With AudioQuest’s DragonFly USB DAC, Music Exploration Is Limitless
Plug it into an Apple or Windows computer or connect it to an iOS or Android mobile device. Watch videos on YouTube or Vimeo. Discover new music on Bandcamp and SoundCloud. Explore playlists and podcasts on Spotify, Pandora, or Deezer. Stream high-resolution audio from Tidal or Qobuz. Whatever your sonic pleasure, DragonFly reveals the emotional expression and nuance that make music and movies so captivating. Now, more than ever, naturally beautiful sound is at your fingertips—whenever and wherever you want it.
For ease of use, DragonFly’s LED changes color to indicate playback status or sample rate.
Red: Standby mode
Purple: MQA playback
Compatibility & Features:
Plays all audio formats, from MP3 to MQA and Hi-Res files
Compatible with computers, tablets, streamers, and mobile devices
Includes a DragonTail USB-C extender cable (iOS devices require an Apple Lightning-to-USB adapter)
Resolution up to 24-bit / 96 kHz
ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip with a minimum-phase slow roll-off filter for more natural sound
DragonFly Cobalt: Enhanced Performance, More Beauty!
Compared to previous models, DragonFly Cobalt incorporates several key innovations:
A new ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip, with a minimum-phase slow roll-off filter for more natural sound
A more advanced Microchip PIC32MX274 microprocessor, reducing power consumption and increasing processing speed by 33% over DragonFly Black and Red
Improved power-supply filtering, specifically designed to reduce noise from Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular signals
A DragonTail USB-A to USB-C adapter included, featuring AudioQuest’s Carbon-level USB cable
AudioQuest & Gordon Rankin: A Beautiful Partnership
Like all previous DragonFly models, Cobalt features Gordon Rankin’s StreamLength® asynchronous USB protocol for superior data transfer. Additionally, thanks to monoClock® technology, a single ultra-low-jitter clock generated by the ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip runs all DAC and microcontroller functions. This precise clocking system enables DragonFly Cobalt to deliver greater resolution and clarity than DACs that rely on multiple clocks.
(StreamLength and monoClock are registered trademarks of Wavelength Audio, Ltd.)
Why the "Slow Roll..."?
Cobalt employs ESS’s flagship ES9038Q2M DAC chip. While the chips in DragonFly Black and Red are unbeatable at their price points, the minimum-phase slow roll-off filter in the 9038 delivers a naturally expressive sound that is always engaging and never fatiguing. This unique blend of warmth and detail makes for an experience that is both exciting and soothing.
Eliminating Noise
With Cobalt, we’ve applied our latest research in Noise Dissipation, incorporating power-supply filtering designed to significantly reduce interference from Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular signals. Successfully combating this noise is critical to preserving even the subtlest musical details—especially in high-resolution audio and portable devices like DragonFly.
Bit-Perfect Volume Control & 2.1-Volt Output
Cobalt features the same ESS Sabre 9601 headphone amp and bit-perfect volume control as DragonFly Red, ensuring maximum fidelity, thrilling dynamic contrast, and an excellent signal-to-noise ratio.
Power for all headphones: With a 2.1-volt output, Cobalt (like Red) is compatible with a wide range of headphones, including low-efficiency, power-hungry models.
Firmware Upgradeable
DragonFly Black, Red, and Cobalt are firmware-upgradable via our free Desktop Device Manager. In today’s rapidly evolving digital world, longevity in hi-fi components is rare. AudioQuest ensures that its digital devices evolve with technology, providing lasting musical enjoyment.
Our Desktop Device Manager also allows you to check your DragonFly’s serial number and software version to ensure it is up to date.
Download the latest Device Manager for your operating system.
With DragonFly Cobalt, experience an exceptional and immersive sound, wherever you are and however you listen.
DAC Chip
ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip with minimum-phase slow roll-off filter for more natural sound
Features & Performance
Output: 2.1 volts
Mobile Compatibility: Apple iOS 5 and later; Android 5.0 and later
Desktop Compatibility: Windows 7 and later; macOS 10.6.8 and later; Linux (no tech support provided)
Volume Control: 64-bit Bit-Perfect Digital Volume Control
Manufacturing Details
Included Accessories: DragonTail A-to-C Adapter
Country of Origin: China
Sold As: Each
Skip site navigation
