AK HC2

The HC2 is a short USB-C cable with a built-in DAC stage. It uses two Cirrus Logic CS43198 DACs and decodes PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz and native DSD up to DSD256. The audio circuit sits at the output end of the cable instead of in the USB plug. Digital signal travels through a dual shielded cable first and is converted to analog afterwards, which is meant to keep noise down.

Output is through a 4.4mm balanced jack, rated at 4Vrms with no load and 1.5 ohm output impedance. Both TRS and TRRS 4.4mm headphones can be used, but the in-line controls and microphone of TRRS models are not supported. The body is a hexagonal aluminum prism in dark silver, and the cable is tin-coated copper wrapped in aluminum film.

It is plug and play with USB-C devices and takes its power from the host, so it needs no charging. iOS devices connect with the included USB-C to Lightning adapter. Windows installs the driver automatically, and a separate USB DAC driver is needed for high-resolution files. An optional Android app gives finer volume control. The unit is Roon Tested.