Audioquest Dragonfly Cobalt Plug-in USB DAC, Preamp, and Headphone Amplifier

Brand: Audioquest | SKU: DRAGONFLYCOB | UPC: 092592098398

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$199.95
Regular price
$349.95
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Audioquest Dragonfly Cobalt Plug-in USB DAC, Preamp, and Headphone Amplifier - Safe and Sound HQ

Audioquest Dragonfly Cobalt Plug-in USB DAC, Preamp, and Headphone Amplifier

Sale price
$199.95
Regular price
$349.95

Meet Cobalt: The Most Beautiful-Sounding DragonFly Yet!

DragonFly Cobalt, our new flagship DAC, 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.

How is this possible? 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.

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.

BEAUTIFUL SOUND IN A SMALLER PACKAGE...
AND NOW WITH A TAIL
All this goodness is packed into a sleek new case that measures just 2.26" x 0.73" x 0.47" (57.5mm x 18.6mm x 11.9mm), making the latest DragonFly 10% smaller and even a bit more pocket-friendly.

Finally, to easily accommodate the increasing number of electronic devices that feature USB-C ports, DragonFly Cobalt comes with AudioQuest's USB-A to USB-C adaptor.

Brand Audioquest
Model Dragonfly Cobalt
DAC Chip ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M
Coaxial/Optial Digital Inputs 0 / 0
RCA/XLR Outputs 0
Subwoofer Output 0
Headphone Amplifier Yes
Bluetooth No
Bluetooth No
Wi-Fi No
Bit Depth -USB (dB) 24
Mas Sampling Rate (USB) 96 kHz
Dimensions (H x W x D) 0.5" x 0.75" x 2.25"
Weight (lbs) 0.4375
Warranty 1 Year

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Price
$199.95
$249.95
$129.95
Brand
Audioquest
Audioquest
Audioquest
Model
Dragonfly Cobalt
Dragonfly Red
Dragonfly Black
DAC
ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M
ESS Sabre ESS9016
ESS Sabre ESS9010
Coaxial/Optical Digital Inputs
0 / 0
0 / 0
0 / 0
RCA/XLR Outputs
0
0
0
Subwoofer Output
0
0
0
Headphone Amplifier
Yes
Yes
Yes
Bluetooth
No
No
No
Wi-FI
No
No
No
Bit Depth (USB)
24
24
24
Max Sampling Rate (USB)
96 kHz
96 kHz
96 kHz
Dimensions (HxWxD)
0.5" x 0.75" x 2.25"
0.5" x 0.75" x 2.375"
0.5" x 0.75" x 2.5"
Weight (lbs)
0.4375
0.438
0.438
Warranty
1 Year
1 Year
1 Year
Based on 296 reviews
93%
(276)
6%
(17)
1%
(3)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)

Great speakers For my needs. Wanted a nice full sound floor standing speaker that wasn’t harsh. Using them just for music in our fireplace room not for home theater. Not a complaint at all on their lack of lower end frequencies, I pretty much knew when I ordered them I’d be adding a sub to the mix to fill in where they leave off. Now to pick the sub 😅😂

Fast shipping and products arrived perfectly. Thank you for a good experience

The delivery was quick and the unit arrived earlier Then expected because I live on the west coast.
The Eversolo T8 is everything as advertised and reviewed. The unit took about 8 hours of use to lose the bright forward sound. I’m happy with my purchase from Sate and Sound.

I'm glad I made the choice to purchase this amplifier! I couldn't be happier and the sound is quite captivating.

I just came back from visiting my big brother out of state who has a system in the mid 5 figure mark. When I came back I was inspired to upgrade but decided to wait. But then my Sub stopped working. I saw these on sale and thought “Is it meant to be?” Of course it was. I have these paired with a NAD T-778 streaming Qobuz. So far I am really enjoying these. I am hearing old songs as if they are new again. I have been listening to music more than ever. Bass is solid and highs are crisp. A truly immersive speaker. While I wouldn’t dare say they are as good as my big brother’s setup, they are close enough to put a smile on my face. I think they are a solid option for the price range. I am very satisfied and they are still breaking in.

Absolute game changer! Love the device - terrific sound quality, intuitive interface and beautiful design!

A
Yamaha A-S501 Stereo Integrated Amplifier with Built-in DAC Customer Return
Anonymous

My amplifier arrived safely and has functioned wonderfully without issue. Thank you!

Reference caliber exotic retro-futuristic LP spinner. Few rivals. Few are so flexible.

I started years ago with an Ortofon Blue and this directly replaced a Mofi Mastertracker. I have coupled the LVB250 with a Darlington MB8 phono preamp and I can finally say that I am satisfied. This cartridge is exceptional and I don't think I'll ever need anything better.

Really good service and extremely fast shipping. Also good price on receiver.

Love the power of it it really feels like the gate way into high end it sounds beautiful happy with your service.Everything was all I hoped it would be thank you

I bought the M2si integrated amplifier to drive my 2.7 magnepans. It does a very nice job of doing just that. That the amplifier is advertised as dipping gracefully or smoothly down to 2 Ohms was a primary point in the buy. Plus, Safe and Sound had a very good buy on this amplifier at $ 799.00. The build quality is very good and it has a large toroidal transformer to better handle high current and increase bass response. The preamp is full Class A and is a strong point for this Class A/B amplifier. Great buy! You can't have it all at this price though. The motorized volume knob does not have an easy viewing of where it is set as it is an inset indention without a light marker. Also, no standby power for the amp but it does have excellent heat management as the chassis has a colder side versus the hotter 2 channel amplifiers side. It is a fully discrete amplifier (wonderful, no integrated except for maybe op-amps at the preamp front). 5 year warranty, hard to beat. The amplifier has to be broken in as treble is at first very forward , but settles after a good break in period. The silver white looks very sexy and has a kind of older vibe. The M2si is British and has a brightness to it which can be toned down if you use the right speakers. Magnepans can change resistor values at the terminals or maybe even use specific DACs. No complaint about not having digital inputs at all since there are plenty of line level inputs as you can use outboards which gives you more opportunities any way. I have three different DACs into the line level inputs so all I have to do is switch out the single coax cable I want to change some of the response. I like a very well made Class A/B like this unit compared to the Class D which I have tried. Soundstage is wide and there is a lot of headroom compared to a lot of class D. If the M2si performs at 90% of what their end does like it has been said, then wow. Way to go Musical Fidelity.

I have all Arcam equipment, the sound is fantastic. The price was amazing.. MusicLife app is so/so. Great piece of equipment..

Safe and Sound is an excellent place to buy audio gear. This phono preamp is excellent, as sounds as advertised and the price was right!

Amazing to deal with and best service on the planet

So pleased with the quality as well as pretty much next day delivery. Great company

Excellent CD player. Very impressed with the quality of the open box service. Absolutely impeccable, couldn’t tell from a brand new unit. Your customer service is also tops. Thanks for great shopping experience!

A
Marantz PM7000N Integrated Stereo Amplifier with HEOS Built-in
Anonymous

Amazing sound. Perfectly pairs with the components I have. Vinyl has never sounded better.

Unit sounds great butyou can hear sound bleeding through the speakers and amp at zero volume. Also bind post so small myspade pugs either too large to accommodate. Unit turned off several times, not sure why possible connection but I could not figure out maybe due to heavy load speakers .Ssrvice and sales always fantastic!

Super quick shipment and communications! Always great experience with Safe and Sound! The T8 is amazing! Big improvement over DMP 6!

These outperform my previous speakers by a wide margin: more punch, more body, higher articulation. The vocals are mesmerizing.

I was trying to scale down from a surround to a stereo setup and looking to upgrade DAC from Marantz av8805a. I have the Anthem mca 525 gen 2 amps and Sonus Faber Sonetto iii g2. It took about 70+ to burn in. It was an upgrade, but it is very subtle and hard to even notice unless really paying attention. This does fell like within the territory of diminishing returns. I don't know if it's because of my speakers, but it is the best speaker I can get given the size and weight for a small walkup apartment. However, I still decided to keep it because it is much lighter and runs cooler than the Marantz. It is also a little bit clearer (the Marantz sounded a little bit muddied, which I didn't even notice after years of using until I was comparing it with m3ai) and I noticed that it sounded louder at the same db level because of this (this means I can listen at lower db levels than I would with Marantz). I do miss the ability to fully control the Marantz via the android app. Overall a good DAC, but subtracting a little bit of points for the high price.