AK USB-C Dual DAC Cable From Astell&Kern

Plug the dual DAC cable into the USB-C input on your device, connect a pair of 3.5mm headphones and you’re off and running

At the heart of the Astell&Kern AK USB-C Dual DAC Cable sit two Cirrus Logic CS43198 MasterHIFi DACs which support high-resolution audio playback up to native DSD256 and 32bit/384kHz. 

Spanning 17 x 50 x 10.3mm and weighing 25g, the chassis includes Astell&Kern’s bespoke designed capacitors while the AK USB-C dual DACs are paired with an independent amplifier.

A custom-made, 4-core cable includes Technora aramid fibre at its core to, “…block external noise,” said the company. Thick silver-plated copper is wrapped around this centre strand, with a further layer of copper added in a spiral arrangement. 

Please note, though, iOS-based devices, such as iPhones and iPads, are currently not supported. Said the company, “A dual DAC cable requires more current to run than a single DAC cable. Current iOS devices limit the amount of current exported and so don’t provide enough current to power a dual DAC configuration.”

The smooth, polished metal zinc alloy body offers the usual sculpting. 

Price is £109 from April

Contact www.astellkern.co.uk for more details.

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