AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt (Cobalt) is rated
out of
5 by
48.
AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt (Cobalt)
USB DAC/Headphone Amp
£199
Our price history:
£219
from 28/10/22 to 08/12/22
SAVE£20
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Ts&Cs apply - see our delivery page.
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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!
If you want the best from your music on the move, you’ll love the AudioQuest DragonTail Cobalt.
Connectivity
Headphone Output
Yes - 3.5mm
USB Input
1 x Type A for PC/MAC
General
Manufacturer's Warranty
24.0000
Features
DAC
ESS ES9038Q2M
Dimensions
Dimensions WxHxD (mm)
58 x 19 x 12
Accessories
Included Cables
DragonTail USB C - USB A Convertor
Rated 5 out of
5
by
ANDYLANDY L from
Excellent sound and simple device
Bought this a few weeks ago and am delighted with how I can now listen to Tidal Master Quality tracks via my iPhone 13. Advice and help in store ( Kingston ) was great and much appreciated !
Date published: 2023-01-18
Rated 5 out of
5
by
paulgarrarrd501 from
Great synergy with desktop speakers and headphones
The Dragonfly Cobalt is well made and finished. The sound quality is excellent for use with headphones and desktop loudspeakers and represents very good value for the intended uses. Plugged into a full sized, high end audio system it is still very nice indeed whilst not as a good as much more expensive full sized DAC. I think it's a fantastic product.
Date published: 2022-10-20
Rated 5 out of
5
by
JAL44404 from
Better than Red
Had the Red for a while now and its a good bit of kit but every report says cobalt was better. Well, it is. Depth and layers are better leading to a more submersive experience. Worth it.
Date published: 2022-10-11
Rated 1 out of
5
by
Pog61 from
Great while it works...
Bought about 18 months ago, great sound then stopped working. Very disappointed...
Date published: 2022-10-10
Rated 5 out of
5
by
STate from
Great addition to iPhone
Driving a pair of Denon AHD700 headphones from an iPhone via the Dragonfly and the sound is excellent - very addictive! The difference has to be heard to be believed; it’s significant and, if you’re into your music, justifies the outlay. The red is already good but the cobalt is excellent and also drains the iPhone battery less. Good service from Richer Sounds in York too - a bit more expensive than A***** but worth it for the advice and the fact that even if you buy over the phone or online, you’re helping to sustain jobs and a physical shop in York.
Date published: 2022-08-20
Rated 5 out of
5
by
hrrsn from
Gamechanger
This little device has opened up a whole new world of sound from my MacBook Pro. Using it with Tidal and the difference in quality is remarkable. Highly recommended.
Date published: 2022-06-26
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Holmesy63 from
Works flawlessly
This was an upgrade on the Dragonfly Black I’d had for some time and it’s certainly worth it. Clarity, depth etc etc
Date published: 2022-01-15
Rated 5 out of
5
by
And2125 from
Great iPhone boost
Recently bought to get some higher res music from Apple Music, DAC in line boosts sound detail, clarity and volume. Paired with some wired headphones, great upgrade.
Date published: 2021-12-16
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