# Aftermarket Audio-Upscaling Dongles The Astell&Kern USB-C Dual DAC Cable Elevates Audio Feedback By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2021-03-25 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/usbc-dual-dac-cable References: [thegadgetflow](https://thegadgetflow.com/portfolio/astellkern-usbc-dual-dac-cable-elevate-mobile-audio/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+thegadgetflow+%28Gadget+Flow%29) & [us.astellnkern](https://us.astellnkern.com/products/ak-usb-c-dual-dac-cable-pee51/?utm_source=GadgetFlow&utm_medium=GadgetFlow&utm_campaign=GadgetFlow) The [Astell&Kern](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/astellkern-pd10) USB-C Dual DAC Cable is an aftermarket accessory for smartphone and computer users in need of a way to enjoy immersive, [high-quality audio](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chord-mojo-2) without having to worry about not having a high-end sound car. The dongle works by being plugged into a USB-C port on a smartphone or laptop and will go to work upscaling the audio to the best level possible. The unit will output the audio to a [3.5mm headphone jack](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/maxell-hp101) for connecting an existing pair of headphones. The Astell&Kern USB-C Dual DAC Cable makes use of micro resistors and tantalum capacitors that will work to greatly enhance audio performance, while a four-core cable will improve durability greatly for years of dependable use. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.3/10 - Popularity: 18% | Activity: 11% | Freshness: 10% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Aftermarket Audio-upscaling Dongles:** The Astell&Kern USB-C Dual DAC Cable is an example of how aftermarket audio-upscaling dongles are becoming popular. - **USB-C Audio Accessories:** The growth in USB-C adoption is driving the rise of USB-C audio accessories like the Astell&Kern USB-C Dual DAC Cable. - **Hi-fi Audio On-the-go:** Products like the Astell&Kern USB-C Dual DAC Cable allow for consumer-grade portable devices to deliver hi-fi audio experiences. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Mobile Accessories:** Companies specializing in mobile accessories like Belkin or Anker could benefit from offering their own version of audio-upscaling dongles. - **Consumer Electronics:** Consumer electronics companies could create similar products like the Astell&Kern USB-C Dual DAC Cable to supplement their existing offerings. - **Hi-fi Audio Equipment:** Companies producing hi-fi audio equipment could expand into the portable audio market by offering dongles like the Astell&Kern USB-C Dual DAC Cable. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Smartphone Audio DAC Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/campfire-audio-dac-wallet.md) - [Compact Portable Gaming DACs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/asus-rog-clavis.md) - [High-End Audio Streaming Dongles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sennheiser-btd-700.md) - [Compact Audio Amplifiers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fiio-snowsky-tiny.md) - [Diminutive DAC Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dac-device.md) - [Affordable Headphone Adapters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/maxell-sync-up.md) - [Pocket-Friendly DAC Dongles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fiio-snowsky-dac.md) - [Dynamic DAC Converters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dac-converters.md) - [Gaming-Focused External DACs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sound-blaster-g8.md)