AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt (Cobalt) is rated
out of
5 by
245.
AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt (Cobalt)
USB DAC/Headphone Amp
£179
Disabled assistance
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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
So good, that having one wasn't enough!
I bought one of these 3 months ago and was thoroughly impressed how good it was.
(I reviewed it back then).
I let my son try it out, and I lost it to him there and then!
He uses it on his Windows PC and iPad and really likes it with his Austrian Audio headphones.
So, I had to get a replacement! I didn't mind really and was half expecting that reaction from him.
I use mine on my Windows PC and my mobile phone to enjoy much better audio on this amplified DAC. You don't appreciate how good this device is until you try it for yourself.
It's a game changer and a vast improvement on the existing output your devices are pumping out. I've noticed that there is a range of 'Dragon's Tail' adapter connectors to plug into the USB plug, so you can hook this brilliant device up to most format plug connectors, making it even more versatile.
Date published: 2024-03-18
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Esj20 from
Excellent service
I visited your shop in Edinburgh for advice on a headphone amp/DAC and a feedback problem through my turntable.
After some sound advice I bought the Dragonfly Cobalt and project phono pre amp. The Dragonfly Cobalt has opened up the sound through my GRADO’s and no more feedback on my turntable.
Many thanks for your sound advice.
Date published: 2024-03-13
Rated 4 out of
5
by
MGTS24 from
Great sound for the price
I just received this, and it's replacing a Dragonfly Black that went missing. It's also replacing in my system an older different brand of DAC that had a static noise problem . I'm really happy with the sound of the Dragonfly Red and would happily recommend it.
Date published: 2024-02-02
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Bluegrass from
Feeling Blue
Was not expecting this wow! being honest i was not prepared for what came out of my headphones OMG, normally listen from laptop direct to headphones, slightly sceptical but introduce the cobalt DAC and wow spent five hours listening to known music what a revelation , this is outstanding yes i was sceptical but no fears worth every penny, amazed at such a tiny item could make such a difference, cant stop more music to listen too
Date published: 2024-01-24
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Nick PB from
Just what I was looking for
Having dipped my toes in the water with some Ifi Dac and amp, I wanted to see if I could make my Grado 325 headphones sound even better, and if my ears were worthy of an upgrade. The Cobalt is sublime and deserves all the credit it gets. Very musical, spacious, lively and enjoyable sound which really draws you into the emotional atmosphere of all kinds of music. Absolutely wonderful experience
Date published: 2024-01-07
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Eddie The Ead from
Amazing!
Pound for pound, probably the best music related purchase I've ever made. I bought The Dragonfly Red to upscale my listening on YouTube and the difference is night and day! Pair it up with some good quality headphones (Beyerdynamic DT770 in my case) and prepare to have your whole listening experience transformed! I've had in daily use for the best part of 6 years now and its performance has been exemplary! I won't hesitate to be straight in for another if and when this one fails. 10/10 all day long!!
Date published: 2023-12-17
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Nickofw from
Transformational!
This small device will transform the sound from even the most basic pair of iEMs. I'd never heard what a DAC could potentially do and, with the help of Richer Sounds's current price reduction, I decided to take the plunge and enter the world of DACs! I'm so glad I did. Mine is connected to an iPhone 14 Pro Max, running Apple Music. Even with a very old set of Sennheiser iEMs the sound produced is really special. I know that sound is very subjective but to me, it's not just 'slightly better' but day and night different! I've recently upgraded the iEMS to the Sennheiser iE600 and the sound is astonishingly good. I anticipate this will be even better once the buds are 'burnt in'. So, do I recommend this product? Yes - absolutely. Lastly, the service from Richer Sounds (Newcastle) was as anticipated - top notch.
Date published: 2023-12-10
Rated 4 out of
5
by
beach24 from
Real step up in quality of sound
The difference in quality between listening to music without the small Dragonfly Red and with the Dragonfly Red plugged in, is really noticeable. The DAC is small and very portable, and works well with an iPhone (using a camera data adaptor).
Date published: 2023-12-04
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