The Astell&Kern AK HB1 is a compact, portable Bluetooth DAC/AMP launched in November 2023, designed to deliver high-resolution audio from smartphones, PCs, and gaming consoles. It features an ESS ES9281AC PRO DAC chip and a dedicated amplifier, offering both 3.5mm unbalanced and powerful 4.4mm balanced (4 Vrms) headphone outputs.

Supporting Native DSD256, PCM 32-bit/384 kHz, and MQA rendering via its USB-C connection, the HB1 also boasts Bluetooth 5.0 with LDAC and aptX™ HD codecs for high-quality wireless sound. Its versatile features include UAC 1.0 & 2.0 support for gaming, Bluetooth Multi-point connectivity, Car Mode, and a high-sensitivity Knowles MEMS microphone with cVc 8.0 for clear calls. Weighing just 40g, the HB1 provides premium audio fidelity in a lightweight, highly functional package.

- 3.5-mm and 4.4-mm Dual Output
- Supports LDAC and aptX™HD for High-quality Bluetooth Sound
- Features ESS ES9281AC PRO DAC
- Separate DAC and AMP for Premium Hi-Fi Experience
- Plug & Play USB DAC Function
- Interchangeable Cable (Type-C and Lightning Cable Included)
- Supports UAC 1.0 (Gaming System)
- Clear and Vivid Voice in Calls
- Car Mode Supported
- Multi-point Connection (Up To Two Devices)
- MQA Renderer

High Compatibility and Simultaneous Support for UAC 1.0 & 2.0 for Gaming
While modern smartphones, tablets, and PCs support UAC 2.0 connections, many gaming devices still exclusively support UAC 1.0 connections.
To cater to both scenarios, AK HB1 ensures compatibility by supporting both UAC 2.0 and UAC 1.0 connections for cross-platform quality sound experiences.
Connect AK HB1 to your gaming device such as PlayStation and Switch, and enjoy low latency and enhanced sound for an immersive gaming experience.

Seamless Experience Extended to Cars with Car Mode
Activate AK HB1's dedicated Car Mode to enjoy high-quality DAC/AMP sound effortlessly while at the wheel. Simply connect AK HB1 to your vehicle's AUX port, and its power automatically turns on/off based on your vehicle's ignition, allowing you to enjoy audio from paired devices.

Crystal-Clear Voice Calls Thanks to High-sensitivity MEMS MIC
AK HB1 ensures crystal-clear voice quality and stability thanks to Knowles's high-quality MEMS microphone technology and Qualcomm's cVc Generation 8.0 call solution with Clear Voice Capture technology, which suppresses ambient noise while delivering clear vocals to the recipient.
Furthermore, AK HB1 incorporates a 4-pole in-line MIC, enabling voice calls via wired earphones.
Experience enhanced call quality alongside AK HB1's exceptional Hi-Fi sound.

Smart Charging System
AK HB1 automatically recognizes devices when they are connected via a USB cable, whether playback or charging devices, streamlining the charging process without requiring additional setting adjustments.
Also, the charging mode can be turned on/off to allow simultaneous playback and device charging, preventing battery depletion during playback.

*
1.When connected to a charger via USB, it charges at normal speed (1 hour and 30 minutes to full charge).
2.When connected to a playback device via USB, the charging speed is adjusted, and the charging mode can be turned on/off.
Charging Mode On : Charges HB1's battery using the playback device's battery power.
Charging Mode Off : Operates only by AK HB1's battery without charging from external devices.

Easy Configuration with Our Proprietary App
Install the exclusive app to use various functions and enjoy easy setup.
The AK Control app is equipped with various newly developed user functions for the AK HB1.
Users now can conveniently control Device Priority, Volume Level, User EQ setup, Car Mode and DAC Filter setting, etc.

Model: AK HB1
Body Color: Shadow Black
Body Material: Polycarbonate (Body) / Aluminum (Volume Wheel)
Bluetooth Chipset : Qualcomm CSR8675
Version: 5.0
Codec: LDAC, aptX™HD, aptX™, AAC, SBC
Profile: A2DP, AVRCP, HFP
DAC: ESS ES9281AC PRO
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
Output Level:Unbalanced 2Vrms / Balanced 4Vrms (Condition No Load)
Input: USB Type-C (Supports UAC 1.0 and UAC 2.0)
Output: 3.5mm (Supports CTIA standard 4-pole earphones/headphones), 4.4mm (Only 5-pole supported)
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)
Feature Enhancements: Firmware upgrade supported

Orders ship Sunday through Friday from our offices in Dubai, UAE.

In-stock products typically ship within 48 hours and should be expected to arrive in 3-4 business days. Orders outside of the UAE should be expected to arrive in 5-7 business days.

Pre-order and backorder products will state the approximate delivery timeline beside the Add To Cart button.

If you would like to place a custom order, chat with our specialists for a guided shopping experience. Once your order has been placed, a timeline will be provided depending on your order details.

- Free delivery within the UAE
- Shipping charges will be calculated upon checkout for orders outside of the UAE (Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia & Qatar).
- Taxes and duties are calculated according to the applicable laws of the state or country an item is shipped to and are the customer's responsibility.

For additional information on shipping and our exchange & return policy visit our help center.

Installation charges are applicable and can be paid upon delivery for our clients based in Dubai.

- Installation Charges: AED 450 Per Hour
- Speaker Cables: AED 32 Per Meter
- Trunking: AED 10 Per Meter

For clients based outside of the UAE, please contact our specialists and we will share an estimate based on your requirements.