The Dragonfly Cobalt is the third AudioQuest USB DAC/headphone amplifier I have bought in the past five (5) years, starting with BLACK v1.0, then to BLACK v1.5, then to RED, now to COBALT. I am thankful I have taken this "progressive" route over time as I have exhaustive first-hand experience with each Dragonfly "color" version, earned through rewarding use. If you appreciate the very best reproduction of recorded music typically delivered via a personal computer (PC) or leading-edge smartphone/portable music player to In-Ear-Monitors (IEMs) and headphones, the COBALT is a worthy 2021 "journey's end". I have spent six (6) weeks listening to the COBALT using my latest favorite IEMs (a lifelong search this is) and TIDAL Highest Fidelity subscription service. Here is the "skinny": COBALT versus RED: roughly DOUBLE the potential audio output capability for COBALT versus RED - this is not just great for 'PUNCH' - it means greater ease of delivery over a greater overall dynamic range - it is BREATHTAKING; NOTE that TIDAL software limits the COBALT's maximum audio output level to help prevent possible hearing loss; NOISE LEVEL - COBALT has no audible background noise, EVER - music arrives out of total BLACKNESS - sort of like the vacuum of space - I have been an audiophile for 45 years and have never experienced this before - a drawback to RED is it produces audible background noise - I believe still it is worth it as RED has fantastic dynamic range and you hear EVERYTHING in the recording in detail - COBALT took some getting used to as COBALT does this too but WITHOUT ANY BACKGROUND NOISE. At first I thought I was missing some detail using COBALT versus RED but my ears/brain just needed to get used to the total absence of noise and the launch of ONLY music in perfect detail in space. I am just amazed at this technology. I am experiencing hundreds of songs as if I have never heard them before. The only way I can experience "better" (approaching live music) reproduced music is to park myself in the best place to listen to a 11-channel, 11-speaker, 10,000-Audio Watt output surround sound system that cost more than 100 times as much as a COBALT to put in place. It is rarely more convenient to get the surround sound system cranked up versus using a COBALT with great IEMs. Plus, I can work at one of my PCs while listening to PERFECT SOUND. HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION!Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
pc audio jack caused deafening pops with active amp, with any movement at all (even just typing on the keyboard), warranting headphones unusable (and scary ...forget audio guidance meditations!). the cobalt's usb port connection of course solved this, but also gave me the synesthetic sensation of replacing old grungy guitar strings with shimmering brilliant new ones. same basic thing, and same noticeable difference. what's great is that this sound won't get grungy over time. if you live in your headphones like i do, you'd be investing in yourself to get a dragonfly cobalt. i'm not turning the volume up to "hear more", for instance. i'm not repeating the same songs to " hear something hidden/particular" ...bc it's all right there, and all around you. the active listening audiophile is that much more rewarded.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This is the best ultra portable DAC out there. Better than THX and all the rest. Sound quality is superior and it is also extremely easy to transport. I own several DACs and this is one of my all time favorites.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
When you really want to enjoy good music from your Smart-or iPhone without spending too much money! The Dragonfly is really a great gadget, with a rich very clean, pure crystal-clear sound. Of course you'll also need better headphones! Then you can start to fly away with the music and discover lots of details you never noticed before... Enjoy!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Great little device. Compact design makes it easy to take and use anywhere. Great power booster to drive my 28 ohm earphones.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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