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Astell & Kern's latest mobile DAC brings 32-bit audio with fewer sacrifices

<p>If you're determined to listen to high-resolution audio on your phone using high-end earphones, you'll want a DAC (https://www.engadget.com/the-best-dac-for-lossless-high-resolution-music-iphone-android-160056147.html) — and Astell &amp; Kern thinks it has one of the better options. The company has introduced (https://us.astellnkern.com/products/ak-hc3?variant=42512959013064) its third USB DAC, the AK HC3, and this one may finally nail enough features to satisfy most users. It promises very high-quality 32-bit, 384kHz audio like its HC2 predecessor, but you can finally use your headset's microphone. You won't have to choose between pristine sound and making phone calls.</p><p>The AK HC3 also uses ESS' newer ES9219MQ dual DAC. A built-in LED even shows if you're using a high-res audio format. The USB-C connection supports Macs, Windows PCs, Android phones and many tablets (including recent iPads (https://www.engadget.com/apple-ipad-10th-generation-review-160014897.html)), but there's an included Lightning adapter in the box for your iPhone. Android users get a dedicated app to fine-tune the output.</p><span id="end-legacy-contents"></span><p>Astell &amp; Kern will sell the AK HC3 for $229, with pre-orders starting January 20th and a release estimated for February 13th. This isn't the absolute highest-quality DAC (Fiio's Q3 can manage 768kHz), but it's better than many mobile options and is relatively easy to carry.</p><p>There are two similarly new headphone amps if you're more interested in quality than size. The Acro CA1000T (https://us.astellnkern.com/collections/home-audio/products/acro-ca1000t?variant=42517406548168) is a second-gen &quot;carriable&quot; model that uses ESS' new high-end ES9039MPRO dual DAC and a triple amp system that lets you switch between dual vacuum tubes, normal amping and a hybrid that combines both technologies. It arrives alongside the HC3, although the $2,299 price will limit it to well-heeled audiophiles.</p><p>The AK PA10 (https://us.astellnkern.com/collections/accessories/products/ak-pa10?variant=42515922223304) portable, meanwhile, is Astell &amp; Kern's first device with a Class-A amp. The choice promises the &quot;best&quot; linear output and a warm, natural sound for 12 hours of battery-powered use. It also won't be cheap when it arrives on February 13th for $599, but it may be worth considering if you want a balance between portability and raw technical prowess.</p>

Source: Astell &amp; Kern's latest mobile DAC brings 32-bit audio with fewer sacrifices (https://www.engadget.com/astell-and-kern-ak-hc3-usb-c-dac-160536422.html?src=rss)