So, competition is fierce at the level, and missteps will likely have repercussions.
By prevailing standards, the feature-set here is formidable.
Sounds like quite a trick, doesnt it?
Astell & Kern reckons it delivers and I quote more refined playback and… a delicate, analogue-like sound.
Its fundamental attitude is always the same.
And in broad terms, its a revealing and explicit attitude.
Its dynamic both in the sense of quiet/LOUD and where harmonic variations in a strummed guitar are concerned.
Low frequencies are substantial and properly controlled, so theres never an issue where rhythms or tempos are concerned.
Its only at the top of the frequency range that things are anything less than fully impressive.
The all-aluminium construction keeps the weight of the rig down to a trifling 31g.
One of the curved sides features a shallow rocker switch and a DAR on/off slider.
And frankly, I am tempted to ask what else you might reasonably be expecting?
Value score: 3.5 / 5
Should I buy the Astell & Kern HC4 review:?
iFi hip-dac 3Now, you do get the looks; it’s even styled like a hip-flask.
I used it at home, navigating traffic, and on the train.
