Home Theater Systems Buying Guide
Product Information
Highlights
- Dramatically improves sound from MP3s, YouTube, etc.
- Delivers high-end performance from high-res and MQA & Masters files
- Bit-perfect variable output drives powered headphones, powered speakers or power amp
- Fixed output feeds preamp or AV receiver
- Flagship ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip with minimum-phase slow roll-off filter for more natural sound
- Microchip PIC32MX274 microcontroller draws less current and increases processing speed by 33% over previous DragonFlys
- Improved power-supply filtering specifically designed to reduce WiFi, Bluetooth, and cellular noise
- Includes new DragonTail USB-C to USB-A adaptor
Specifications
Specifications
Features & Specs
- Flagship ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip with minimum-phase slow roll-off filter for more natural sound
- Microchip PIC32MX274 microcontroller draws less current and increases processing speed by 33% over previous DragonFlys
- Improved power-supply filtering specifically designed to reduce WiFi, Bluetooth, and cellular noise
- Includes new DragonTail USB-C to USB-A adaptor
What It Does
- Dramatically improves sound from MP3s, YouTube, etc.
- Delivers high-end performance from high-res and MQA & Masters files
- Bit-perfect variable output drives powered headphones, powered speakers or power amp
- Fixed output feeds preamp or AV receiver
Compatibility
- Windows 7-10
- Apple macOS 10.6.8 and later
- iOS 5 and later (requires Apple USB adaptor)
- Android 4.1 and later (requires micro-USB DragonTail, USB-C DragonTail, or other Android USB adaptor)
- Linux (no technical support provided)
Sample Rates (indicated by LED color)
- 1kHz (Green)
- 48kHz (Blue)
- 2kHz (Amber)
- 96kHz (Magenta)
- MQA (Purple)
What's in the Box
What's in the Box
- DragonFly Cobalt
- DragonTail USB-A to USB-C
- DragonFly Pouch
- Registration Card
- User’s Manual
Reviews
Customer Reviews for AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt USB Digital-to-Analog Converter
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As I type this I am listening to a MQA playlist on Tidal on my Sennheiser HD 58x headphones and am totally blown away. Music is clearer and instruments more well defined. Soundstage is wider. Read the comparison reviews online.
So if you are trying to decide between the Red and Cobalt, go for the Cobalt. You do get a DragonTail USB C adapter and this has improved power filter and does not need the JitterBug so the price difference really is not that great. If you already have the Red and have the disposable income considering upgrading. It is worth it. At least it was worth $400 to me.
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Q&A
Customer Q & A
Have a functionality, compatibility, or otherwise product-specific question about this product? Ask it here! If you have a customer service or shipping question, please direct it to our customer service department
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Mike K Staff on Mar 2, 2021