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AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt (Cobalt) is rated
out of
5 by
237.
AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt (Cobalt)
USB DAC/Headphone Amp
£179
Disabled assistance
All products that are available to purchase on the Richer Sounds website can be delivered free to blind, partially sighted or those with a disability. Find out more
Please contact web after sales for more info.
For delivery of in-store only deals, please contact your local store for more details.
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.
Disabled assistance
All products that are available to purchase on the Richer Sounds website can be delivered free to blind, partially sighted or those with a disability. Find out more
Please contact web after sales for more info.
For delivery of in-store only deals, please contact your local store for more details.
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.
”A dinky USB DAC that's still best in class.” ’What Hi-Fi?’ 2023 award-winner.
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.
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
2 years
Features
DAC
ESS ES9038Q2M
Dimensions
Dimensions WxHxD (mm)
58 x 19 x 12
Accessories
Included Cables
DragonTail USB C - USB A Convertor
Make the most of your DAC. View our hottest deals on interconnects.
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Timbo_1963 from
Superb Hifi sound out of a mobile phone!
I bought a Dragonfly Cobalt just a few days ago on recomendation from a friend, who just bought one for himself a short while ago.
He commutes to and from work and listens to music and podcasts a great deal, where I am now retired and usually have little need to listen to music or such on the move.
However, this preamp/dac can be connected to a PC or laptop which makes this device very interesting!
I doubted that music could sound any good on a mobile phone. I was very wrong and super impressed how good this tiny USB plugable device is.
I have a pair of pretty decent of Austrian Audio Hi-X65 headphones and these phones will pick up on any fault or unwanted noise in the sound. The sound is clear, rich sounding, faultless, lively and dynamic.
The preamp can play at very loud volumes and can drive most if not all headphones with ease. The device does not overly drain power from you phone's battery either.
I have a mobile with a headphone socket still and a comparison test is like comparing the difference between chalk and cheese.
I will certainly consider using my phone as a music player more in future. This device does really enable your mobile phone to sound like a genuine piece of Hifi equipment.
I highly recommend it!
Date published: 2023-11-22
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Anonymous from
Dragonfly Cobalt
This just sounds brilliant and worked right away when plugged in. I had the first Dragonfly DAC. The Black one. This also sounded great but the USB Connector on my one became faulty and crackled, and you have to press it up to one side to make the contacts work. It Still works, but the new one with the dragons tail extender is much better. and is brilliant.
Date published: 2023-11-13
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Theperryman from
Dragonfly
Should be renamed Dragonfire!! such is the power of this little DAC, probably the best investment I've ever made.Laptop, phone and Walkman all sound 100% better and thanks to Richer Sounds for super fast delivery and best price anywhere.
Date published: 2023-11-08
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Petavius from
Excellent product
Very greatly improves sound on Bose headphones from phone/tablet
Date published: 2023-10-23
Rated 5 out of
5
by
BJSnapper from
Worthwhile sound improvement.
Definitely more clarity and "bounce" in the music now. Great with my home PC and iphone.
Worth the money.
Date published: 2023-10-05
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Diane274 from
Great upgrade
I bought this recently after much deliberation as I have the red one. I’ve tried it on my laptop with shure headphones and it sounds impeccable. You can just about hear the artist breathing and you can hear every note. I will also be using it on my phone.
Date published: 2023-08-22
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Chatham from
Well worth it.
Great difference to the sound, and superb stereo separation too. Very pleased I made the purchase.
Date published: 2023-08-09
Rated 5 out of
5
by
PBB64 from
AudioQuest Dragonfly Cobalt Invoice
Fantastic product at a great price (got an extra £10 off by joining their VIP Club at no cost to me).
Date published: 2023-08-07
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