AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt - USB DAC + Preamp + Headphone Amp
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Cobalt Dragonfly
Noticeably better sound than a DAC I purchased several years ago. I use it to connect Apple Imac (Itunes) to a very old Marantz receiver.
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A wonderful upgrade
The Dragonfly Cobalt, my first Audioquest product, wonderfully improves my music listening experience, especially when listening to HiFi quality streaming files. Easy to use, its a no-brainer addition to your portable audio tool kit. Highly recommended.
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An audio gem for sure
I have owned the Audioquest Black, Red and now Cobalt. The Cobalt has the best sound by far, but of course it is also the most expensive. It makes HD music sound awesome. But is also give great sound to CD quality music as well. When I travel on airplanes, I use this with Bose noise-cancelling in-ear headphones. What a pleasurable way to fly. Also, with my MacBook Pro, the music is really beautiful. An external DAC like the Audioquest Cobalt is the most important item to improve your music quality.
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Audio game changer
Game changer! I work with audiophile grade equipment and the Dragonfly can easily compete with some of the really expensive DAC's on the market. With the right media software, a person can build a respectable system at a reasonable price. Excellent product; believe the hype!
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Sound is great
I have tested this for a couple of weeks now and it is great. Its probably not the best usb DAC on the market but it is worthy. I use this on my 2018 iPad Pro with no problems. I wish I could hear the difference between the red and blue models but this one will do. I recommend this for easy portability and good sound.
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SUPER SOUND
I love the sound as it is rich and accurate also. I also own the DragonFly Red and I feel that this is more precise. A deeper sound stage if you will. It's an excellent product for a really choosy listener.
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Amazing little DAC
This makes music sound so much better when plugged into my Mac or iPhone or iPad with any headphone or ear buds. it is really amazing that so much can be packed into such a small device. It is pricy but worth it if you want the best sound possible from your mobile devices. I only wish it worked wirelessly too, maybe that is asking too much.
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It does what it says it does
I was skeptical about the sound quality of the DragonFly Red that I wanted to improve the MP3 recordings that I have. I am very pleased. Not only is sound improved on my cell phone and ear buds, but I have also routed the content through my home sound system and the MP3 recordings sound as good as any CD--maybe even better.
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Tiny but Powerful
Fantastic little DAC. I love using my Dragonfly wherever I go. The best DAC is the one you have with you. All other DACs Ive tried to use that were compact just dont fit the bill and I usually stop taking it with me. Now I can take my DAC with me wherever I go and am able to use my Tidal subscription to its fullest! My trucks sound system loves the Dragonfly too.
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Get this now don't hesitate!
For $99 you get great balanced, crispy, crystal clear audio! All you need is a good source, or good files, good 16-100 ohm headphones. Also you can use it with tidal, qobuz. Even if, your using YouTube music is definitely and improvement. You don't have to spend $300 in a portable dac amp combo anymore. I'll upgrade to the red. (You can also use it with an external amp or preamp) how amazing is that?
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Only one issue
This is a wonderful DAC. As a headphone amp it is overpowered for all of my headphones. It works fine from my MacPro. But from my iPad Pro and iPhone the volume is too difficult to adjust. If there was a high / low gain switch based on headphone sensitivity it would rate 5 stars. I spend all of my time from 0-2 on iDevices. I use the slider to be 0.5-2 but it is very fiddly.
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Immediate increase in great sound!
Used in my office/computer system. The Dragonfly Black is a great value for the performance provided; compared with my old USB DAC, it not only sounds considerably better with Apple Lossless, it decodes Tidal natively and brings that within shouting distance Apple Lossless. Highly recommended.
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This is what you're looking for!
Dragonfly started the whole USB DAC & headphone amp industry, and they are the best. I use this with an Apple iMac and Macbook Air. It makes a difference you will notice right away. Much better sounds from all types of music. I wouldn't do without one now.
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You've not heard audio properly, until now.
It's not just a volume booster. It completely changes how you hear music. I could best describe the experience as this is how music is meant to be delivered. The more present elements feel closer to you. Your background elements such as reverbs, room mics, etc, sound not just distant, but realistic. You can have the best headphones in the world, but they won't sound their best until you haver a proper DAC. This unlocks their true potential. This reveals audio in a way you've not heard before. Absolute transparency; presenting your audio the way it was meant to be heard.
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High End Audiophile Product
Unbelievable product, I replaced a high end SACD player with this and a laptop. Improved my system tremendously. Made harsh DVD's sound balanced and clear which matched my experience on stereos costing over $20,000.
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Dragonfly black V1.5
Works as advertised Portable Makes my music sound so much better Going to upgrade to the dragonfly red ASAP
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Very nice
I use it in a setup for Apple iOS product with lightning adapter. Very good, but not quite great. I guess that's why they make the higher end version.
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Delivers in a compact package.
Dragonfly Red lives up to the hype and reviews. I can hear tones and separation of instruments that make some songs more interesting and surprising to hear as if for the first time.
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Fantastic audio upgrade for my laptop and phone
I'm very happy with my purchase of this little DAC! The difference in audio quality from my Dell Inspiron laptop is really amazing, especially when I plug in my Shure SE215s. Now I use it all the time when listening to music at work. I don't use it as often with my Moto G5 phone, but when I do (with a USB OTG cable) I can hear a noticeable different in quality. The color-changing dragonfly logo looks cool too, and I suppose it's a handy reference for anyone obsessing about source sample rates. All in all, a very nice little gadget and a recommended upgrade!
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Excellent Sound, Works From a Phone
I previously owned the original DragonFly (v1.2). That was a great little device for my laptop, significantly enhancing the sound quality and very easy to use. The new DragonFly Red is just as simple to use and offers appreciably better sound quality and higher output levels, with the added bonus that it can now function as a DAC and Amp from a cellphone. I've been using it with my aging LG G3 - with an OTG (On The Go) USB mini male to USB A fema... Show More
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Best little portable dac on the market and preamp
Let me say that I am still Stunned with all the things I can do with this little dac preamp/amp. I work in a setting where sound is very important and I've used it to drive all My best headphones like audio quest Nighthawk (liquid wood) , my Audeze LCD2 , Seinheiser Momentums and even my hungry hungry 300 ohm Seinheiser HD600 and this lil guy changes the sound dynamics and keeps it crisp and doesn't add anything unnecessary . I even used it on a ... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Great product to amplify your audio listening experience
Hook this to your beautiful headset and witness the magic. You'll be able to listen to every instrument in the music. The vocal and instruments appear to be well balanced and clear. I would recommend this product to any audiophile out there.
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Really adds to the sound experience
Great product and great sound. The packaging recommends the new USB to camera adapter (3) with the lightening and USB connector to lightening connector.
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Very affordable audiophile entry - Great sound!
This DAC is really excellent, especially for the price! I find it to be clear, precise, and transparent. Unlike more expensive portable DACs like the Chord Mojo, which produces it's own sound, this DAC lets you hear the music with minimized alteration. The sound stage isn't huge, but it is very decent. If you want to enter the audiophile ranks at a very low price, this is the way to do it. If you are an audiophile, and want a very good portable l... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video