AudioQuest
AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt USB DAC + Preamp + Headphone Amp
Best portable DAC for audiophiles seeking high-fidelity sound on the go.
Experience naturally beautiful, seductive sound with the AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt. This portable USB DAC and headphone amplifier features a new ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip and a faster PIC32MX274 microprocessor for enhanced processing speed and lower power consumption. Improved power-supply filtering minimizes interference from WiFi, Bluetooth, and cellular signals. The DragonFly Cobalt offers seamless compatibility with Apple and Android devices, laptops, and desktop computers, serving as an exceptionally competent and affordable MQA Renderer. Its compact, pocket-friendly design makes it ideal for on-the-go listening.
$149.37
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
388
/ 733
#388 in Headphone Amplifiers
Price vs Category Average
-89%
Below average
Dimensions
2.260.730.47
/ ” x ” x ”
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking high-resolution clarity and dynamic range
- Commuters needing high-quality audio in a pocket-sized package
- Mobile users worried about smartphone battery longevity
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious listeners prioritizing value over marginal gains
- Owners of power-hungry, high-impedance planar magnetic headphones
- Digital purists requiring native DSD file playback
Performance breakdown
Sonic Clarity
The ESS chip delivers exceptional detail and a remarkably natural soundstage.
Portability
Pocket-sized design makes high-fidelity audio effortless to carry anywhere.
Device Compatibility
Seamlessly bridges the gap between mobile devices and high-end headphones.
Interference Rejection
Advanced power filtering effectively silences background noise from wireless signals.
MQA Rendering
Unlocks high-resolution streaming potential with impressive precision and speed.
Drive Capability
Handles a wide range of headphones with surprising authority and control.
Key Specs
Dimensions
2.26” x 0.73” x 0.47”
DAC Chip
ESS ES9038Q2M
Microprocessor
Microchip PIC32MX274
Output Voltage
2.1V
Connectivity
USB
Output Interface
3.5mm Jack
Form Factor
Portable
Preamplifier Functionality
True
Features
- Exceptional clarity and natural sound
- Advanced ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip
- Faster processing for better performance
- Reduced wireless interference
- Works with Apple and Android devices
- High-performance MQA Renderer
- Compact and portable design
- Precise digital volume control
- Drives a wide range of low- to high-efficiency headphones
What customers say
Consumers overwhelmingly praise the AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt as a premium portable audio solution delivering audiophile grade sound. The core theme is exceptional sound quality, marked by significant improvements in clarity, detail, and soundstage depth over standard outputs. Users value its compact design and plug and play simplicity across all major operating systems, making it excellent for travel and desktop use. While the performance is universally lauded, the primary discussion point is value. Many feel the noticeable refinement over the less expensive DragonFly Red comes at a substantial premium, leading to debates about its overall value proposition for all listeners. Serious listeners prioritizing ultimate sound in a small format highly recommend it.
Know before you buy
Yes, the Cobalt is compatible with both Apple and Android devices. You will need a standard camera adapter for iPhones or a USB-C to USB-A adapter for most Android phones to connect the device.
Yes, the DragonFly Cobalt functions as a high-performance MQA renderer. This allows it to unfold MQA files from services like Tidal, providing a higher-resolution listening experience.
The Cobalt features a 2.1V output, which is powerful enough to drive a wide range of headphones, from sensitive in-ear monitors to many demanding over-ear models. However, if you are using extremely power-hungry planar magnetic headphones, you may find it reaches its limit at very high volumes.
The Cobalt includes improved power-supply filtering specifically designed to minimize noise and interference from common sources like WiFi, Bluetooth, and cellular signals. This results in a cleaner, more stable audio signal compared to standard headphone jacks.
Yes, it features a 64-bit bit-perfect digital volume control. When connected to a computer or mobile device, the Cobalt's volume control typically overrides the host device's volume, allowing for precise adjustments without sacrificing audio resolution.
Absolutely. You can connect the 3.5mm output to the auxiliary input of an integrated amplifier or powered speakers. The Cobalt’s internal DAC and volume control make it an effective, compact preamp for a desktop or secondary audio system.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$149