It looks sensational !!! Sonus faber Presents a Discussion of Their Lumina Family of Passive Loudspeakers, Palladio Architectural Series, and Gravis Subwoofers! (Cobalt is a MQA-enabled-renderer product, so it ‘reveals’ the full MQA when paired with an MQA core decoder, like the Tidal app) Sony SA-Z1 nearfield active speaker system, Gramophone Dreams #46: Decware Zen Triode Amplifier, Wilson Audio Specialties SabrinaX loudspeaker, Pass Laboratories XP-32 line preamplifier, Counterpoint Natural Progression NPS-400 power amplifier, The FTC Proposes Eliminating Its "Amplifier Rule", Acoustic Geometry Room treatments (before & after), My current and likely the last home audio setup, Recording of February 2021: Newvelle Records Season Five, Recommended Components: Fall 2020 Edition. The degree of miniaturization is incredible. Nice external form where portability is emphasized. Dragonfly fly by my window Contoured enclosure measures just 2.26” x 0.73” x 0.47” (57.5mm x 18.6mm x 11.9mm), making the latest DragonFly 10% smaller than its predecessors. Love to win it and compared to my Red DragonFly. A first step into "hi"-fi would be super nice--I'd pair it with a 6XX for sure. I love my Dragonfly red with Nightowl combo so much! The DragonFly sounded alive, as if I was within the music, while the ZuperDAC sounded flat and lifeless as if I was a distracted observer from the outside. Meanwhile, even the most experienced audiophiles were compelled to reexamine long-held notions of what a DAC could and should be. Headphone DAC Supertest : DragonFly Cobalt. I own a Dragonfly Black and I'd love to win the cobalt version! Usb digital-to-analog converter (13 pages) Media Converter AudioQuest Beetle User Manual. New ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip with minimum-phase slow roll-off filter for more natural sound New Microchip 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 this thing has to be a respectable Audiophile device if the Editor of the World's most Authoritative Audiophile Journal owns one. Then, enter a username and a valid e-mail address, and click on the "Create new account" button. Includes AudioQuest's new DragonTail USB-A (female) to USB-C (male) adaptor to easily accommodate the increasing number of electronic devices that feature USB-C ports. i was eyeing the red but hey would be nice, thanks! Can't wait to hook it up to my mobile phone and MacBook! AudioQuest Dragonfly Cobalt USB Digital-to-Analog Converter USB C adaptor (dragon tail) is included Native Resolution up to 24-bit / 96kHz DAC Chip ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip with minimum-phase slow roll-off filter for more natural sound … Other than the color, the only external difference between the Cobalt and the Red is that the contoured enclosure is 10% smaller and doesn't have the earlier DAC's distinctive ridge above and behind the 3.5mm jack. Great article, good luck to all...but mostly to me! The AudioQuest site has no details as yet of this dac/headphone amp. In terms of fundamental functionality, we’re pleased to report little has changed since then. The thought of even better sound from both my Mac and iPhone is quite exciting! For so many casual enthusiasts who had never previously considered the possibility of improving their digital-audio experience, DragonFly was nothing short of a revelation. Sidebar 3: Measurements I measured the AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt with my Audio Precision SYS2722 system (see the January 2008 "As We See It"). 1 … Go to page. Love to see there's another one coming! Play YouTube or Vimeo videos. It's the only bug I won't swat. Watch; W 2 6 L S p 5 0 o n O s o O A r e 3 d. AudioQuest Dragonfly Cobalt USB Digital-to-Analog Converter. De Dragonfly Cobalt gaat toch wel een serieuze stap verder dan de Red die ook niet misselijk is. It's been a while since Stereophile had a contest. Like the critically acclaimed DragonFly Red, Cobalt has the robust 2.1-volt output to drive almost any headphone, uses a bit-perfect digital volume control for outstanding signal-to-noise ratio, enables seamless compatibility with Apple and Android devices, and is an exceptionally competent and affordable MQA renderer. Best regard This is a DC-coupled, unity-gain device and runs off a single positive voltage rail. At about $150 each I would like to see how they compare as they are both I/O devices with built in Mic Preamps. Thanks :). I'd love to have this one and compare it to my Meridian. Keep it up, Audioquest! Have red, is great. Microchip's superb PIC32MX274 microprocessor draws less current and increases processing speed by 33%. The first 10,000 units of DragonFly Cobalt will come packaged with vouchers for trial subscriptions to the outstanding Tidal and Qobuz music-streaming services. Isn't she lovely ;). 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. Thank you. Thanks to John Darko for reviewing this DAC. Would love to experience the flexebility Dragonfly offers. Echter: de ESS 9038Q2M dac, snellere controller chip en algeheel betere hardware, maakt dat de Cobalt gewoon weer wat fijner speelt. Have needed a worthy DAC to pair with my phone. This would be my entry into the DAC world - would be awesome. All three DragonFlys feature Gordon Rankin's StreamLength asynchronous USB code, which allows the DAC chip to control the conversion timing of the samples fed via the USB bus, reducing word-clock jitter. I love my DragonFly! In one case the Device led my recipient to purchase a record player. I use the Cobalt with my KZ-ZSX headset and for feeding my NAD C325BEE from my Macbook Air (yes I'm doing that) and in … I would love to see how they improved on the design. About DragonFly Cobalt. An update from my original Dragonfly would be a most welcome contest prize. Steve Guttenberg July 20, 2019 6:57 a.m. PT The ZuperDAC is useful and decent for the price, but it simply pales in comparison to the DragonFly Cobalt. Having a portable dac would amazing to have! How is this possible? Looking forward to upgrading this over my Dragonfly Red! I wish I can hear it. Have the Dragonfly 1.2 so would love to hear the difference in the latest version. I've heard a lot of good things about it from Darko Audio YT channel. I'd be interested to see how much better this one is. Go hunting on Bandcamp or SoundCloud. I really want to win this so that I can review it from a user's perspective. Like the critically acclaimed DragonFly Red, Cobalt has the robust 2.1-volt output to drive almost any headphone, uses a bit-perfect digital volume control for outstanding signal-to-noise ratio, enables seamless compatibility with Apple and Android devices, and is an exceptionally competent and affordable MQA Renderer. My mobile audio needs this upgrade! Cobalt takes what music lovers around the world have come to expect from the multi-award-winning DragonFly family— naturally beautiful, seductive sound —and strips away fuzz and fog that weren’t even noticeable until Cobalt removed them. But this was not audible to the reviewer. The Cobalt clearly revealed the elaborate interplay between the two lead violas in the Concerto's final movement without shining a spotlight on the sound. This might get me listening to my headphones again. BAM ..i'm in...Thanks. Perfect timing. Then, when the sweepstakes closes, a lucky commenter will be chosen at random to receive the prize. The people, I gift, are not Audiophiles but won't listen without the Dragonfly plugged in. Sonus faber Presents a Discussion of Their Lumina Family of Passive Loudspeakers, Palladio Architectural Series, and Gravis Subwoofers! The Cobalt has a 64 position volume control that gives it good range but for me it lacks a bit of volume on some full sized cans. Then just a few minutes ago, I heard news about the Dragonfly Cobalt. AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt – Luisteren deel 1. AudioQuest has today announced the DragonFly Cobalt (US$299/€299/£269). ( our people are buying and showing new headphones, constantly, it's exciting ), Overall, I'd say and think that these Dragonflys are probably "Gateway" devices to Audiophile "leanings", it presents music as a beautiful & accessable life component. ( jus say'n ) Of course JA2 is equally brilliant and is also brave enough to take sides with MQA and the lovely Devialet stuff. First I’ve heard of the new version so I’m pumped it’s a sweepstakes. My little USB DAC was not able, to connect to my phone. I'd love to get my hands on it and jam!!! - A música … 5.0 out of 5 stars. Can’t wait to try this out. - Este é a solução de DAC externo que lhe vai permitir ouvir a sua música do seu PC, Tablet ou Smartphone com muito melhor qualidade. We waren wat sceptisch over de prijs, maar de DragonFly Cobalt laat horen dat hij … Stream high-res audio from Tidal or Qobuz. If you don't already have one, click on the link labeled "register" at the bottom of this announcement or "LOG IN/JOIN" in the nav bar at the right. Before I retired at the end of March 2019, most of my eBook consumption took place on the subway as I commuted to and from Stereophile's Manhattan office. I can think of no more recommendable product in digital audio.”. (An integral charge pump provides the necessary negative voltage.) Om de review nog spannender te maken nam ik ook de iFi nano iDSD Black Label mee in het vergelijk, omdat die maar een paar tientjes duurder is dan de DragonFly Red. It works similarly: With DragonFly Red/Cobalt connected to a PC or mobile device, adjusting the host’s system volume control will, through proxy, control the DragonFly’s onboard volume. Jim Austin examines the relevance of long-term listening in his "As We See It" essay in the January 2020 issue. The new model is slightly smaller than the Red but retains its ESS Sabre 9601 headphone output chip – that runs line-level at 2.1 volts – and “64-bit bit-perfect digital volume control” . The processor is also 33% faster and has been designed to draw less current through your USB connection. Sounds very promising. Looking forward to hearing how it compares to the Black and Red. Again, the Cobalt and the NightHawks allowed me to hear deeply into the music without any unnatural emphasis. I'm looking forward to experience the music and its best on the go. or Best Offer +$7.63 shipping. The Cobalt's output amplifier is the same as that used in the Red, an ESS Sabre9601. Isn't JA1 the highest Authority that we Audiophiles had ? I love mine even just for listening to computer audio. I'd be SO happy to receive the new Audioquest Cobalt Dragonfly. Koppel de Cobalt aan een versterker of een set actieve luidsprekers en laat de magie de ruimte vullen. The new DAC boasts a minimum-phase slow roll-off filter, which in theory, should translate to a more natural sound overall. I have the Dragonfly black and like that. Had the old dragonfly's too and liked it very much! Hifiman HE400i are sitting unused at the moment. Cobalt takes what music lovers around the world have come to expect from the multi-award-winning DragonFly family— naturally beautiful, seductive sound —and strips away fuzz and fog that weren’t even noticeable until Cobalt removed them. Mostly the music plays on the big rig, but I also listen on headphones, driving them with the AudioQuest DragonFly Red USB DAC that Art Dudley reviewed in September 2016, plugged into the iPad mini. Dragonfly don't keep me waiting Bietet Ihr Computer keinen USB-A-Anschluss, greifen Sie zum mitgelieferten USB-C-Adapter. And now comes DragonFly Cobalt ($299.95 US)—AudioQuest’s new flagship DAC. ( I could just give the Black one which would be even better politically, if they still offer it ). I'd love to test this one out. Il se connecte en USB à votre ordinateur Mac/PC, ou à un appareil mobile sous iOS/Android The Cobalt's price includes a DragonTail USB-A (female) to USB-C (male) adaptor, for use with devices that have a USB-C port, like the iPad Pro. Den Cobalt, das Flaggschiff der Dragonfly-DACs von Audioquest, können Sie mit einem Dongle am Smartphone (Android, iOS) oder direkt am Laptop beziehungsweise Desktop-Rechner (Windows, Mac) nutzen. Explore playlists on Spotify or Pandora. It provides improved sound compared to the Red and Black models thanks to a 2.1V output, 64-bit digital volume control, … I bought a couple of the original Audioquest Dragonfly units before any of the colored models were released. Please enter my name into the Cobalt drawing. Dragonfly, you've been away too long. The Cobalt for sure is the best DragonFly AudioQuest has released up to now. Listening I'd love to compare this with my Meridian Explorer 2! would love to see how this compares to my dragonfly red. Have the red currently. My "rig" for the review consists of the DragonFly Cobalt, DragonFly Red, DragonTail USB C adapter, Apple Lightning to USB adapter, and Apple Lightning to USB 3 (with power port). I have the original Dragonfly which was a revelation when I connected it to my Macbook. $249.00. Hi, have been interested in a dac w/ an ess sabre dac. Roses are red, Dragonfly's blue, Hope I win one, I'll be happy if I do. I really enjoy my dragonfly red! New, more advanced ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip with a minimum-phase slow roll-off filter for more natural sound. And instead did what looks and sounds like, by this review, to be a big improvement to the DAC, more power efficient, and on top of that they made it smaller. Like the critically acclaimed DragonFly Red, Cobalt has the robust 2.1-volt output to drive almost any headphone, uses a bit-perfect digital volume control for outstanding signal-to-noise ratio, enables seamless compatibility with Apple and Android devices, and is an exceptionally competent and affordable MQA renderer. Interested in hearing it with my Android phone. However, with the newest release of the Dragonfly Cobalt, we were curious if it was worth the upgrade from the Red. https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/smsl-m500-dac-and-hp-amp-review.9606/. So when AudioQuest's Stephen Mejias asked me a few months back if he could send me a review sample of the new DragonFly Cobalt, it took me less than a New York minute to say "Yes.". I use it on my computer at work, with my mobile phone and in the car. Since I have a DragonFly Black it would be nice to get a Cobalt and see how it compares with their cheapest device and conclude if it is a nice upgrade. And thank you, for your service, to the audiophile community. Audioquest rules!! not to mention an amp for my headphones. First up was my go-to performance of Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No.6, with Richard Egarr directing the Academy of Ancient Music (24/88.2 ALAC files, Harmonia Mundi HMU 807461.62). While the Red's DAC chip is the ESS Sabre 9016, the Cobalt uses ESS's new ES9038Q2M DAC chip, which, like the earlier chip, incorporates a 64-step digital volume control. Would be very curious to hear the differences with the cobalt. Had this on my wishlist for so long but I'm disabled so I'm always fresh out of funds for fun , fixed incomes really suck so a new Dragonfly DAC would seriously hook me up (to hifi). For my initial listening sessions with the DragonFly Cobalt, I plugged it into one of the USB ports on my Roon Nucleus+ server. Also the color is very lovely! The Red is awesome - now I need a new word for "awesomer yet". With the AudioQuest NightHawk until the full choir enters, singing of the glories of the aurora borealis. Small differences get much more noticeable over time. https://gearpatrol.com/2019/12/13/best-new-products-of-2019/. I was just browsing online for a portable alternative for my smart phone and saw Johnny Darko's review. And this is the first ive heard of thr cobalt. Perfect for listening to Tidal on my iPad. This one sounds even better. Once inside the Cobalt, the in-built MQA code executes further unfolds, should they exist, and also MQA rendering. Now, I "have-to" use the blue one ( instead of the dreaded RED one ) for nonsense political reasons. People love them, use them 100% of the time, look for them if they get misplaced and keep thanking me for them. Paul. The Cobalt is the first DragonFly to spread its wings since 2015, when AudioQuest introduced its Black and Red models and with them Android and iOS smartphone compatibility. The Cobalt's price includes a DragonTail USB-A (female) to USB-C (male) adaptor, for use with devices that have a USB-C port, like the iPad Pro. Technical Editor, Stereophile. John Atkinson I have been eyeing the new iFi Zen as an upgrade for my original iFi iDSD Nano, which has been dutifully performing my desktop tasks. It significantly improves Sound Quality and always leads to "better" headphones. Great way to get back if so. Would be nice to plug in my IEMs again. Media Converter AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt Manual. I've also given WristWatches from Long Island Watch. Can you review that one JA1? Both on pound for pound value again and in absolute comparative product terms. Summer Vinyl Sweeps which features prizes from VPI/SVS/Nordost and Disney Music Emporium! Have owned and enjoyed a dragonfly black for several years. Roses are red and I am blue (no cobalt, actually)! A message will be automatically sent to the e-mail address you specified, which will include a link to activate the account. When the Cobalt is required to drive lower impedances, the volume control has to be backed off to avoid clipping the DAC's output amplifier. Thanks Audioquest and Stereophile for this opportunity. I've been reading about these DragonFly products for a while now but don't have the budget to try them out at the moment. No matter the choice of musical pleasure, DragonFly delivers beautiful sound to earbuds, headphones, desktop speakers, or complete audio systems, unraveling the emotional expression and nuance that makes music and movies so enjoyable. You can even use them for line level inputs. This would be great considering I do most of my listening at work or commuting. Love to win one to hear the difference from my iphone, I heard it is better than previous versions.I'm interesting in it. Very excited for the next iteration of this. Like the critically acclaimed DragonFly Red, Cobalt has the robust 2.1-volt output to drive almost any headphone, uses a bit-perfect digital volume control for outstanding signal-to-noise ratio, enables seamless compatibility with Apple and Android devices, and is an exceptionally competent and affordable MQA renderer. 49; 50 ... Stereophile Cobalt Review Admittedly, the Stereophile reviewer did comment on some measured clipping with very low impedance headphones at maximum output.