AudioQuest
DragonFly Red USB DAC and Headphone Amp
Best portable audio upgrade for discerning listeners on the go.
The AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt is a portable USB DAC that significantly enhances your audio experience. It features an advanced ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip for natural sound reproduction and a faster Microchip PIC32MX274 microprocessor for improved performance. Enhanced power-supply filtering provides increased immunity to noise from WiFi, Bluetooth, and cellular signals, ensuring cleaner audio output. This compact device is bus-powered via USB and includes a USB-A to USB-C adapter, making it compatible with a wide range of devices.
$229.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
369
/ 663
#369 in Audio Converters
Price vs Category Average
-95%
Below average
DAC Chip
90382
/ ESS ESQM
Who it's for
- Everyday listeners seeking a noticeable upgrade in their digital music experience.
- Travelers and commuters desiring high-quality audio from their portable devices.
- Headphone owners wanting to maximize the performance of their existing collection.
Who should skip it
- Value-focused buyers or those new to dedicated audio equipment.
- Mobile users expecting a direct plug-and-play experience with their phone.
- Audiophiles with extremely demanding headphones seeking maximum power output.
Performance breakdown
Audio Fidelity
The ESS chip delivers remarkably clean and natural sound reproduction.
Noise Immunity
Advanced power filtering effectively blocks interference from wireless signals.
Portability
Ultra-compact design fits easily into any pocket or travel bag.
Device Compatibility
Included adapter ensures seamless connection across most modern digital devices.
Processing Speed
The upgraded microprocessor ensures snappy response and efficient data handling.
Ease of Use
Plug-and-play functionality makes high-resolution audio accessible for every listener.
Key Specs
DAC Chip
ESS ES9038Q2M
Microprocessor
Microchip PIC32MX274
Power Source
USB Powered
Includes
DragonTail USB-A to USB-C Adaptor
Number of Channels
2
Number of Inputs
1
Color
Red
Features
- High-Resolution Audio Playback
- Portable DAC and Amplifier
- Wide Device Compatibility
- Precise Digital Volume Control
- ESS DAC Chip
What customers say
Customers consistently highlight the remarkable improvement in audio quality, noting enhanced clarity and detail across various music genres. Its plug and play simplicity and compact design make it incredibly easy to use and highly portable. Many users appreciate how effortlessly it elevates their listening experience from laptops and mobile devices, making high fidelity sound accessible without complex setups. The overall consensus points to powerful performance in a small package.
Know before you buy
The DragonFly Red is compatible with most computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. It includes a USB-A to USB-C adapter, allowing it to connect easily to modern devices with USB-C ports.
No, the DragonFly Red is bus-powered, meaning it draws all the necessary power directly from the USB port of your connected device.
It replaces the standard, often low-quality internal sound card of your device with a high-performance ESS DAC chip. This results in cleaner, more detailed sound reproduction and better power delivery for your headphones.
The DragonFly Red is designed to drive a wide range of headphones effectively. While it handles most standard consumer headphones with ease, extremely demanding audiophile-grade headphones may require a more powerful dedicated desktop amplifier.
The device features precise digital volume control. You can adjust the volume directly through your connected device's software, which communicates with the DAC to maintain high-resolution audio integrity.
The device features enhanced power-supply filtering specifically designed to block noise from WiFi, Bluetooth, and cellular signals, ensuring your audio remains clean even when your phone is nearby.
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$230