AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt USB DAC
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Standard delivery within 2–5 business days
AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt USB DAC, Preamplifier & Headphone Amplifier
DragonFly Cobalt is AudioQuest’s most sophisticated portable DAC — a USB digital-to-analog converter, preamplifier, and headphone amplifier in one thumb-drive-sized device. It bypasses the audio circuitry in laptops, computers, and smartphones to deliver cleaner, clearer, more naturally beautiful music to headphones, powered speakers, or a complete audio system.
Powered by the ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip with a minimum-phase slow roll-off filter, DragonFly Cobalt supports hi-res audio up to 24-bit/96kHz and full MQA decoding for studio-quality streaming from Tidal and other MQA-enabled services. A 64-bit bit-perfect digital volume control ensures audio integrity at every listening level, while the 2.1V output drives even demanding high-impedance headphones with authority.
DragonFly’s LED changes colour to indicate sample rate and playback status at a glance. Simply plug in and play — no drivers required on most systems.
Key Features
- ESS ES9038Q2M DAC Chip — minimum-phase slow roll-off filter for natural, musical sound reproduction
- 24-bit/96kHz Hi-Res Audio — full resolution decoding for FLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC, and more
- MQA Full Decoder — Master Quality Authenticated playback from Tidal Masters and other MQA sources
- 2.1V Output — drives demanding high-impedance headphones with authority
- 64-Bit Bit-Perfect Volume Control — maintains audio integrity at all listening levels
- Plug-and-Play — no drivers required on Mac, Windows, iOS, or Android
- LED Sample Rate Indicator — colour-coded for instant playback status at a glance
- DragonTail USB-C Extender & Leather Pouch Included
Specifications
Specifications sourced from AudioQuest. Subject to change without notice.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | DragonFly Cobalt |
| Brand | AudioQuest |
| Product Type | USB DAC, Preamplifier & Headphone Amplifier |
| DAC Chip | ESS ES9038Q2M with minimum-phase slow roll-off filter |
| Maximum Resolution | 24-bit / 96kHz |
| Output Voltage | 2.1V |
| Volume Control | 64-bit bit-perfect digital volume control |
| MQA Support | Yes — full MQA decoder |
| Connection (Input) | USB Type-A (DragonTail USB-C extender included) |
| Connection (Output) | 3.5mm headphone / line output |
| Power Source | USB bus-powered (no external power required) |
| LED Indicator Colours | Red = Standby; Green = 44.1kHz; Blue = 48kHz; Yellow = 88.2kHz; Cyan = 96kHz; Magenta = MQA |
| Supported Formats | MP3, AAC, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC, MQA and all common audio formats |
| macOS Compatibility | macOS 10.6.8 and later |
| Windows Compatibility | Windows 7 and later |
| iOS Compatibility | iOS 11 and later (requires Apple Lightning-to-USB Camera Adapter, sold separately) |
| Android Compatibility | Android 5.0 and later |
| Driver Requirements | Plug-and-play (no drivers required for most systems) |
| Dimensions (L × W × H) | 62 × 19 × 12mm |
| Weight | 11g (0.4 oz) |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| UPC | 092592031951 |
| Included Accessories | DragonTail USB-C Extender Cable, leather carrying pouch |
In the Box
- 1 × AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt USB DAC
- 1 × DragonTail USB-C Extender Cable
- 1 × Leather carrying pouch
- Quick start guide
iOS devices require Apple Lightning-to-USB Camera Adapter (sold separately).
Caring for your Speakers and Amplifiers
To Keep your equipment safe these are some best practices to note. Please be advised that this is only to reduce the risk of misuse and is not an exhaustive list.
Speakers
- Speaker terminals are marked red and black, ensure your amplifier to the speakers are wired on the same colours
- Ensure no loose speaker wire from the red touches a loose wire from the black as this will lead to a short circuit and damage either the speaker, the amplifier or both.
- Not all speakers are designed to play at max volume, kindly consider the pairing of your amplifier and speakers
- Speaker cabinets cannot be replaced please handle with care.
AV & Stereo Amplifiers
- If your amplifier has HDMI ports, ensure all devices are off before plugging in the HDMI cable
- Turn off the amplifier before swoping out or adding speaker cable
- Amplifiers generate heat, place them in a well ventilated space. if possible avoid having anything on top of the unit.
- adding a surge protector can assist with power dips which are likely to damage your devices. Isotek and Furman are industry standard.
- Dusty environments can sometimes lead to accumulation of dust in the electronic components that might affect heat regulation
Shipping & Returns
- Free shipping on orders over R500 within the country.
- Standard delivery within 2–5 business days. Delays will be communicated. This might vary slightly depending on your location.
- Return items in original condition for a full refund. (unopened state)
- Returns that are open/unboxed will be subject to a handling fee. Refunds will only be processed after testing the unit.