AudioQuest
DragonFly Cobalt USB DAC
Experience superior audio with the AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt USB DAC. This portable headphone amplifier dramatically enhances sound quality from your computer or mobile device by bypassing internal DACs. It features the advanced ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip and a 33% faster Microchip microprocessor for improved performance. Enhanced power-supply filtering provides better immunity to wireless interference. The Cobalt supports all music files, including MQA and High-Res formats, ensuring pristine digital timing for an immersive listening experience.
$199.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.4
/ 5
Category Rank
630
/ 733
#630 in Headphone Amplifiers
Price vs Category Average
-86%
Below average
DAC Chip
90382
/ ESS ESQM with minimum-phase slow roll-off filter
Who it's for
- Top-Tier Audio Fidelity
- Ultra-Compact and Durable
- Full MQA Renderer Support
Who should skip it
- Premium Price Point
- Significant Battery Drain
- Requires External Adapters
Key Specs
DAC Chip
ESS ES9038Q2M with minimum-phase slow roll-off filter
Microcontroller
Microchip PIC32MX274 (33% faster processing)
Maximum Sample Rate
192kHz
Supported Bit Depth
24-bit
Output Voltage
2.1 V (Fixed)
Volume Control
64-position, 64-bit, bit-perfect
Dimensions (WHD)
19 x 57 x 12 mm
Connectivity
USB Input
Features
- Vastly improves computer and mobile audio
- Plays all music files, including MQA
- 33% faster processing speed
- Enhanced immunity to wireless noise
- Drives headphones directly
- Compatible with Apple, Windows, iOS, Android
- Ensures digital timing integrity
- Fixed output for preamps/receivers
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt for significantly elevating audio quality, noting enhanced clarity, detail, and a wider soundstage. Its compact, portable design and simple plug-and-play setup are major advantages for on-the-go listening. Users appreciate the ability to rediscover music nuances and its robust build quality. The primary consideration is value; some question if the performance gain over less expensive models justifies the premium price, especially for less revealing setups. Overall, it is viewed as a convenient, high-quality portable upgrade for dedicated listeners.
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