distinctive Hello-Fi sound.
Good Charging System
Astell&Kern’s AK HB1 routinely acknowledges what kind of gadget is linked through a USB cable and streamlining the charging course of with out requiring further setting changes. Charging mode may also be turned on/off to permit simultaneous playback and gadget charging, stopping battery depletion throughout playback.
Twin Noise Shielded Cable
To make sure optimum usability throughout each Android and iOS units with out the necessity for extra adapters, the AK HB1 consists of interchangeable cables that assist USB Sort-C and Lightning connections.
The AK HB1 incorporates a twin shielded cable to reduce noise and ship a extra vivid, unique sound. The copper core wire is coated with tin to forestall corrosion and strengthen tensile drive for enhanced sturdiness.
Moreover, the whole cable is wrapped in an aluminum movie to dam noise with an additional layer of defending across the energy cable to additional decrease noise, the most important situation in audio, then the tin-coated copper wire is woven to reduce noise interference to sound.
Completed with a material jacket on high of the PTE jacket, the cable options enhanced sturdiness and usefulness with excellent aesthetic attraction.
Devoted Management App
The AK Management companion app, out there for iOS and Android units, permits customers to customise settings for the AK HB1.
The AK HB1 embodies Astell&Kern’s design philosophy with inspiration from the architectural masterpiece “Church of Gentle” by Tadao Ando, identified for its interaction of sunshine and shadow.
Embodying the essence of robustness and ease, very like concrete, the gadget showcases a smooth type that cleverly integrates buttons and earphone connections throughout the gaps between its back and front housings. The usage of silver coloring between the entrance and rear surfaces creates an phantasm of sunshine gracefully flowing between the 2 facades.
Intuitively designed with a snug grip, the scale and placement of the wheel guarantee easy quantity management. The wheel incorporates a mixture of aluminum and rubber supplies for improved grip and accuracy, guaranteeing simple and correct management.
The AK HB1 can be licensed Roon Examined pending completion of the testing and certification course of by Roon Labs.
Worth & Availability
The HB1 Bluetooth DAC/Amp can be out there in November 2023 at licensed Astell&Kern worldwide for $259.
