Tagged: portable audio
4 articles we've published with this tag.
Dongle DACs vs desktop DACs: when the small one is actually enoughDongle DACs have closed the gap on desktop units for most headphones. Here's where the small ones genuinely hold up, and where they don't.By Eleanor Shaw
Astell&Kern AK HC5 review: flagship DAC chip in a dongleThe Astell&Kern AK HC5 puts the flagship AK4499EX DAC chip, an OLED screen and a 150-step volume wheel in a $450 USB-C dongle. Here's how it stacks up.By Eleanor Shaw
Astell&Kern SP4000T: four vacuum tubes in a portable playerAstell&Kern's A&ultima SP4000T debuts at HIGH END Vienna 2026 with four vacuum tubes in a portable player. Here is why the design matters to listeners.By Sofia Laurent
AKM's Comeback Completes: AK4499EX in a $450 DongleAKM's comeback is complete as the AK4499EX flagship DAC chip reaches Astell&Kern's US$450 AK HC5 dongle, the first portable DAC to carry the chip.By Theo Mensah