AudioQuest
AudioQuest DragonFly Black USB DAC/Headphone Amp
Best portable upgrade for listeners seeking warmer, more detailed mobile audio.
The AudioQuest DragonFly Black is an award-winning portable USB DAC, preamp, and headphone amplifier designed to significantly upgrade audio quality from laptops, tablets, and smartphones. It delivers a clean, cohesive, and naturally beautiful sound experience for headphones or powered speakers. This budget-friendly device improves the musical soundstage with substantial bass and a smoother, warmer presentation. While discontinued, it remains a highly regarded solution for music lovers seeking an engaging listening experience beyond standard device outputs. It features an ESS ES9010 DAC chip and analog volume control.
$119.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
255
/ 733
#255 in Headphone Amplifiers
Price vs Category Average
-91%
Below average
Output
1.2
/ volts
Who it's for
- Laptop users seeking clearer, more detailed sound quality
- Commuters needing a compact, portable audio solution
- Budget-conscious listeners wanting an affordable entry into high-fidelity audio
Who should skip it
- Owners of demanding, high-impedance audiophile headphones
- Collectors of ultra-high-resolution DSD or 192kHz audio files
- Smartphone users wanting a simple, plug-and-play mobile experience
Performance breakdown
Sonic Cohesion
Delivers a naturally warm and engaging sound signature across all genres.
Portability
Ultra-compact form factor fits effortlessly into any pocket or travel bag.
Ease of Use
Simple plug-and-play functionality makes high-fidelity audio accessible to everyone.
Drive Capability
Best suited for efficient headphones rather than demanding, high-impedance studio gear.
Build Quality
Sturdy metal housing with a tactile finish that withstands daily wear.
Soundstage Depth
Significantly improves spatial layering compared to standard laptop or phone outputs.
Key Specs
Output
1.2 volts
DAC Chip
ESS ES9010 with minimum-phase fast roll-off filter
Volume Control
Analog Volume Control
Desktop Compatibility
Windows 7 and later; Apple 10.6.8 and later
Mobile Compatibility
Apple iOS 5 and later; Android 5.0 and later
Release Year
2016
Housing Material
Metal with soft-touch rubbery paint
Input Type
USB-A
Features
- Musically cohesive sound with superior detail
- Improves soundstage layering and depth
- Smoother, more relaxed, and warmer listening
- Compact size for easy portability
- Plug-and-play with multiple devices
- Optimized for easier-to-drive headphones
- Analog volume control for precise adjustments
- Upgrades computer-based audio experiences
What customers say
The AudioQuest DragonFly Black is celebrated for its significant and affordable enhancement of digital audio. Users consistently report dramatic improvements in sound quality, experiencing greater clarity, detail, and an expanded soundstage. Its appeal lies in its exceptional portability and simple plug and play operation, ideal for laptops and mobile devices. The DragonFly Black reliably drives most headphones, delivering a rich and dynamic listening experience. For many, it offers superb value, effectively combining convenience with true high fidelity. It is recognized as a reliable, high quality component that elevates portable audio.
Know before you buy
Yes, it is compatible with Android 5.0 and later, as well as Apple iOS 5 and later. You will likely need a USB camera adapter or an OTG cable to connect it to your phone's port.
No, the DragonFly Black is a plug-and-play device. It is designed to work immediately upon connection with Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android systems without the need for additional software.
The DragonFly Black uses an analog volume control that operates within the device itself. This allows you to adjust the volume from your computer or phone while maintaining the full resolution of the audio signal, preventing the loss of quality often associated with digital volume attenuation.
It is optimized for easier-to-drive headphones and IEMs. While it provides a significant upgrade over standard device outputs, it may struggle to reach its full potential with very demanding, high-impedance professional headphones.
Yes, the DragonFly Black functions as a preamp. You can connect it to your powered speakers or a home audio system to improve the sound quality coming from your computer or mobile device.
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$120