AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt – DAC, Preamp, and Headphone Amplifier

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Dive into an unmatched sonic experience with your music collection, as we introduce the epitome of award-winning sophistication, the AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt – a harmonious symphony of a DAC, preamp, and headphone amplifier all elegantly encapsulated in a compact design.

Inspired by the enchanting song of its namesake, the DragonFly Cobalt dares to dramatically transform your listening experience, making other DACs pale in comparison. Adorned with the distinction of being voted the best DAC in its price category by “What Hi*Fi?” in the 2022 Awards and labelled as “hard to beat”, this titan of sound engineering stirs up a storm in the audio industry.

The product of our continuous quest for perfection, DragonFly Cobalt builds upon and enhances the established reputation for seductive sound quality that our customers worldwide have come to appreciate in our previous models. Unveiling the melodies with matchless clarity, Cobalt courageously discards even the most subtle fog and fuzz that you didn’t recognize existed until you experience its clear resonance.

Accelerating past its predecessors, Cobalt is powered by an innovative ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip and an advanced PIC32MX274 microprocessor for speedier processing, assuring efficient driving for almost any headphone and seamless compatibility with both Apple and Android devices. Its ingenuity lies in harmonising warmth and detail, crafting a sound that’s delightfully engaging, and never leaves you worn out.

Investing our rich expertise, we have equipped Cobalt with superior power-supply filtering that isolates your music from the chaos of WiFi, Bluetooth, and cellular noise, assuring clean, high-resolution audio for your utmost pleasure. Enjoy engaging with your music on a whole new level – welcome the DragonFly Cobalt.

Product Features:

Stellar Sound Quality:

Featuring the new and advanced ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip coupled with Microchip’s exceptional PIC32MX274 microprocessor, DragonFly Cobalt delivers an enhanced, immersive acoustic performance that is faster and more energy-efficient than its predecessors.

Improved Power-Supply Filtering:

Being equipped with advanced power-supply filtering effectively increases the device’s immunity to various forms of noise like WiFi, Bluetooth, and cellular signals, providing clean, high-resolution audio, free from any kind of interference.

Seamless Compatibility:

Perfectly integrates with both Apple and Android devices, offers shared compatibility across different platforms, enabling you to listen to your music anytime, anywhere with the best sound quality possible.

Amplified Volume Control:

Features bit-perfect digital volume control, maximizing fidelity, dynamic contrast, and delivering an excellent signal-to-noise ratio.

USB-C Connectivity:

This product comes with a form-fitting DragonTail female USB-A to male USB-C Adapter, facilitating high-quality audio transfer.

Firmware Upgradeable:

The device’s firmware can be updated via AudioQuest’s free Desktop Device Manager, providing longevity and relevance in today’s fast-paced digital world.

Product Benefits:

Greater Clarity and Resolution:

The superior clock from the ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip provides a more precise clarity and resolution than other DACs using multiple clocks, transforming the listening experience.

Natural Sound:

DragonFly Cobalt employs the minimum-phase slow roll-off filter in the 9038 chips, rendering naturally expressive and emotionally engaging sound. It’s an enchanting blend of warmth and detail, exciting and soothing at the same time.

Noise Dissipation:

This device successfully combats the prevalent noise from WiFi, Bluetooth, and cellular signals, preserving the lowest-level musical details, which is crucial for enjoying high-resolution audio.

Powerful Output:

With a robust 2.1-volt output, DragonFly Cobalt can drive almost any headphone, even the power-hungry, low-efficiency models, giving you the freedom to use your favorite pair.

Extended Device Lifecycle:

As the DragonFly models are firmware upgradeable, they offer an extended life cycle and ensure musical pleasure for many years.

Portability:

With a sleek, compact size, this USB DAC is 10% smaller than previous DragonFly models, rendering it even more pocket-friendly, perfect for on-the-go use.

Ease of Connectivity:

DragonFly Cobalt’s USB-A to USB-C adaptor makes it easily compatible with an increasing number of electronic devices that feature USB-C ports, providing a hassle-free connection.

Transform your auditory perception with DragonFly Cobalt, an exceptional blend of innovation, design, and performance. Revel in the extraordinary and uplifting sound quality that keeps you engaged, enthralled, and simply lost in the beauty of your favorite melodies.

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Specifications:

Specification	Description
Best DAC Rating	Voted Best DAC in its price category by “What Hi*Fi?” in their latest 2022 Awards
Usability	Compatible with Apple and Android devices
Performance	Exceptionally competent and affordable MQA Renderer
DAC Chip	New, advanced ESS ES9038Q2M with a minimum-phase slow roll-off filter for a more natural sound
Microprocessor	Microchip’s PIC32MX274 decreases current draw and boosts processing speed by 33%
Power Supply Filtering	Improved filtering enhances immunity to WiFi, Bluetooth, and cellular noise
Adaptor	Comes with a form-fitting DragonTail female USB-A to male USB-C Adaptor
Audio Transmission Technology	Uses Gordon Rankin’s precedent-setting StreamLength® asynchronous-transfer USB code
Clock	Single ultra-low-jitter clock for superior resolution and clarity
Noise Reduction	Features power-supply filtering specifically designed to reduce WiFi, Bluetooth, and cellular noise
Volume Control and Output	Undertakes bit-perfect volume control with a 2.1-volt output
Firmware Upgrades	Availability of updates via the free Desktop Device Manager
Size	Sleek new case measuring just 2.26″ x 0.73″ x 0.47″
Capabilities	Plays all music files, including MP3 to MQA and High-Res files
Sample Rates Supported	44.1kHz (Green), 48kHz (Blue), 88.2kHz (Amber), 96kHz (Magenta), MQA (Purple)
Output voltage	2.1V
Headphone Amp	Texas Instruments TPA6130 (Black); ESS Sabre 9601
Dimensions	12mm H x 19mm W by 57mm L
Availability	Limited stock. May need to be requested in from AudioQuest

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The AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt promises an unmatched auditory indulgence, setting a new benchmark in DAC sound technology. Seamlessly delivered in a performance-steeped, sleek design, this compelling blend of a DAC, preamp, and headphone amplifier offers an audio fidelity that seems to step right outside the realms of possibility.

Elevate your listening experience with the pristine clarity and detailed warmth of the DragonFly Cobalt. Engage in a beautiful symphony of sound, stripped bare of all noise and disruption with its superior power-supply filtering technology— a testament to our relentless pursuit of perfection.

Bestow your trust in the DAC named as “hard to beat” in its class and awarded for excellence in sound engineering. Embrace the courage of the DragonFly Cobalt to unveil your music’s heart and soul, laying bare the beauty buried within each note.

Dive deep into the world of sound with the AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt, and let every melody caress your senses in ways you never imagined.

Feel free to connect with The Audio Tailor today— Australia’s number one Hi-Fi Store, renowned for embodying passion for audio excellence— and experience the DragonFly Cobalt’s tantalizing performance for yourself. For enquiries, reach us at [email protected] or call us at 1300 308 711.