AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt USB DAC

Premium USB Digital-to-Analog Converter, Preamplifier & Headphone Amplifier

Product Overview

DragonFly Cobalt, the latest and most sophisticated member of the award-winning DragonFly franchise, is a USB DAC (digital-to-analog converter), preamplifier, and headphone amplifier. It bypasses the audio circuitry in laptops, computers, and smartphones to deliver cleaner, clearer, more naturally beautiful music to headphones, powered speakers, or complete audio systems.

With AudioQuest's DragonFly USB DAC, music appreciation and exploration are limitless. Plug into an Apple or Windows computer or connect to an iOS or Android mobile device. Play YouTube or Vimeo videos, explore playlists and podcasts on Spotify, Pandora, or Deezer, or stream high-res audio from Tidal or Qobuz. No matter the choice of sonic pleasure, DragonFly unravels the emotional expression and nuance that makes music and movies so enjoyable.

For easy reference, DragonFly's LED changes color to indicate playback status or sample rate. A red lens indicates that the device is in standby mode; purple indicates MQA playback.

Key Features

• ESS ES9038Q2M DAC Chip: Premium DAC with minimum-phase slow roll-off filter for more natural sound reproduction
• MQA Support: Master Quality Authenticated playback for studio-quality sound from streaming services
• Hi-Res Audio: Supports resolution up to 24-bit/96kHz for exceptional detail and clarity
• Universal Compatibility: Works with computers, tablets, smartphones, and streaming devices
• Powerful Output: 2.1 volts output drives demanding headphones with authority
• 64-Bit Volume Control: Bit-perfect digital volume control maintains audio quality at all levels
• Plug-and-Play: No drivers required for most devices - simply connect and enjoy
• LED Status Indicator: Color-changing LED shows sample rate and playback status
• Includes DragonTail USB-C Cable: USB-C extender cable included for flexible connectivity

Technical Specifications

Performance Benefits

• Superior Sound Quality: ESS Sabre DAC chip delivers exceptional clarity, detail, and dynamic range
• Bypasses Poor Internal Audio: Eliminates noise and distortion from computer/phone audio circuits
• Drives Demanding Headphones: 2.1V output provides ample power for high-impedance headphones
• Studio-Quality Streaming: MQA support unlocks master-quality audio from Tidal and other services
• Bit-Perfect Playback: Digital volume control maintains audio integrity at all listening levels
• Natural Sound Signature: Minimum-phase filter preserves musical timing and tonality
• Portable Convenience: Compact, lightweight design fits in pocket or laptop bag

Compatible Devices & Applications

Devices:

• Mac computers (macOS 10.6.8 and later)
• Windows PCs (Windows 7 and later)
• iPhone and iPad (iOS 5 and later, requires Lightning-to-USB adapter)
• Android smartphones and tablets (Android 5.0 and later)
• Linux computers (community support only)
• Digital audio players with USB output

Streaming Services & Applications:

• Tidal (including MQA Masters)
• Qobuz Hi-Res
• Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music
• YouTube, Vimeo
• Bandcamp, SoundCloud
• Pandora, Deezer
• Local music libraries (iTunes, Foobar2000, Audirvana, etc.)

Use Cases

• Portable Hi-Fi: Transform your laptop or smartphone into a high-quality audio source
• Desktop Audio: Upgrade computer audio for music production, gaming, or critical listening
• Travel Audio: Enjoy audiophile-quality sound on the go with headphones
• Home Theater: Use as a preamp to connect computer to powered speakers or amplifier
• Streaming: Unlock full potential of hi-res streaming services like Tidal MQA and Qobuz
• Gaming: Enhanced audio detail for immersive gaming experiences

What's in the Box

• 1x AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt USB DAC
• 1x DragonTail USB-C Extender Cable
• 1x Leather carrying pouch
• Quick start guide

Note: iOS devices require Apple Lightning-to-USB Camera Adapter (sold separately)

About AudioQuest

AudioQuest is a leading manufacturer of premium audio cables, digital-to-analog converters, and accessories. The DragonFly series has won numerous awards for bringing high-resolution audio to portable devices, making audiophile-quality sound accessible to music lovers worldwide.

Why Choose DragonFly Cobalt?

DragonFly Cobalt represents the pinnacle of portable DAC technology, featuring the most advanced ESS Sabre DAC chip in the DragonFly lineup. Whether you're a discerning audiophile, music professional, or simply someone who appreciates exceptional sound quality, DragonFly Cobalt delivers studio-quality audio from virtually any source device. Its combination of MQA support, powerful headphone amplification, and true plug-and-play convenience makes it the ultimate portable audio upgrade.