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AudioQuest - DragonFly Red USB DAC/Headphone Amplifier

4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 4,255 ratings

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Red
Compatible Devices Headphone, Cellular Phones
Specific Uses For Product Amplifier,Camera
Connector Type USB Type A
Color Red
Item Dimensions LxWxH 2.44 x 0.75 x 0.47 inches

About this item

  • 32-Bit SABRE DAC
  • 2.1v Output Drives Almost Any Headphones
  • Works With Apple and Android devices when paired with a simple adapter
  • Plays everything from MP3s to 24-bit/96kHz high-resolution files
  • This versatile DAC improves everything – detail transparency immediacy richness tone
  • Connector type: USB Type A

Product details

  • Is Discontinued By Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ No
  • Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 2.44 x 0.75 x 0.47 inches; 3.5 ounces
  • Item model number ‏ : ‎ Dragonfly Red
  • Date First Available ‏ : ‎ March 25, 2016
  • Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ AUDIOQUEST
  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01DFMV4NQ
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 4,255 ratings

Product Description

Dragonfly
Dragonfly Red

Audioquest
Outstanding Performance, Exceptional Value

AudioQuest, headquartered in Irvine, California, is a leading manufacturer and distributor of high-performance audio/video products and custom-install solutions, all meticulously designed to deliver outstanding performance and exceptional value.

Audioquest DragonFly Red v1.0 USB Digital-to-Analog Converter

Combining award-winning performance and exceptional value, DragonFly Red is a portable, plug-and-play USB DAC (digital-to-analog converter), preamp, and headphone amp that connects to laptops, tablets, and smartphones to deliver clean, clear, naturally beautiful sound to headphones, powered speakers, or complete audio systems. While DragonFly can natively decode resolutions up to 24-bit/96kHz, it can play any file type regardless of resolution, from MP3 to MQA and Hi-Res.

  • Plays all music files: MP3 to high-res
  • Compatible with Apple and Windows PCs, as well as iOS and Android mobile devices (requires Apple Camera Adapter or Made for Android/OTG adaptor)
  • Drives headphones directly
  • Fixed output feeds preamp or AV receiver
  • Asynchronous transfer ensures digital timing integrity
  • High output (2.1 volts) drives almost all headphones, including power-hungry models
  • 32-bit ESS 9016 DAC with minimum-phase filter
  • Bit-perfect digital volume control
Dragonfly

The Next Generation: Dragonfly Black & Dragonfly Red

With DragonFly Black and Red, any computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone can be used as a true high-fidelity music player, allowing music lovers to enjoy beautiful sound wherever they go, whenever they please.

Black Red Cobalt
AudioQuest DragonFly Black USB DAC + Preamp + Headphone Amp AudioQuest DragonFly Red USB DAC + Preamp + Headphone Amp AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt USB DAC + Preamp + Headphone Amp
Customer Reviews
4.4 out of 5 stars
4,255
4.4 out of 5 stars
4,255
4.4 out of 5 stars
4,255
Native Resolution Up to 24-bit / 96kHz Up to 24-bit / 96kHz Up to 24-bit / 96kHz
Output 1.2 volts 2.1 volts 2.1 volts
DAC Chip ESS ES9010 with minimum-phase fast roll-off filter ESS ES9016 with minimum-phase fast roll-off filter ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip with minimum-phase slow roll-off filter for more natural sound
Volume Control Analog Volume Control Digital: 64-Bit Bit-Perfect Volume Control Digital: 64-Bit Bit-Perfect Volume Control
Desktop Compatibility Windows 7 and later; Apple 10.6.8 and later; Linux (no tech support provided) Windows 7 and later; Apple 10.6.8 and later; Linux (no tech support provided) Windows 7 and later; Apple 10.6.8 and later; Linux (no tech support provided)
Mobile Compatibility Apple iOS 5 and later; Android 5.0 and later. For Android devices, see owner's manual Apple iOS 5 and later; Android 5.0 and later. For Android devices, see owner's manual Apple iOS 5 and later; Android 5.0 and later. For Android devices, see owner's manual
Dimensions 62mm (l) x 19mm (w) x 12mm (h) 62mm (l) x 19mm (w) x 12mm (h) 57mm (l) x 19mm (w) x 12mm (h)
Enclosure and Accessories Black soft-touch finish with gold lettering; Protective endcap; Leatherette travel pouch Red automotive finish with gold lettering; Protective endcap; Leatherette travel pouch Cobalt blue automotive finish with silver lettering; Protective endcap; Contoured enclosure; Leatherette travel pouch; DragonTail USB-C adaptor

What's in the box

  • Dac and Packaging
  • Looking for specific info?

    Customer reviews

    4.4 out of 5 stars
    4.4 out of 5
    4,255 global ratings

    Customers say

    Customers like the sound quality, performance, value, detail, and portability of the electronic signal converter. For example, they mention that it works really well for increasing the audio level of their vehicle's sound system, it's well worth the price, and that it'll make music more clear and spacious. That said, some complain about the portability.

    AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

    648 customers mention499 positive149 negative

    Customers like the sound quality of the electronic signal converter. They say it has a great sound, with better defined bass and clearer mids. The sound stage just went huge, making the music more clear and spacious. Customers also say the detail, clarity, and body of the music is incredible. They appreciate the rich, full tone, and balanced bass. They mention that instruments and voices sound more realistic. Overall, customers find the product to be an appropriate compromise for hi-res music and to enhance their listening experience.

    "...haven't read up on Roon I'd highly recommend it --- it allows you to play higher res tracks on your Mac computer...it's a lot more fun/intuitive/..." Read more

    "...Even on a cheap pair of headphones, the sound will definitely be more crisp, but on a nice pair of headphones, the sound is more crisp AND you can..." Read more

    "...I'm absolutely impressed by the improvement in the sound. The instruments are sharper, clearer, more musical...." Read more

    "...the Dragonfly Cobalt and its ability to enhance your listening experience are overwhelmingly positive, so you can certainly look up any of those..." Read more

    206 customers mention150 positive56 negative

    Customers like the performance of the electronic signal converter. They say it works well for increasing the audio level of their vehicle's sound system, and as a headphone amp. It's portable and works well with computers and mobile devices. Some mention that it does a better job driving things like the HD650.

    "...It is fun and pleasant to listen to. It may be the best option for good sound quality out of the iPhone...." Read more

    "...it turns out, the sound from Apple’s $9 dongle is pretty respectable on low-impedance headphones. That’s the key...." Read more

    "...Without, I found that the bass guitar disappears into the drums...sometimes you'd hear it, and sometimes you wouldn't (would just be sort of muddy)...." Read more

    "...well the new df black and red play really nice with mobile devices. I'm an android user, and using the black couldn't be easier...." Read more

    202 customers mention154 positive48 negative

    Customers like the value of the electronic signal converter. They mention that it's well worth the price, has a superior quality to cost ratio, and is an affordable upgrade. Some say that it is a very inexpensive way to get audiophile quality sound. Overall, customers are happy with their purchase and recommend it to others.

    "...BOTTOM LINE: Sound is superb. Value is great. The care they put into the booklet + add-ins are nice surprises. Convenience is top notch...." Read more

    "...Pros- great enhanced, clean and power sound- built well- extremely portableCons-..." Read more

    "...Is it good value for money? YES! I am lucky to own a pair of open Grado PS500e (astounding headphones)...." Read more

    "...Now for the catch. This is objectively not a great DAC. It is not good enough for critical listening...." Read more

    150 customers mention143 positive7 negative

    Customers are impressed with the detail of the electronic signal converter. They say it's clearer in nature, with subtle but audible details. They also mention that the highs are much higher and crisper, the mids are a little clearer, and the presentation is exceptionally smooth. Overall, customers are happy with the clarity and capability of the product.

    "...And Red is 1/3 the cost, firmware upgradeable, much more discreet/portable and never requires charging..." Read more

    "...itself is literally just the size of a thumb drive and is actually pretty stylish...." Read more

    "...It is not good enough for critical listening. Detail is good but not complete, and there are subtle but audible digital artifacts in the sound...." Read more

    "...These are a nice, efficient set of cans with bloated bass, but beautiful midrange and good highs...." Read more

    140 customers mention125 positive15 negative

    Customers like the portability of the electronic signal converter. They say it's compact, easy to keep in your pocket, and simple to use. The size makes it extremely versatile, and the slim profile makes it easy to take with you.

    "...And Red is 1/3 the cost, firmware upgradeable, much more discreet/portable and never requires charging..." Read more

    "...I use this literally every single day. Super tiny and portable...." Read more

    "...speak for the Cobalt version (Blue), but these inline dacs are made for portability, louder, and better sound - which they do. Where these..." Read more

    "...It's portable, extremely so, but your phone can't be jostled much at all without disconnecting the device...." Read more

    78 customers mention61 positive17 negative

    Customers like the ease of use of the electronic signal converter. They say it is very simple to use, set up, and install. Some appreciate the compact design and the compatibility with their iPhone. Overall, most are happy with the ease and convenience of use.

    "...Convenience is top notch. And the fact that it is pretty future-proof (they designed it to accommodate firmware updates) is great...." Read more

    "...The Dragonfly was easy to set up, requires no separate charging, and most importantly still works...." Read more

    "...(and red) is an excellent product that delivers excellent sound and ease of use. in my opinion, this is a must have for mobile users." Read more

    "...Yes, the Dragonfly can be a worthwhile investment, but it takes a lot of effort. I don’t think my situation is very unusual...." Read more

    137 customers mention88 positive49 negative

    Customers are mixed about the durability of the electronic signal converter. Some mention it has a much better build quality, and can put really high quality source material on your iPhone. They appreciate the incredible finish and construction, and the small carrying pouch included. That said, others say that it's fragile, may break in the future, and chips off easily.

    "...Convenience is top notch. And the fact that it is pretty future-proof (they designed it to accommodate firmware updates) is great...." Read more

    "...it's a tad warmer sounding than the odac, and not quite as refined...." Read more

    "...Spotify, Podcasts or rip your own, I can say that there is noticeable quality difference, regardless of of the bitrate quality of the rip...." Read more

    "I had the Dragonfly Black, which I found added a delightful quality to the music I play from my desktop...." Read more

    126 customers mention81 positive45 negative

    Customers are mixed about the quality of the DAC. Some mention it's an excellent DAC, making a major improvement in audio quality over built-in DAC/amp. They say it'll be bouncing off the walls, and a true hi-fi upgrade. Others say that it can only play music with sample rates up to 96kHz, and that the connection would break. Some customers also mention that the DA can only handle 250 ohm headphones, and does not handle them well.

    "...Value is great. The care they put into the booklet + add-ins are nice surprises. Convenience is top notch...." Read more

    "...The other 80% will sound awful because the recordings aren’t good and now you can clearly hear how bad they are...." Read more

    "...Positives first: this is a very good DAC for use with an iPhone. The sound beats what you get with high-end wireless earbuds (Sony WF-1000XM4)...." Read more

    "Excellent dac/amp for on the go listening...." Read more

    Enjoy great sound + scoff at those who take out 2nd mortgages to pay for their gear
    5 Stars
    Enjoy great sound + scoff at those who take out 2nd mortgages to pay for their gear
    I discovered the audiophile world (or rabbit hole, depending on who you ask) several months ago, and have enjoyed trying various headphones + DACs/AMPs + hi-res tracks over that time. My goal is to (1) find combinations I like and stick with them vs endlessly salivating over things I don't own, (2) find good values that fit my lifestyle and make common sense (e.g. no telling my kids they can't go to college because I need new headphones, but also not fooling myself into thinking a $20 pair will somehow sound summit-fi) and (3) never become the guy who uses snooty "audio sommelier" terms I read all too often on message boards.In the DAC/AMP world I've already gone through the Fiio Q1 (was fine, but didn't really do much for me) and the OPPO HA-2 (looked super slick -- made everything louder -- but ultimately was too harsh/sterile in the treble dept). I've lusted over the Chord Mojo for quite some time and would love to listen to it. I have no doubt it sounds great! But my fear is that it won't sound "$600 great" to me (see point #2 above). And then I stumbled across the Darko review of this new Red just a few weeks ago and knew I had to try it.I'm playing it through an iPhone 5s connected via the Apple CCK (using Onkyo HF Player), an iPod Touch 6th Gen (through Korg's iAudioGate) and also through my Macbook Air (using Roon). Set-up is super duper quick and intuitive. Audioquest did a really nice job in including a detailed booklet written for the layperson, telling you everything you'd need to know (and why, which is sort of cool in the audio world -- too many companies treat you like you've already got a Master's Degree in HiFi Audio). Extra bonus: Audioquest ALSO threw in a nice travel pouch + a coupon voucher to HDtracks + a 60-day complimentary trial to Roon (this is super nice, as the trial period from Roon themselves is just 14 days). If you haven't read up on Roon I'd highly recommend it --- it allows you to play higher res tracks on your Mac computer...it's a lot more fun/intuitive/exploratory than the native iTunes player...it integrates with Tidal...and it absolutely makes your music sound better. Same thing with Onkyo HF Player for your iPhone.At any rate, let's cut to the chase. How does the Red sound? Quite good -- IF (1) you have good headphones, and (2) you're taking advantage of better sources (like the players I described above). If you don't do any of that, it will make your music sound louder but not necessarily a lot better. I'm using HIFIMAN HE400s, which are great reviewed/open style/planar magnetic headphones. They're efficient already so don't necessarily need an amp, but most everything sounds better with an amp. Anyway, if you're curious how exactly the sound improves with the Red, here's my best way to explain it: more full, and more realistic. Picture a comb -- imagine that this is a visual representation of your music without a DAC/AMP. Now, imagine that all those tiny spaces between the teeth of the comb get filled in -- this is the DAC/AMP going to work. It feels like it fills in gaps/missing info/details you didn't realize were there, so overall everything sounds a little louder/clearer/lusher/more realistic/more enjoyable. There's more bottom end to kick drums...more "plucking" you can sense on guitars and bass notes...more snap on snare drums...and little things like hi-hat cymbals suddenly sound real, vs a digital copy of what's real (if that makes sense). Also, there's more separation between instruments, creating the "space" that you read about, so it feels like you're in the studio surrounded by musicians rather than just being presented a wall of sound. I did an A/B test of a rock song I'm familiar with, listening to identical sections with and without the Red. Without, I found that the bass guitar disappears into the drums...sometimes you'd hear it, and sometimes you wouldn't (would just be sort of muddy). But with the red, there is a distinct bass guitar playing alongside a distinct drummer playing.Don't get me wrong -- the overall effect is not a massive night/day difference that bowls you over -- so don't go in expecting that or you'll be disappointed. Instead, if you take the time to get good copies of music + good headphones + good sources, then you WILL take notice of the improvement and enjoy the positive contributions the Dragonfly brings and you'll want to listen to more of your music. Also, geeky cool thing that's actually helpful: the dragon on the device glows and changes colors, to tell you what sample rate your music is.BOTTOM LINE: Sound is superb. Value is great. The care they put into the booklet + add-ins are nice surprises. Convenience is top notch. And the fact that it is pretty future-proof (they designed it to accommodate firmware updates) is great. If any of the above describes your philosophy, I think you'll really enjoy it.---------UPDATE 1 MONTH LATER: I was going to be eternally curious about the CHORD Mojo, so I went ahead and decided to audition that as well. I spent about a week with it, and my 100% honest-to-goodness takeaway was: I personally could not hear an audible difference between the DragonFly Red and the Mojo. They both make my music sound better, but neither one is better at making it sound better (to my ears, anyway).I'm sure there are measurements or tests or something that prove Mojo "wins"...but I couldn't pick up on it. I have no clue if that's because there IS no discernible difference between the two, or my equipment isn't good enough to reveal that difference (although I use Hifiman HE-400s, Westone W30 and Audeze Sine, all of which is a far cry from entry level gear) or my ears just aren't "golden" enough to tell. Who knows - I'm sure others swear they can tell one from the other. At any rate, Mojo definitely sounded great....but so does Red. And Red is 1/3 the cost, firmware upgradeable, much more discreet/portable and never requires charging (I already had one annoying instance where I sat down to listen to music, but Mojo's battery died 10 minutes later and had to be recharged for 3 hours). Thus, I returned Mojo and am keeping the Red.
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    Top reviews from the United States

    Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2016
    Customer image
    5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoy great sound + scoff at those who take out 2nd mortgages to pay for their gear
    Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2016
    I discovered the audiophile world (or rabbit hole, depending on who you ask) several months ago, and have enjoyed trying various headphones + DACs/AMPs + hi-res tracks over that time. My goal is to (1) find combinations I like and stick with them vs endlessly salivating over things I don't own, (2) find good values that fit my lifestyle and make common sense (e.g. no telling my kids they can't go to college because I need new headphones, but also not fooling myself into thinking a $20 pair will somehow sound summit-fi) and (3) never become the guy who uses snooty "audio sommelier" terms I read all too often on message boards.

    In the DAC/AMP world I've already gone through the Fiio Q1 (was fine, but didn't really do much for me) and the OPPO HA-2 (looked super slick -- made everything louder -- but ultimately was too harsh/sterile in the treble dept). I've lusted over the Chord Mojo for quite some time and would love to listen to it. I have no doubt it sounds great! But my fear is that it won't sound "$600 great" to me (see point #2 above). And then I stumbled across the Darko review of this new Red just a few weeks ago and knew I had to try it.

    I'm playing it through an iPhone 5s connected via the Apple CCK (using Onkyo HF Player), an iPod Touch 6th Gen (through Korg's iAudioGate) and also through my Macbook Air (using Roon). Set-up is super duper quick and intuitive. Audioquest did a really nice job in including a detailed booklet written for the layperson, telling you everything you'd need to know (and why, which is sort of cool in the audio world -- too many companies treat you like you've already got a Master's Degree in HiFi Audio). Extra bonus: Audioquest ALSO threw in a nice travel pouch + a coupon voucher to HDtracks + a 60-day complimentary trial to Roon (this is super nice, as the trial period from Roon themselves is just 14 days). If you haven't read up on Roon I'd highly recommend it --- it allows you to play higher res tracks on your Mac computer...it's a lot more fun/intuitive/exploratory than the native iTunes player...it integrates with Tidal...and it absolutely makes your music sound better. Same thing with Onkyo HF Player for your iPhone.

    At any rate, let's cut to the chase. How does the Red sound? Quite good -- IF (1) you have good headphones, and (2) you're taking advantage of better sources (like the players I described above). If you don't do any of that, it will make your music sound louder but not necessarily a lot better. I'm using HIFIMAN HE400s, which are great reviewed/open style/planar magnetic headphones. They're efficient already so don't necessarily need an amp, but most everything sounds better with an amp. Anyway, if you're curious how exactly the sound improves with the Red, here's my best way to explain it: more full, and more realistic. Picture a comb -- imagine that this is a visual representation of your music without a DAC/AMP. Now, imagine that all those tiny spaces between the teeth of the comb get filled in -- this is the DAC/AMP going to work. It feels like it fills in gaps/missing info/details you didn't realize were there, so overall everything sounds a little louder/clearer/lusher/more realistic/more enjoyable. There's more bottom end to kick drums...more "plucking" you can sense on guitars and bass notes...more snap on snare drums...and little things like hi-hat cymbals suddenly sound real, vs a digital copy of what's real (if that makes sense). Also, there's more separation between instruments, creating the "space" that you read about, so it feels like you're in the studio surrounded by musicians rather than just being presented a wall of sound. I did an A/B test of a rock song I'm familiar with, listening to identical sections with and without the Red. Without, I found that the bass guitar disappears into the drums...sometimes you'd hear it, and sometimes you wouldn't (would just be sort of muddy). But with the red, there is a distinct bass guitar playing alongside a distinct drummer playing.

    Don't get me wrong -- the overall effect is not a massive night/day difference that bowls you over -- so don't go in expecting that or you'll be disappointed. Instead, if you take the time to get good copies of music + good headphones + good sources, then you WILL take notice of the improvement and enjoy the positive contributions the Dragonfly brings and you'll want to listen to more of your music. Also, geeky cool thing that's actually helpful: the dragon on the device glows and changes colors, to tell you what sample rate your music is.

    BOTTOM LINE: Sound is superb. Value is great. The care they put into the booklet + add-ins are nice surprises. Convenience is top notch. And the fact that it is pretty future-proof (they designed it to accommodate firmware updates) is great. If any of the above describes your philosophy, I think you'll really enjoy it.

    ---------
    UPDATE 1 MONTH LATER: I was going to be eternally curious about the CHORD Mojo, so I went ahead and decided to audition that as well. I spent about a week with it, and my 100% honest-to-goodness takeaway was: I personally could not hear an audible difference between the DragonFly Red and the Mojo. They both make my music sound better, but neither one is better at making it sound better (to my ears, anyway).

    I'm sure there are measurements or tests or something that prove Mojo "wins"...but I couldn't pick up on it. I have no clue if that's because there IS no discernible difference between the two, or my equipment isn't good enough to reveal that difference (although I use Hifiman HE-400s, Westone W30 and Audeze Sine, all of which is a far cry from entry level gear) or my ears just aren't "golden" enough to tell. Who knows - I'm sure others swear they can tell one from the other. At any rate, Mojo definitely sounded great....but so does Red. And Red is 1/3 the cost, firmware upgradeable, much more discreet/portable and never requires charging (I already had one annoying instance where I sat down to listen to music, but Mojo's battery died 10 minutes later and had to be recharged for 3 hours). Thus, I returned Mojo and am keeping the Red.
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    Reviewed in the United States on September 23, 2016
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    Top reviews from other countries

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