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Audioquest DragonFly Cobalt USB DAC

Save €126.83 Save €126.83
Original price €320.98
Original price €320.98 - Original price €320.98
Original price €320.98
Current price €194.15
€194.15 - €194.15
Current price €194.15

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DragonFly Cobalt is a portable, plug-and-play USB DAC (digital-to-analog converter), preamp, and headphone amp that delivers far cleaner, clearer, more naturally beautiful sound to headphones, powered speakers, or complete audio systems.

”This tiny USB DAC justifies its price tag”. ’What Hi-Fi?’ 2020 award-winner.

Key Features:

  • New, more advanced ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip with a minimum-phase slow roll-off filter for more natural sound.
  • Microchip’s superb PIC32MX274 microprocessor draws less current and increases processing speed by 33%.
  • Improved power-supply filtering that specifically increases immunity to WiFi, Bluetooth, and cellular noise.
  • Includes a form-fitting DragonTail female USB-A to male USB-C Adaptor. All DragonTails use AudioQuest’s Carbon-level USB cable.

USB DAC for the best sound on the move

With HiRes music files and streaming services sounding better than ever, it pays to get a DAC and headphone amp that does justice to them. Rather than using your smartphone or laptop’s headphone output, the DragonFly Cobalt plugs into the USB output, bypassing the built-in (and usually average quality) sound processing and headphone amp. Specifically designed for the purpose, a quality USB DAC gives a stunning upgrade in sound and makes the most of your music files and headphones.

An award-winner made better

The AudioQuest DragonFlies have been winning awards and leading the field for many years now. With a list of technical improvements, the DragonFly Cobalt is now better than ever. Thanks to the included DragonTail USB adaptor, it’s also more versatile – straight out of the box.

Advanced new DAC

Key to the Cobalt’s stunning sound is an advanced ESS ES9038Q2M DAC (Digital to Analogue Convertor). Highly regarded within the hi-fi world, this DAC uses precise filtering to deliver a smooth and natural sound. Simply put, you’ll hear subtle details in the music that your regular headphone output misses out on or glosses over.

Enhanced processor

At the heart of this tiny DAC is a powerful processor that’s 33% faster than before. Faster processing means more accuracy and less distortion. It also draws less current, helping to preserve your smartphone or laptop’s battery life.

Resists noise for reduced distortion

Revisions to the power-supply filter help the Cobalt resist interference from wi-fi, Bluetooth and mobile phone signal noise. Improved filtering reduces background noise, meaning you hear every tiny detail in the music.

Powers a wider range of headphones

Just like the award-winning DragonFly Red, the Cobalt benefits from a powerful 2.1 volt output. If you use larger headphones, with more powerful magnets, such as the Grado range or larger Beyers/Sennheisers/AKGs, then this USB DAC model is ideal. The higher output gives effortless dynamics, a powerful bass and ability to make the music 'come to life'.

Upgrade the sound from your Android smartphone

With a DragonTail (USB A – C adaptor) supplied, you can now take advantage of using the DragonFly with your Android smartphone. Simply plug the DragonTail between the phone's USB and the DragonFly DAC and you're good to go - audiophile quality sound from your smartphone!

Native Resolution Up to 24-bit / 96kHz
Output 2.1 volts
Headphone Amp ESS Sabre 9601
Microcontroller Microchip PIC32MX274
DAC Chip ESS ES9038Q2M
Volume Control 64-Bit Bit-Perfect Digital Volume Control
Desktop / PC Compatibility Yes
Mobile Compatibility Yes
MQA Rendering Yes
Upgradeable Firmware Yes
Monoclock Technology Yes
Dimensions (H x W x D) in mm 12 x 19 x 57
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