If you love audio and you love your phone, you'll know that there's usually a compromise involved: even the best wireless headphones aren't quite as good as the best wired ones, and if you're just using your phone's output then you're not getting the same stellar sound you'd get from a dedicated DAC (Digital to Audio Converter). Enter audiophile brand Astell&Kern, whose new HC4 headphone amp and external DAC promises a big audio upgrade without a big price tag. It's designed to drive wired headphones and in-ear monitors without adding bulk, weight and too much expense to your portable audio setup.
The new AK HC4 is the successor to the firm's HC3, which we like a lot: in our Astell&Kern HC3 review we praised its ability to upgrade the sound of your laptop, tablet or phone. It's a genuinely great audio upgrade and the new version is better still.
