Audio-Technica puts a DAC inside its new USB-C headphone cables

Audio-Technica’s October 7 announcement includes three USB-C replacement cables with built-in digital-to-analog converters (DACs). They let compatible headphones connect directly to a PC or phone’s USB-C port without a separate external DAC. The range launches in Japan on October 16, 2026.

The headphone end decides which cable fits

All three cables are 1.2m long and use USB-C at the device end. The connector at the headphone end differs, with these pairings recommended by Audio-Technica:

• AT-HC1C/1.2: A2DC connector; recommended for the ATH-WP900.
• AT-HC2C/1.2: 2.5mm three-pole bayonet-locking plug; recommended for the ATH-M50x. This is not a generic 2.5mm balanced connector.
• AT-HC3C/1.2: 3.5mm stereo three-pole plug; recommended for the ATH-WS1100.

These replace a detachable headphone cable. The AT-HC3C/1.2’s 3.5mm male plug goes into the headphone itself—it does not provide a 3.5mm socket for plugging in an existing fixed headphone cable.

Audio conversion and controls are built into the cable

Unlike a regular analog replacement cable, these models convert the PC or phone’s digital audio into the analog signal the headphones use. All three support PCM audio up to 32-bit/384kHz, but that format capability does not guarantee better sound than your existing DAC.

An inline microphone and remote provide playback and pause controls, volume adjustment, and call answering.

Start with the headphones you own and the USB-C device you want to use, then match the detachable connector and locking mechanism—not just the plug diameter. If your current setup already works for you, there is no need to rush into replacing the cable.