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AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt (Cobalt) is rated
out of
5 by
38.
AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt (Cobalt)
USB DAC/Headphone Amp
£269
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Ts&Cs apply - see our delivery page.
For delivery of in-store only deals, please contact your local store for more details.
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
Features
DAC
ESS ES9038Q2M
Accessories
Included Cables
DragonTail USB C - USB A Convertor
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Lss24 from
Very happy
I received excellent advice from richer sounds and I am extremely happy with my purchase.
Date published: 2021-08-29
Rated 5 out of
5
by
IJB59 from
Sounds Beautiful With Tidal Masters
I bought this from Sean at the Middlesbrough branch after returning a Dragonfly Black on the grounds that it didn't seem to be registering MQA when connected to Tidal Masters. He was very helpful and verified that this was indeed a "thing"! I upgraded to the Cobalt - expensive but it works (purple readout!) and everything sounds as I always wanted Hi-Fi to sound, quite beautiful.
Date published: 2021-08-17
Rated 4 out of
5
by
djfunkychicken from
Amazing clarity
I had debated for some time to upgrade from my Black DragonFly to the Cobalt. And I wasn't disappointed when I first heard the increased clarity of sound from the Cobalt. The sharper, clearer, more defined staging and musical detail makes the added cost worthwhile. My slight concern is that occasionally the sound drops off, only for a second or two, but that might well be caused by my now rather ancient laptop.
I'm looking forward to the next set I play as a local dj, and hearing the sound from the Cobalt fed into meaty speakers.
Date published: 2021-08-14
Rated 5 out of
5
by
djstorm from
Awesome piece of kit!
I got one of these to improve the output sound from my laptop into my mixer for DJing. The improvement in sound over my laptop's soundcard is breath-taking. I have also started listening to MQA master quality music on TIDAL and I'm totally hooked. I'm using Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones (with the cable), and the combination is the best I've heard. I thoroughly recommend the Dragonfly Cobalt for a perfect listening experience.
Date published: 2021-07-19
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Rob D from
Fallen in love with music on a different level.
I had seen reviews on how good this portable DAC was, but it just lights my headphones up and I couldn’t recommend it highly enough.
My music has simply come alive.
Date published: 2021-03-04
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Dibyajyoti Das from
Convenient but price tag is too high.
Great form factor and we’re plenty to power my headphones but the value proposition isn’t there. It is well built though. Service from Richer Sounds has been amazing though and when I had to call them previously and the wait time was very short. Great service.
Date published: 2021-03-03
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Mattyt1991 from
A great little thing
This just seems like a relative bargain in the weird and wonderful world of audio. I use it with Beyerdynamic Amirons and a big improvement over phone and computers and even over the headphone output on my NAD amp.
Bradley from the Plymouth store was awesome in sorting me out as well. Thanks.
Date published: 2021-03-03
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Pavel Repin from
Amazing details, high quality sound!
I bough it to pair with my phone for hi fi headphones and it sounds amazing! It's very easy to use with PC and laptop too!
Date published: 2021-03-01