Dongle-style DACs have gotten an increasing number of widespread, however a brand new gamer-friendly characteristic on Astell & Kern’s newly unveiled HC3 could set it aside from the pack. 

In addition to permitting greater high quality, hi-res playback from moveable units and PCs, the HC3 has a trick up its sleeve with microphone connectivity in-built, permitting for crystal clear talkback for on-line gaming in addition to boosting the constancy of these fragging sound results.

The unit boasts a pair of highly-regarded quad DAC ESS ES9219MQ chips, which ship high-quality sound, whereas nonetheless managing low energy consumption.

There’s assist for audio information as much as 32-bit/384kHz PCM, native DSD256, and full MQA rendering, permitting you to take heed to Tidal’s HiFi Plus, plus a reassuringly broad frequency response of 20Hz to 70kHz. 

The three.5-mm plug for earphones can take 3- or 4-pole jacks, permitting headset microphone, in addition to in-line controllers for use, whereas a colour-coded LED mild on the rear of the machine shows what sort of file supply is being processed.

Connectivity comes by way of your machine’s USB-C port, with a USB-C to Lightning adapter thrown in for these utilizing the HC3 with an iOS machine, however observe that there isn’t any onboard battery – the unit derives energy out of your supply machine. 

The HC3 is priced at £199, and is offered now on the Astell & Kern web site.

Evaluation: Mic pass-through characteristic makes this greater than a run-of-the-mill DAC dongle

Korean model Astell & Kern has constructed up a strong popularity for its high-end and high-priced digital audio gamers, however this hi-fi dongle marks a welcome transfer into extra inexpensive territory.

It’s however nonetheless fairly a hefty asking value when lined up towards the just lately introduced iFi Uno, however that distinctive microphone enter will doubtless be sufficient to ship avid gamers and convention callers A&Ok’s approach.

We will’t wait to see the way it performs, however within the meantime, you’ll find out learn how to up your audio recreation with our present record of the finest moveable DACs.