Astell & Kern USB-C Dual DAC cable (Image source: Astell & Kern)
Audiophiles are in a pickle. Wireless audio just won't do but most phones today don't have headphone jacks.
Coming to the rescue is Astell & Kern with their new USB-C Dual DAC cable, a USB-C DAC with, you guessed it, not one but two DAC chips.
Inside the USB-C Dual DAC cable are two Cirrus Logic CS43198 MasterHIFI DACs that supports hi-res audio up to 32-bit/384kHz and quad-rate DSD (DSD256).
And don't be fooled by its diminutive size, Astell & Kern says the USB-C Dual DAC cable "drive high impedance headphones with a 2Vrms (Condition No Load) output level".
To survive the rigours of daily use, the USB-C Dual DAC cable has a full metal housing and a strong custom cable made out of aramid fibre. Astell & Kern claims the cable can withstand up to 200N of tensile force.
The cable itself is silver-plated copper and is shielded to block noise and distortion.
The Astell & Kern USB-C Dual DAC has a 3.5mm jack and works with most Android-based phones and tablets, Windows PCs, and Macs.
Astell & Kern says iOS devices such as iPhones and iPads are not supported, likely because iPhones and most iPads don't have USB-C ports. The company did not say if the USB-C Dual DAC cable will work with a Lightning to USB-C adapter.
Availability and pricing
The Astell & Kern USB-C Dual DAC cable is available now and it's priced at S$189. You can find it on the AV One Store on Lazada or on AV One's website.
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