The high-quality mic in Astell & Kerns new USB-C DAC dongle is ideal for PC gamers

Date:
Tue, 13 Dec 2022 11:28:34 +0000

Description:
A&K's new travel-friendly audio booster also sports a headset input

FULL STORY ======================================================================

Dongle-style DACs are becoming more and more common, but a new gamer-friendly feature on Astell & Kerns newly unveiled HC3 may set it apart from the pack.

As well as allowing higher quality, hi-res playback from portable devices and PCs, the HC3 has a trick up its sleevewith microphone connectivitybuilt in, allowing for crystal clear talkback for online gaming as well as boosting the fidelity of those fragging sound effects.

The unit boasts a pair of highly-regarded quad DAC ESS ES9219MQ chips, which deliver high-quality sound, while still managing low power consumption.

Theressupport for audio files up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM, native DSD256, and
full MQA rendering, allowing you to listen to Tidals HiFi Plus , plus a reassuringly widefrequency response of 20Hz to 70kHz.

The 3.5-mm plug for earphones can take 3- or 4-pole jacks, allowing headset microphone, as well as in-line controllers to be used, whilea colour-coded
LED light at the rear of the device displays what type of file sourceis being processed.

Connectivity comes via your devices USB-C port, with a USB-C to Lightning adapter thrown in for those using the HC3 with an iOS device, but note that there's no onboard battery the unit derives power from your source device.

TheHC3 is priced at 199, and is available now on the Astell & Kern website . (Image credit: Astell & Kern) Analysis: Mic pass-through featuremakes this more than a run-of-the-mill DAC dongle

Korean brand Astell & Kern has built up a solid reputation for its high-end and high-priced digital audio players, but this hi-fi dongle marks a welcome move into more affordable territory.

Its nevertheless still quite a hefty asking price when lined up against the recently announced iFi Uno , but that unique microphone input will likely be enough to send gamers and conference callers A&Ks way.

We cant wait to see how it performs, but in the meantime, you can find out
how to up your audio game with our current list of the best portable DACs .



======================================================================
Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/news/the-high-quality-mic-in-astell-and-kerns-new-us b-c-dac-dongle-is-ideal-for-pc-gamers


--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A47 (Linux/64)
* Origin: tqwNet Technology News (1337:1/100)