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AudioQuest DragonFly® Red v1.0 Plug-in USB DAC/headphone amplifier, compatible with Apple® and Android™ mobile devices

Item # 703DGNFLYR

AudioQuest'sDragonFly DACs have always plugged right into your computer's USB port to deliver an instant audio upgrade.

AudioQuest'sDragonFly DACs have always plugged right into your computer's USB port to deliver an instant audio upgrade.

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13 questions - 45 answers

Item # 703DGNFLYR

Shop all AudioQuest DACs

About the AudioQuest DragonFly® Red v1.0

Dave Bar

A highly portable upgrade for your music

AudioQuest'sDragonFly DACs have always plugged right into your computer's USB port to deliver an instant audio upgrade. Now with the DragonFly Red, you can also get that same clear, dynamic sound with your Apple or Android mobile devices. The design gurus at AudioQuest not only gave the Red a far more energy-efficient design — ideal for portable use — but they even managed to enhance its performance.
DragonFly Red plugged into a laptop

The tiny DragonFly Red makes an easy, plug-and-play upgrade for your computer-based music listening.

A highly portable upgrade for your music

AudioQuest'sDragonFly DACs have always plugged right into your computer's USB port to deliver an instant audio upgrade. Now with the DragonFly Red, you can also get that same clear, dynamic sound with your Apple or Android mobile devices. The design gurus at AudioQuest not only gave the Red a far more energy-efficient design — ideal for portable use — but they even managed to enhance its performance.

Audioquest Dragonfly red with smartphone

The DragonFly Red's low power consumption makes it a perfect companion for your smartphone or tablet.

Low power consumption

The first thing that AudioQuest did was to give the Red a new high-performance USB microcontroller with greatly reduced power consumption (77% less, to be exact) for true compatibility with mobile devices. The new chip also provides an improved signal-to-noise ratio for quieter operation and cleaner sound. Plus, it enables future software upgrades through AudioQuest's free desktop application.

Improved sound quality

AudioQuest also replaced the DragonFly's original DAC chip with an improved 32-bit ESS Sabre 9016 processor. This high-performance DAC features minimum-phase filtering for exceptionally detailed, dynamic, and natural sound. The 9016 also comes with the latest ESS headphone amplifier and bit-perfect digital volume control on-board. This powerful headphone amp gives even hard-to-drive headphones plenty of volume and punch. The 64-bit digital volume control offers super-precise sound level adjustment with no loss of detail.

Enjoy high-res USB audio

Along with all the sonic benefits the DragonFly provides for your compressed and CD-quality music files, it also decodes high-resolution data streams with up to 24-bit/96kHz resolution, so you can enjoy better-than-CD audio quality. If you download high-res music files from HDtracks and other audiophile sources, this DAC will ensure they sound terrific. The dragonfly-shaped logo on the DAC's exterior even lights up and changes color to verify the resolution of the incoming signal.

Connections and controls

Plug your headphones directly into the DragonFly's stereo mini audio output jack for high-energy private listening. You can also use an optional stereo mini-to-mini cable or mini-to-RCA adapter to feed a line-level signal to a pair of powered speakers, power amplifier, or receiver for more robust, room-filling sound. And although it's operated from your computer screen or mobile device's interface, the DragonFly's bit-perfect digital volume control avoids any reduction in resolution or sound quality that can plague other digital volume controls. These refinements add up to music with a natural solidity and clarity that sounds dramatically better than what you would hear from your computer or smartphone on their own.

Traveling with your laptop and DragonFly?

If you plan on taking your laptop and DragonFly with you (it is highly portable, after all), you'll want to play it safe. AudioQuest's flexible DragonTail USB extender provides strain relief that can protect your computer's USB port if someone bumps into your laptop on a plane or in the coffee shop. The DragonTail also helps take some of the strain off that port when you're plugging in headphones with a heavy cable.

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Product highlights:

  • compatible with Windows® and Mac® computers
  • compatible with iPhone® and iPad®
  • compatible with some Android™ devices
  • 32-bit ESS Sabre™ 9016 digital-to-analog conversion chip with minimum phase filter for detailed, dynamic, and natural-sounding music
  • high-efficiency microcontroller for extremely low power draw
  • high-performance ESS headphone amplifier
  • powered by USB connection — no need for external power supply
  • asynchronous USB data transfer using Wavelength Audio, ltd.'s Streamlength® protocol for reduced timing jitter and better sound
  • offers rendering for MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) audio files with firmware update
  • 3.5mm stereo minijack provides:
    • headphone output (minimum recommended headphone impedance 12 ohms and higher)
    • variable line-level output for driving powered speakers or power amp
    • fixed line-level output for connecting to a preamp or receiver
  • 64-step, bit-perfect digital volume control (operated via your computer or mobile device)
  • supported sample rates: PCM up to 96kHz native resolution
    • (sample rates above 96kHz will play but are down-converted by your computer or mobile device's playback software)
  • incoming sample rate LED indicator for 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, and 96kHz sampling rates
  • input bit depth: 16 bits, 24 bits
  • output voltage: 2.1 Vrms
  • durable metal construction with red hardshell finish
  • no cables included
  • supported operating systems:
    • Windows® 7, 8.1, and 10
    • Apple OS X® (version 10.6.8 or later)
    • Apple iOS® (5 and newer)
    • Android™ Lollipop OS (and some devices running KitKat OS)
  • 3/4"W x 1/2"H x 2-3/8"D
  • warranty: 1 year
  • MFR # DRAGONFLYRED

What's in the box:

  • USB DAC/Preamp/Headphone Amp (protection cap installed)
  • Storage pouch
  • Instruction Booklet
  • Warranty Registration Card

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Customer reviews for AudioQuest DragonFly® Red v1.0

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More details on the AudioQuest DragonFly® Red v1.0

Mark G.

Features & specs

Design
Type Portable
Built-in Rechargable Battery No
Built-in Headphone Amplifier
Output Power 2.1V
Output Impedance (Unbalanced) 10k ohms
Output Impedance (Balanced) N/A
Audio Specs
Bit Depth (USB) 24
Max Sampling Rate (USB) 96 kHz
Bit Depth (S/PDIF) 0
Max Sampling Rate S/PDIF N/A
S/N Ratio (Unbalanced, in dB) 0
S/N Ratio (Balanced, in dB) 0
THD (Unbalanced) Not given
THD (Balanced) Not given
Supported File Types
PCM Up to 96kHz
DSD N/A
DXD N/A
MQA Yes
Inputs
Total Inputs 1
USB Type A
Optical Digital None
Coaxial Digital None
3.5mm Digital None
Stereo RCA Analog None
Stereo 3.5mm Analog None
Stereo XLR Analog None
Headphone Outputs
3.5mm Unbalanced 1
1/4-inch Unbalanced None
4.4mm Balanced None
XLR4 Balanced None
Other Headphone Outs None
Line Level & Digital Outs
RCA Line Out None
3.5mm Line Out 1
XLR Line Out None
Subwoofer Out None
Optical Digital Out None
Coaxial Digital Out None
Wireless Connectivity
Bluetooth No
Wi-Fi No
Apple-compatible No
Android-compatible No
General Info
Width (inches) 0-3/4
Height (inches) 0-1/2
Depth (inches) 2-1/2
Weight 0.0438 lbs.
Parts Warranty 1 Year
Labor Warranty 1 Year

Product Research

Features

USB DAC + Preamp + Headphone Amp: The AudioQuest DragonFly Red is a sleek, flash-drive sized USB DAC+Preamp+Headphone Amp that delivers far superior sound by bypassing the poor quality sound card that is built into your Apple iOS and Android smartphone/tablet or Windows and Mac laptop/desktop computer; turning your device into a true high-fidelity music source. Its 3.5mm port is designed specifically to connect to an external audio system such as headphones, powered desktop speakers, or your HiFi audio system.

  • Apple Compatibility: Compatible with Apple iOS 9.2+ devices that have Lightning connector (not compatible with 30-pin Apple devices). The preferred method for connecting an Apple iOS device is using Apple's Lightning to USB 3 camera adapter (472LTUSBC3, sold separately). Your Apple iOS device's battery will even charge while connected.
  • Android Compatibility: Compatible with most Android devices running Jelly Bean 4.1 or newer using the DragonTail USB adapter (703DTAILAN, sold separately). If the DragonFly Red seems to have too little output, then download the the USB Audio Player Prop app which includes its own USB audio driver. This application is compatible with various audio formats and will manage music on both the Android's internal memory and inserted microSD card. Additionally, with your Android phone connected to a WiFi network, this app can find and connect to DLNA servers/libraries, plus support playback of Tidal (UAPP does not offer support for any other 3rd-party applications).
  • Windows Compatibility:  Compatible with Windows PC (XP/7/8.1/10). No additional drivers are required for DragonFly Red to operate with Windows PC.
  • Mac Compatibility: Compatible with Mac computers (OS X 10.6.8-up). No additional drivers are required for DragonFly Red to operate with Mac OS X.

Note: Use AudioQuest's JitterBug or JitterBug FMJ (both sold separately) in series with the DragonFly Red to further reduce noise and resonances.

High-Performance Microcontroller: AudioQuest and DragonFly designer Gordon Rankin worked alongside Microchip Technology to develop a new high-performance, full-speed USB microcontroller solution that delivers improved signal-to-noise ratio and significantly lower power consumption. Drawing 77% less current than the previous microcontroller, the new Microchip PIC32MX microcontroller enables true compatibility with Apple iPod/iPhone/iPad and Android smartphones/tablets. In addition, the Microchip's ultra-low-noise power supply minimizes the sound-degrading effect of high-frequency interference on the critical audio signal.

32-Bit ESS Sabre 9016 DAC: At the heart of DragonFly Red is a 32-bit ESS Sabre 9016 DAC that uses a sophisticated minimum-phase digital filter to provide more naturally detailed and dynamic music. This high-performance DAC is typically found in today's higher-end CD and Blu-ray players. DragonFly Red can accept audio and music files ranging from MP3s (128/256/320kbps) and CD-standard 16-bit/44kHz to native 24-bit/96kHz high-resolution, regardless of music file format. DragonFly Red will accept almost any audio you want to play on your computer and make it sound dramatically better, whether your listening pleasure is iTunes or streaming music services such as Pandora, Spotify, Amazon, or Tidal.

Streamlength Asynchronous USB: Timing errors such as "jitter" have long been the plague of digital audio playback; never more so than in recent years as computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones have been pressed into service as audio source components. Rather than sharing crucial audio "data clocking" functions with your source device, DragonFly Red uses a very sophisticated Streamlength Asynchronous USB audio data transfer protocol which takes command over the timing of the audio data transfer, dramatically reducing digital timing errors. As a result, you get low jitter, low resource load, minimal packet errors, world-class audio playback, and reliable connectivity between the USB DAC+Preamp+Headphone Amp and your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer.

Hybrid-PLL Clock System: The DragonFly Red employs a unique clock system called a Hybrid-PLL. While not discrete, the Hybrid-PLL performs equal to, or better than, many discrete clock systems.

Compatible Sampling Frequencies: DragonFly Red will play music or audio data at 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, or 96kHz. However, for the best sonic results your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer should be configured so that it sends music and audio data to DragonFly Red that matches the "native rate" of the music. For example, since all CDs and music files purchased from iTunes are at a 44.1kHz sample rate, for many people 44.1kHz will be the best sample rate since this is the "native rate" of most digital music. Choosing a higher sample rate will convert your native music and audio data using mathematical approximations that can potentially decrease the sound quality. Conversely, if you have purchased high-resolution music files (96kHz), such as those available from HDtracks.com, configuring your computer for 44.1kHz (or any other lower sample rate) will cause the computer to down-sample your music to a lower resolution. When possible, always configure the computer to output the native sample rate of the music you are listening to.

Note: If you have purchased a file that has a higher sample rate than 96kHz you need to configure your smartphone/tablet or computer/laptop to send DragonFly Red audio data at a resolution no greater than 96kHz, and for the best performance the sample rate you choose should be exactly half the sample rate of the file you're playing. For example; if you purchased a 24-bit/176.4kHz file, 88.2kHz should be selected, whereas if you purchased a 24/192kHz file, 96kHz should be selected. Directly divisible sample rates prevent the computer from doing sonically degrading, complex math in its conversions and allows DragonFly Red to sound its best.

MQA Firmware Update: The latest firmware update (1.06) will provide the DragonFly Red with the capability of rendering Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) files. This means that now the DragonFly Red lets you experience your favorite albums and songs in the highest audio resolutions available. As an MQA-rendering DAC, the DragonFly Red must be used with an MQA-approved playback application, such as Tidal or Audirvana (with more to come), in order to unlock the full resolution of an MQA file.

Note: When rendering MQA files, the DragonFly Red will display a purple light. (Sampling rates of 96kHz will continue to display in magenta.) While the DragonFly Red will not specify the native resolution of the associated MQA file, you can rest assured that the MQA file was derived from the highest source resolution available.

Digital Bit-Perfect Volume Control: AudioQuest's DragonFly Red is equipped with a 64-step, 64-bit, bit-perfect digital volume control. With DragonFly Red connected to a PC or mobile device, adjusting the host's system volume control will, through proxy, control the DragonFly Red's onboard volume. This ensures maximum resolution and the highest sound quality, regardless of volume setting.

Direct Coupled Analog Circuits: DragonFly Red's analog circuits are direct-coupled from the ESS converter chip's output, avoiding the need for any extraneous, sonically degrading components in the signal path.

Stereo Minijack Output (2.1-Volt): DragonFly Red is fitted with a stereo female minijack (3.5mm) output and will output 2.1-volts, which is enough power to successfully drive most preamplifier input circuits and a wide range of today's headphones. The DragonFly Red's 3.5mm output can be used as a Headphone Jack, a Variable Out, or a Fixed Output.

  • Headphone Out: DragonFly Red is versatile enough to drive virtually any headphone on the market today. DragonFly Red can drive any headphone from 12-ohm impedance on up. DragonFly Red has enough output to drive even the lowest efficiency headphones.
  • Variable Out: DragonFly Red can be used in "variable" output mode with computer-controlled analog volume control when connected directly to powered speakers or a power amplifier.
  • Fixed Out: Connecting to a traditional preamplifier or AV receiver, DragonFly Red can be set to a "fixed" output mode by turning the volume to maximum, allowing it to behave like a CD or Blu-ray player.

LED Indicator: A smart LED indicator behind the DragonFly Red icon shows the resolution of the incoming signal - 44.1kHz (green), 48kHz (blue), 88.2kHz (amber), and 96kHz (magenta). Red indicates standby mode.

Firmware Software Upgrades: The DragonFly Red is firmware/software upgradeable through a complimentary Windows PC or Mac OS X desktop application. As new developments arise in music player applications, streaming protocols, or other associated software; DragonFly Red users will be able to incorporate those updates to their existing devices.

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Customer Q&A

13 questions already asked

Q
Can i plug this into the usb port in my truck and play higher quality sound through my iPhone?
ryan  Jul 14, 2021
4 answers
A
You can plug this device to an USB port either in your truck or PC for a high quality sound, as long as your earbud or headphone is WIRED, if your iPhone is XS or even newer like 12, you will not be able to connect since new generation iPhone doesn't have a port for wired earbud.
ken jian  Jul 22, 2021
A
I believe the audio jack on the Dragon Fly is audio out only.
ernesto  Jul 16, 2021
A
Yes but you have it backwards the usb end would go to your phone through the usb-lighting adapter then out of the dragonfly to the radio through the headphone jack via a aux cable
brian  Jul 16, 2021
A
I need to clarify something first. If you are referring to an "Aux" jack/input that accepts a 3.5mm earphone style stereo plug, then yes, you should be able to play your phone through the car sound system using the Dragonfly. However, I can't guarantee that you will hear better sound through your truck system, because it may not be capable of reproducing the difference. (I also don't have personal experience with the native sound quality of iPhones.) In order to connect the phone to the Aux jack, you will need something like a DragonTail connector (also made by AudioQuest, although there are cheaper versions available) between the phone and the Dragonfly Red. Be sure to get a DragonTail made for an iPhone because they also have them for Android phones and they are different. Then you will need another connector cable with male 3.5mm stereo plugs on BOTH ends to connect the Dragonfly to the Aux input. If you are talking about a true USB port, then you are talking about a passing a digital signal and I don't see how the Dragonfly can be of any use, as it puts out an analog signal. Hope this helpful!
thomas  Jul 14, 2021
Q
Can I use this with a Denon receiver, so when I stream from my phone to receiver it would improve the quality?
raymond  Mar 03, 2021
4 answers
A
I don't know. I use mind to improve the sound when I watch a movie on my Chromebook. It really is much better than just plugging the headphones directly in the Chromebook.
gerald  Mar 04, 2021
A
I have not tried that yet, but I'm guessing you could use a 3.5mm male to male cable, if your receiver has an input for one. Let us know how it works it. Thanks, Adam
adam  Mar 03, 2021
A
I believe so. I cannot say for sure but in my experience (I am not using a Denon receiver), it is noticeable.
sarah  Mar 03, 2021
A
You don't provide enough information as to how you are currently streaming from your phone to the Denon, along with which Denon model, and in any case quality is often listener-dependent. If you are using Bluetooth from the phone to the receiver it also matters what quality of Bluetooth you are using. It also matters what quality of files you are streaming. Here's what I can tell you: The Dragonfly is quite well regarded in the hifi hobbyist press and produces a very good sound especially considering the size and cost. It certainly can do a better job of digital to analog conversion than your phone can, and even better in my experience if you add the Jitterbug device for noise reduction, since phones are electrically noisy environments. In order to use it with your phone and receiver you will need a Dragontail or similar (there are cheaper) connector between your phone's USB-C output and the Dragonfly or Jitterbug's male USB-A input. You probably also will need a connector that has a 3mm male headphone plug on one end and dual RCA outputs on the other. You could plug these into the RCA inputs on the front of your receiver if it has them; otherwise the back. These are typically "AUX" or "Video" L-R, or "Game." If you use Bluetooth directly from your phone to the receiver, AND if you are transmitting with a high quality Bluetooth codec such as aptx HD rather than plain vanilla Bluetooth then I'm not sure if using the Dragonfly would improve your sound. But I'm guessing that since you are asking, you are not happy with the sound relative to other sources, so probably you aren't. OR it could be the quality of the stream itself. The Dragonfly will show the biggest improvement with high definition content, e.g. full 24 bit. So if you are streaming from base level streaming services rather than an HD service, you may not notice any or much difference. Base level streaming services are typically lower MP3 quality.
thomas  Mar 03, 2021
Q
I have a similar DAC from Audioengine. It works fine with my Mac but on my iPod Touch (7th Generation) the volume is too loud. It is very difficult to adjust the iPod volume to listen at a comfortable level. My headphones are rated at 19 ohms, 102 dB sensitivity so they should be compatible. Will I have a similar issue with the Dragonfly DAC? Thanks.
thomas  May 28, 2020
3 answers
A
Only used with iPhone, so just tested with a Touch(6th gen.) used Apple USB to Lighting adapter and TIN HIFI T4 (iem) and had no problem with volume control. Never had a problem with the phone either.
kent  May 28, 2020
A
I can only say that the Dragonfly is notorious for being on the quiet side. Hopefully, someone with direct experience with your issue will chime in.
robert a.  May 28, 2020
A
I have only used it with my iPad or iPhone attached to powered speakers. I have not tried it with headphones
gary  May 28, 2020
Q
New phones donâ??t have headphone jacks so how do I hook it up?
richard  Oct 19, 2019
5 answers
A
You need to purchase an adaptor. If you have an iPhone, you can purchase a lightning USB cable usually used for cameras/drones.
thomas  Oct 19, 2019
A
hooks up to your usb c or lightning. android has audio through usb c. would need to buy a usb to lightning adapter for apple
colin  Oct 19, 2019
A
You need to buy the lightning adapter it plugs into the charger port then you can add dragonfly via a usb port
anthony  Oct 19, 2019
A
If your phone or laptop has a USB-C charge and data port you would use a USB-C to USB Adapter and plug the Dragonfly DAC into that adapter.
torger  Oct 19, 2019
A
Have to hook it to a mixer or audio interface and use its headphones.
leslie d.  Oct 19, 2019
Q
I am using a work computer, so I cannot add any drivers to it. Does the Audioquest DragonFly require drivers being loaded onto Windows 10 system?
david  Aug 06, 2019
2 answers
A
Sorry can't help you only use it with my phone and headphones
anthony  Aug 06, 2019
A
It should not need any drivers. There is an application you can download to update firmware levels on the device, but that is not required for normal operation. I have never seen a need for any drivers. I use a Mac, but I took a quick look online and I don't see anything for Win10 either. It also works via lightning to USB adapter on apple mobile devices as well without installing special apps.
steven  Aug 06, 2019
Q
How is it used with a home A/V receiver?
steven  Apr 27, 2019
1 answer
A
I don't think you would. It is really designed for use with a computer or a tablet/phone with an adapter.
steven  Apr 27, 2019
Q
What type headphones would be recommended for this DAC?
patrick  Jan 26, 2019
6 answers
A
I got the dragonfly to use with Shure SE535 which I have had for some time on my iPad and iPhone. With the right music source, it is pretty amazing
mark  Jan 27, 2019
A
I use the Sennheiser HD598CS headphones. They are closed back over-the-ear headphones. I really recommend Sennheiser as I have been very happy with the amount of sonic detail and presence that these headphones have. I would love to upgrade to the HD600's! They are $300, so a little out of my reach at the moment. If you can afford them, I would get the HD600's.
vin  Jan 27, 2019
A
If you use this with an I-pad or an I-phone, you want to purchase (from apple) a lightening to USB adaptor. They refer to this as a photo adaptor because it is used to download photo's. They make two versions, one with an input for your normal lightening power cord (recommended), and one without. If you do extensive listening, you want the one with the power input so you can keep the phone charged. Audioquest also recommends this adaptor and claims it has a better sound quality than the adaptor with no power input. I have both and I could tell the larger one with the power adaptor sounds better, its more robust.
richard  Jan 26, 2019
A
I drive a set of Seinheiser HD600's, which are a large pair of headphones. They tend to be a little power Hungary. The Red has plenty of gain to handle them well. I also use this as my main DAC for my stereo system, for streaming music off my I-pad air II. It provides an excellent detailed soundstage.
richard  Jan 26, 2019
A
I use sennhriser 600
michael  Jan 26, 2019
A
I would expect any headphones to sound better with this DAC. I would get the best headphones you can afford as the better the headphones the more you can appreciate the improvement when using the DAC. The most important thing when choosing the headphones is that they are the style you prefer and are comfortable, etc. If the headphones sound amazing, but you don't like wearing them, you won't use them as much. The choice will also depend on if you use them in public settings or just for private listening at home.
steven  Jan 26, 2019
Q
If one is using a streaming service of your choice and that said streaming is at 320kbs or whatever isn't that all that will go through this dac? Putting a dac between the phone/tablet and speaker how will it exactly improve the sound? Does it up convert it to it's original bit rate of CD quality?
brandon  May 07, 2018
2 answers
A
Hi Brandon, I'm not an audio expert, but I use the DragonFly red all the time and I'm very happy with it. As far as I know, it won't upscale the bit rate. The DragonFly's advantage is in the conversion to analog signal. If you connect your earphones/speaker to your phone/tablet via cable (that is, not via Bluetooth), the analog signal will be much better than the one generated by the phone/tablet's built-in DAC. If you have an Android device, consider using an app like USB Audio Player for the best results. It supports some of the streaming services.
yonatan  May 10, 2018
A
To get a more technical explanation Google it. Suffice it to say this small device will make the music sound better...much better. I don't use it for streaming but it makes CD quality music better. If you want a really great music experience, try high definition music with the Dragonfly. All CD quality music (16 bits/44.1 Hz) is up sampled to 24 bits/96 Hz. You will feel like you are sitting on the stage with the performers.
george  May 10, 2018
Q
Will the Dragonfly Red play FLAC files or only AIFF ALAC if downloaded to Itunes Library or is there a way to download to another app and use HF Onkyo player for FLAC files?
david  Dec 27, 2017
5 answers
A
Don't know what files it can play or not not that knowledgable about it but can tell you it makes the music going to my ath m50 x headphones sound superb with just my 6 plus and Spotify premium totally enjoy it
anthony  Dec 27, 2017
A
I have used the Dragonfly Red connected to my iPhone X to play ALAC files. Manual says that the Dragonfly Red will play ALAC and FLAC files without a problem. The manual says that if have higher resolution files (i.e., Dragonfly Red sampling ceiling of 96kHz) then you may need to adjust sample rate settings in "Audio MIDI Setup" (assuming you are using a PC). Android devices are more complicated
jeffrey s  Dec 27, 2017
A
You can download files from HD Tracks. It's a great site with tons of HD music in several formats.
john  Dec 27, 2017
A
The dragonfly will play FLAC files, but iTunes won't. Jriver will play FLAC files that you download to their media center.
michael  Dec 27, 2017
A
dragonfly is just a DAC and it only processes digital to analog signals/sound. The software player (like HF Onkyo or iPhone/pod music player) converts and plays different music file formats (mp3, aac, flac, alac, etc). If the music player can play the song file through the speaker of the device, it can play it through the dragonfly. ITunes library does not support flac so you have to convert it (with a converter program) to alac. HF onkyo player can play flac (and mp3, aac, dsd) files directly. So to answer your question simply, the dragonfly will play everything if you have the music player on your device that can play the file format you want to play.
james  Dec 27, 2017
Q
Will the audio quality be better in my car stereo running the audio out of my phone to the DAC then to the AUX input or use a Bluetooth transmitter from the DAC to the stereo?
john  Dec 03, 2017
3 answers
A
Any inclusion of Bluetooth will degrade the audio, as BT is a lossy codec. It would be increasingly apparent if you were also using streaming services such as Spotify. Percussion, especially, loses definition and becomes ragged and hissy at the edges.
anthony  Dec 03, 2017
A
Using the Dragonfly through the aux port will provide a much more musical sound no question. Bluetooth audio is convenient but lacks in dynamics for audio, it sounds dead and lifeless.
arnold  Dec 03, 2017
A
Use the Aux cable if your car has an aux port.
joe  Dec 03, 2017
Q
Can I use this DAC with a Samsung S5 phone?
john  Dec 03, 2017
4 answers
A
DragonFly will work with Android devices if the device supports audio over USB. To determine whether your device supports audio over USB, consult the user manual or visit the manufacturer's website. You can also do a google search on isochronous USB audio for android devices.
james  Dec 27, 2017
A
I've been using it with my iPhone. Haven't tried it with a Samsung phone.
roy a  Dec 04, 2017
A
I don't know about a Samsung S5 but it does work with the iPhone. You just need to buy the camera USB chord. I would imagine it's the same for Samsung.
robert brennan  Dec 03, 2017
A
I don't know. I use this with an iPhone 6 and am completely satisfied with the sound quality.
howard  Dec 03, 2017
Q
How much/faster does it drain an iPhone battery vs playing music without it?
adam  Oct 02, 2016
5 answers
A
Using iTunes, not a lot faster. Now if using a high end player with the dragon fly it eats the battery pretty quick.
bradley  Oct 11, 2016
A
Sorry I can't be of any help in this area. Even tho I have a iPhone my primary use ismy dragon fly is for my mac. However I plan on Purchasing the HA 2se for use with my iPhone.
keith  Oct 05, 2016
A
I can't say since I don't use it on the iPhone, I've been using it on the iMac.
clayton  Oct 03, 2016
A
This does drain the iPhone faster than using only headphones. I think there would be enough battery for a cross-country airplane flight, but probably not enough battery for a ten hour flight from the US to Europe. But there is a good work around. Apple sells an adapter that plugs into the Lighting port on one end and has a Lightning and USB on the other end. This way you can listen using the DragonFly and keep the battery charged with the Lightning cord too. The adapter is $39 versus $29 for the regular adapter. I still love the DF Red!
george  Oct 03, 2016
A
I recently learned it will work with mobile phones and have not yet gotten a camera adapter to I can try that.
roy a  Oct 03, 2016
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AudioQuest DragonFly® Cobalt

AudioQuest DragonFly® Cobalt

Plug-in USB DAC/headphone amplifier, compatible with Apple® and Android™ mobile devices
$349.95 -$150.00 Price break
$199.95
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The best-sounding DragonFly DAC from AudioQuest

The AudioQuest DragonFly® Cobalt offers these features:
  • newer 32-bit ESS SabreT ES9028Q2M digital-to-analog conversion chip with minimum phase filter for nuanced, dynamic sound
  • upgraded microcontroller for extremely low power draw
  • processing speed increased by 33% over DragonFly Red
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