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AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt - Premium USB DAC, PreAmp & Headphone Amp (What HiFi? Awards 2024) The AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt is a compact, award-winning USB DAC and headphone amplifier delivering high-resolution, natural sound from MP3 to MQA files. Perfect for audiophiles seeking exceptional clarity, power, and broad device compatibility on the go. Key Features Advanced ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip with minimum-phase slow roll-off filter for natural, expressive sound 2.1-volt output drives a wide range of headphones, including power-hungry models Bit-perfect 64-position digital volume control ensures outstanding signal-to-noise ratio and dynamic contrast Microchip PIC32MX274 microprocessor reduces power consumption and increases processing speed by 33% Improved power-supply filtering reduces noise from WiFi, Bluetooth, and cellular signals Compatible with Apple, Windows PCs, iOS (with Apple Camera Adapter), and Android devices (with DragonTail or USB adaptor) MQA rendering supports high-resolution streaming Firmware upgradeable via free Desktop Device Manager for longevity and updates Includes USB-A to USB-C DragonTail adaptor for modern device compatibility Compact design: 57.5mm x 18.6mm x 11.9mm (10% smaller than previous models) Performance and Technology The DragonFly Cobalt enhances the acclaimed DragonFly legacy by eliminating subtle distortion and noise for a clearer, more engaging listening experience. Gordon Rankin’s StreamLength® asynchronous USB transfer and monoClock® ultra-low-jitter clock technology improve digital timing integrity, delivering superior resolution and clarity. Its ESS Sabre 9601 headphone amplifier and bit-perfect volume control provide power and precision, ensuring maximum fidelity and dynamic range. Advanced power-supply filtering combats interference from wireless signals, preserving delicate musical details, especially in high-resolution audio. Specifications Status/Sample Rates Supported (LED Indicator Colours): Standby (Red), 44.1kHz (Green), 48kHz (Blue), 88.2kHz (Yellow), 96kHz (Light Blue), MQA (Purple) Volume Control: 64-position, 64-bit, bit-perfect digital (Red, Cobalt) Output Voltage: 2.1 volts (Red, Cobalt) Headphone Amp: ESS Sabre 9601 (Red, Cobalt) DAC Chip: ESS ES9038Q2M with minimum-phase slow roll-off filter (Cobalt) Microcontroller: Microchip PIC32MX274 (Cobalt) – reduces current draw and increases processing speed by 33% Dimensions: 12mm H x 19mm W x 57mm L (Cobalt) Compatibility Compatible with Apple® and Windows® PCs Compatible with iOS devices (requires Apple Camera Adapter/Connection Kit) Compatible with Android devices (requires DragonTail or other USB adaptor) What's in the Box AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt DAC/Headphone Amp DragonTail USB-A to USB-C adaptor