Skip to content

Astell&Kern AK HB1 Portable DAC & Headphone Amp – Bluetooth LDAC, 3.5mm & 4.4mm Outputs

Β£149.25 Β£199.00
Unit price  per 

Choose wired or Bluetooth playback with the Astell&Kern AK HB1. This portable DAC and headphone amplifier provides a flexible connection between your source and wired headphones, with both standard and balanced output options.

Key Features

  • LDAC and aptX HD Bluetooth – via a Qualcomm CSR8675 chipset, with LDAC up to 24-bit/96kHz and aptX HD at 24-bit/48kHz, plus AAC and SBC.
  • ESS ES9281AC PRO DAC with a separate headphone amp – clear, accurate sound and enough power for most IEMs and low-impedance headphones.
  • 3.5mm and 4.4mm headphone outputs – connect whichever plug your headphones use.
  • Plug-and-play USB DAC mode – USB-C and Lightning cables are included, with UAC 1.0 support for gaming systems.
  • Multipoint Bluetooth for two devices – switch easily between your phone and another source.
  • Car Mode and clear call voice – handy in the car and for taking calls through your headphones.

Good to Know

The HB1 is aimed at IEMs and low-impedance headphones; very demanding full-size headphones may need more power. It is MQA Renderer capable and Roon Tested for use with those playback setups.

Technical Specifications

  • DAC: ESS ES9281AC PRO
  • Bluetooth chipset: Qualcomm CSR8675
  • Codecs: LDAC (24-bit/96kHz), aptX HD (24-bit/48kHz), AAC, SBC
  • Headphone outputs: 3.5mm, 4.4mm
  • USB: Plug-and-play USB DAC, UAC 1.0
  • Multipoint: Up to two devices
  • Other: Car Mode, MQA Renderer, Roon Tested

Shipping & Returns

Free UK Delivery – We ship exclusively within the United Kingdom. Orders are processed within 1 business day, with estimated delivery in 5–8 business days after dispatch.

30-Day Returns – Returns are accepted within 30 days of delivery, subject to our Return & Refund Policy.

Customer Support – Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM (UK local time). Business days exclude weekends and UK bank holidays.