AudioQuest Dragonfly Cobalt USB Digital-to-Analog Converter

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AudioQuest Dragonfly Cobalt USB Digital-to-Analog Converter

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  • Official Leading Australian Dealer
  • Full Australian Manufacturers Warranty
  • Shipped with Tracking and Complimentary Insurance

With AudioQuest’s DragonFly USB DAC, your musical journey knows no bounds. Connect it to an Apple or Windows computer, or an iOS or Android mobile device. Enjoy YouTube or Vimeo videos, discover new tracks on Bandcamp or SoundCloud, and explore playlists and podcasts on Spotify, Pandora, or Deezer. Stream high-resolution audio from Tidal or Qobuz. No matter your preference, DragonFly brings out the emotional depth and nuance that make music and movies truly enjoyable. Experience naturally beautiful sound at your fingertips, whenever and however you want it. The DragonFly's LED changes color to indicate playback status or sample rate—red for standby mode and purple for MQA playback.

Plays all music files: MP3 to MQA and Hi-Res

  • Compatible with computers, tablets, streamers, and mobile devices
  • Includes DragonTail USB-C Extender Cable (iOS mobile devices require Apple Lightning-to-USB adaptor)
  • Resolution up to 24-bit / 96kHz
  • DAC Chip ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip with minimum-phase slow roll-off filter for more natural sound

DragonFly Cobalt: Improved Performance, More Beauty!

Compared to previous models, DragonFly Cobalt incorporates some important new features, including a new, more advanced ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip with a minimum-phase slow roll-off filter for more natural sound; a more sophisticated Microchip PIC32MX274 microprocessor that reduces current draw and increases processing speed by 33% over DragonFlys Black and Red; and improved power-supply filtering specifically designed to reduce the WiFi, Bluetooth, and cellular noise that plague mobile devices.

High-Performance Portable USB DAC: DragonFly Cobalt

With AudioQuest’s DragonFly USB DAC, music appreciation and exploration are limitless: Plug into an Apple or Windows computer or connect to an iOS or Android mobile device. Play YouTube or Vimeo videos. Go hunting on Bandcamp or SoundCloud. Explore playlists and podcasts on Spotify, Pandora, or Deezer. Stream high-res audio from Tidal or Qobuz. No matter the choice of sonic pleasure, DragonFly unravels the emotional expression and nuance that makes music and movies so enjoyable. Now, more than ever before, naturally beautiful sound is right at your fingertips—however you want it, whenever you want it. For easy reference, DragonFly's LED changes colour to indicate playback status or sample rate. Note: A red lens indicates that the device is in standby mode; purple indicates MQA playback.

Cobalt's precedent-setting performance is made possible by multiple significant upgrades:

  • New, more advanced ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip with a minimum-phase slow roll-off filter for more natural sound.
  • Microchip's superb PIC32MX274 microprocessor draws less current and increases processing speed by 33%.
  • Improved power-supply filtering that specifically increases immunity to WiFi, Bluetooth, and cellular noise.
  • Includes a form-fitting DragonTail female USB-A to male USB-C Adaptor.
  • All DragonTails use AQ's Carbon-level USB cable.

AudioQuest, Gordon Rankin: A Beautiful Partnership


Like all previous DragonFly models, Cobalt uses Gordon Rankin's precedent-setting StreamLength® asynchronous-transfer USB code. Further, in Gordon's monoClock® technology, a single ultra-low-jitter clock generated from the ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip runs the ESS chip functions as well as all microcontroller functions. This superior clock enables DragonFly Cobalt to provide greater resolution and clarity than DACs with multiple clocks.

*Streamlength and monoClock are registered trademarks of Wavelength Audio, ltd.

Why the "Slow Roll...?"

Cobalt employs ESS's new flagship ES9038Q2M DAC chip. While the chips used in DragonFlys Black and Red are unbeatable for the price, the minimum-phase slow roll-off filter in the 9038 results in naturally expressive sound that is always emotionally engaging and never fatiguing—a beautiful combination of warmth and detail that we find equally exciting and soothing.

Killing the Noise

In Cobalt, we've taken what we've learned from our recent research and development in noise dissipation to employ power-supply filtering specifically designed to dramatically reduce the increasingly prevalent noise from WiFi, Bluetooth, and cellular signals. Successfully combating this noise is absolutely crucial to the preservation of the lowest-level musical details, particularly when it comes to high-res audio—and especially when applied to a portable-audio device such as DragonFly.

Bit-Perfect Volume Control and 2.1-Volt Output

Cobalt features the same ESS Sabre 9601 headphone amp and bit-perfect volume control that give DragonFly Red its unique combination of power and grip over the music. This solution ensures maximum fidelity, thrilling dynamic contrast, and excellent signal-to-noise ratio. The 2.1-volt output makes Cobalt and Red compatible with a wide range of headphones, including power-hungry, low-efficiency models.

Firmware Upgradeable

DragonFlys Black, Red, and Cobalt are firmware upgradeable via our free Desktop Device Manager. In today's fast-paced digital world, longevity in a hi-fi component is increasingly rare—at any price. AudioQuest believes that today's digital devices should evolve as technology itself evolves, thereby delivering musical pleasure for many years to come. Our Desktop Device Manager will also allow you to identify your DragonFly's serial number and software version to ensure that the device is up to date. Click here to download the latest Device Manager available for your operating system.

Key Features
  • Supports all music file formats: MP3 to MQA and High-Resolution
  • Compatible with Apple® and Windows® PCs
  • Works with iOS devices (Apple Camera Adapter/Connection Kit required)
  • Compatible with Android devices (requires DragonTail or other USB Adapter for Android devices)
  • MQA Rendering capability
  • Directly drives headphones
  • Fixed output connects to a preamp or AV receiver
  • Asynchronous transfer maintains digital timing integrity
Brand AudioQuest
Warranty Australian Manufacturer Warranty
Product Dimension (H×W×D) mm 12mm x 19mm x 57mm
Need to know more about the AudioQuest Dragonfly Cobalt USB Digital-to-Analog Converter? Ask a question or Call us on 1300 859 905 or Email us using below form or Visit us at Shop 15 265 Parramatta Road (Auburn Home Megamall), AUBURN, NSW, 2144, Australia.

Refund, Return and Repair Policy

Digital Cinema strives to make every purchase a happy one.

Please read our Refund, Return Warranty Policy before making a purchase from Digital Cinema, our Outlined are Our policy on refunds, returns and repairs and your rights under the Australian Consumer Law.

Always inspect any products that we have delivered to you or that you picked up from the Digital Cinema store, to make sure you are completely satisfied with the condition of the products, including that the products are of merchantable quality.

If you have any questions about this policy, please contact our staff on 1300 859 905 or click here to email.

Change of Mind

Please choose carefully as refunds for change of mind would only be accepted with a restocking fee subject to approval. We recommend you carefully choose any products before adding them to your cart and continuing with your order. The restocking fee is 25% if approved.

Goods Damaged in Transit

If any products are delivered damaged, please contact our Customer service Staff as soon as possible. Digital Cinema will organise to have your products returned to Digital Cinema and to arrange for a replacement of your products fast. Damaged products need to be returned in the same condition received by you with all original packaging, accessories and manuals.

Digital Cinema Security Policy

Digital Cinema uses the eWAY Payment Gateway for its online credit card transactions. eWAY processes online credit card transactions for thousands of Australian merchants, providing a safe and secure means of collecting payments via the Internet.

All online credit card transactions performed on this site using the eWAY gateway are secured payments.

    • Payments are fully automated with an immediate response
    • Your complete credit card number cannot be viewed by Digital Cinema or any outside party.
    • All transactions are performed under 128 Bit SSL Certificate.
    • All transaction data is encrypted for storage within eWAYÂ’s bank-grade data centre, further protecting your credit card data.
    • eWAY is an authorised third party processor for all the major Australian banks. eWAY at no time touches your funds; all monies are directly transferred from your credit card to the merchant account held by Digital Cinema.

Delivery Charges

Digital Cinema will refund all delivery charges in the event an item has to be returned due to a fault or damage and no replacement items can be found. Delivery refund will only be approved within 14 days of purchase and all original packaging, accessories and manuals are included.

Please note that if you choose to cancel an online order before it has been dispatched and a request for refund is approved, a 1.4% fee will be applied to your refund amount. This fee covers charges that we are unable to recover from the Visa and Mastercard networks.

Consumer Guarantees and Your Rights Under the Australian Consumer Law

Refer to Consumer Guarantee laws for more information.

Refunds

Any Refunds will be made by Digital Cinema using the same method of payment used to make your purchase. Refunds will normally be processed within five (5) days.

Digital Cinema reserve the right to refund and cancel any order when the below occurs.

  • Grossly incorrect pricing has been listed by accident due to human error.
  • Items cannot be fulfilled due to stock issues.
  • The sale is considered to be fraudulent and Digital Cinema considers the fulfillment of this sale may harm Digital Cinema.

You will be contacted by email to explain why a refund has been issued and products not delivered.

Returns and Repairs

Before returning any goods please contact our service team for approval and return merchandise number 1300 859 905

You may also contact Digital Cinema on 1300 859 905 or visit the store where the items were collected. A Digital Cinema team member will help you with any return or repair. This will include inspecting the products, organising for the products to be repaired, or offering you a replacement.

Products need to be returned within a reasonable time period. This timeframe may vary from product to product and may depend on the type of product you purchased and the price you paid.

If any goods cannot be easily returned to the Digital Cinema store, due to where you are located please contact our service staff for help with logistics 1300 859 905

Products returned under warranty will be assessed and/or repaired within a reasonable time period. You will be provided with a repair time after the item is assessed. This time may vary due to reasons beyond our or the manufacturer's control, such as parts availability and incorrect fault advice given.

You may be required to pay labour, assessment or freight costs, such as where goods are assessed to have been damaged by misuse or accident, or where the goods are assessed not to be faulty. We will provide you with a cost if this case arrises.

If any electrical goods that you returned may lose settings or user saved preferences during the resetting and rebooting phases in a repair sequence.

Purchasing from Digital Cinema is an acceptance of the above policies.

If you have any questions relating to your Order, please contact us on 1300 859 905 or email customer support on [email protected].

Refund, Return and Repair Policy

Digital Cinema strives to make every purchase a happy one.

Please read our Refund, Return Warranty Policy before making a purchase from Digital Cinema, our Outlined are Our policy on refunds, returns and repairs and your rights under the Australian Consumer Law.

Always inspect any products that we have delivered to you or that you picked up from the Digital Cinema store, to make sure you are completely satisfied with the condition of the products, including that the products are of merchantable quality.

If you have any questions about this policy, please contact our staff on 1300 859 905 or click here to email.

Change of Mind

Please choose carefully as refunds for change of mind would only be accepted with a restocking fee subject to approval. We recommend you carefully choose any products before adding them to your cart and continuing with your order. The restocking fee is 25% if approved.

Goods Damaged in Transit

If any products are delivered damaged, please contact our Customer service Staff as soon as possible. Digital Cinema will organise to have your products returned to Digital Cinema and to arrange for a replacement of your products fast. Damaged products need to be returned in the same condition received by you with all original packaging, accessories and manuals.

Digital Cinema Security Policy

Digital Cinema uses the eWAY Payment Gateway for its online credit card transactions. eWAY processes online credit card transactions for thousands of Australian merchants, providing a safe and secure means of collecting payments via the Internet.

All online credit card transactions performed on this site using the eWAY gateway are secured payments.

  • Payments are fully automated with an immediate response
  • Your complete credit card number cannot be viewed by Digital Cinema or any outside party.
  • All transactions are performed under 128 Bit SSL Certificate.
  • All transaction data is encrypted for storage within eWAYÂ’s bank-grade data centre, further protecting your credit card data.
  • eWAY is an authorised third party processor for all the major Australian banks. eWAY at no time touches your funds; all monies are directly transferred from your credit card to the merchant account held by Digital Cinema.

Delivery Charges

Digital Cinema will refund all delivery charges in the event an item has to be returned due to a fault or damage and no replacement items can be found. Delivery refund will only be approved within 14 days of purchase and all original packaging, accessories and manuals are included.

Consumer Guarantees and Your Rights Under the Australian Consumer Law

Refer to Consumer Guarantee laws for more information.

Refunds

Any Refunds will be made by Digital Cinema using the same method of payment used to make your purchase. Refunds will normally be processed within five (5) days.

Digital Cinema reserve the right to refund and cancel any order when the below occurs.

  • Grossly incorrect pricing has been listed by accident due to human error.
  • Items cannot be fulfilled due to stock issues.
  • The sale is considered to be fraudulent and Digital Cinema considers the fulfillment of this sale may harm Digital Cinema.

You will be contacted by email to explain why a refund has been issued and products not delivered.

Returns and Repairs

Before returning any goods please contact our service team for approval and return merchandise number 1300 859 905

You may also contact Digital Cinema on 1300 859 905 or visit the store where the items were collected. A Digital Cinema team member will help you with any return or repair. This will include inspecting the products, organising for the products to be repaired, or offering you a replacement.

Products need to be returned within a reasonable time period. This timeframe may vary from product to product and may depend on the type of product you purchased and the price you paid.

If any goods cannot be easily returned to the Digital Cinema store, due to where you are located please contact our service staff for help with logistics 1300 859 905

Products returned under warranty will be assessed and/or repaired within a reasonable time period. You will be provided with a repair time after the item is assessed. This time may vary due to reasons beyond our or the manufacturer's control, such as parts availability and incorrect fault advice given.

You may be required to pay labour, assessment or freight costs, such as where goods are assessed to have been damaged by misuse or accident, or where the goods are assessed not to be faulty. We will provide you with a cost if this case arrises.

If any electrical goods that you returned may lose settings or user-saved preferences during the resetting and rebooting phases in a repair sequence.

Please note that if you choose to cancel an online order before it has been dispatched and a request for refund is approved, a 1.4% fee will be applied to your refund amount. This fee covers charges that we are unable to recover from the Visa and Mastercard networks.

Thank you for your understanding.

Purchasing from Digital Cinema is an acceptance of the above policies.

If you have any questions relating to your Order, please contact us on 1300 859 905 or email customer support on [email protected].