Audioquest DragonFly red

Name: DragonFly red
Brand: Audioquest
SKU: 0092592050532
Rating: 5.0 (6 reviews)

This product is no longer available for sale!

Overview

The DAC chips we have selected are remarkably powerful and sophisticated, but we have deliberately limited DragonFly’s processing capabilities to 24-bit/96kHz resolution. This simplifies the use of DragonFly: all models are fully compatible with PCs without having to download and install new drivers. More importantly, DragonFly is designed to honor the music you already own and love. Whether you’re listening to Spotify, YouTube, Tidal, Qobuz, ripped CDs, or cutting-edge high-resolution files, DragonFly will deliver a more engaging and enjoyable experience.

The DragonFlys Black, Red, and Cobalt support Tidal Masters (MQA) playback from iPhones and Android smartphones. MQA technology converts high-resolution files into smaller files that can be streamed on the go. As MQA Renderers, DragonFlys Black, Red, and Cobalt complete the unfolding process, allowing music lovers to enjoy a wider selection of high-resolution music.

What the press says

This smoothness does not detract from the reproduction of sonic details, without which the sound would become flat and soft. In this regard, this new DAC clearly goes further than its predecessor. The midrange has a nice body, rendering timbres quite warm yet precise. We can really feel, for example, all the resonances of a piano or double bass, and the Red model does not truncate the bass, quite the contrary. The treble is rather finely chiseled but always in a smooth way. Vocals are particularly well-served by this little converter as it gives the music an excellent sense of presence. Agnès Obel seems to be singing just for us and her vocal range is well respected. Moving on to more energetic tracks, the DragonFly Red works with power but not frantic intensity.

Automatically translated — Show original (French)

Cette douceur ne retire en rien la reproduction de détails sonores, sans qui le son deviendrait plat et mou et sur ce plan, ce nouveau DAC va manifestement plus loin que son prédécesseur. La région médium bénéficie d’une belle matière, rendant les timbres assez chaleureux et en même temps bien précis. Nous ressentons bien, par exemple, toutes les résonnances d’un piano, ou d’une contrebasse, et le modèle Red ne tronque pas le grave, bien au contraire. L’aigu est lui assez finement ciselé mais toujours d’une façon assez suave. Les voix sont particulièrement à la fête avec ce petit convertisseur car il donne à la musique une excellente impression de présence. Agnès Obel semble chanter rien que pour nous et sa tessiture de voix est bien respectée. Passant à des morceaux plus virulents, le DragonFly Red travaille en puissance mais pas en nervosité frénétique.

Technical Specifications

Main Components

USB key format digital-to-analog converter (DAC)
Sabre 9016 converter

Connectivity and Outputs

64-bit variable output with binary precision (for powered speakers/amplifiers)
Fixed line output (for preamplifier/receiver)
Direct headphone output
Output level: 2.1 V

Audio Compatibility

Compatible with all audio formats, from MP3 to high resolution
Asynchronous transfer for digital clock integrity

User reviews

Jérôme

Excellent DAC, I already owned the black one; I gave it to someone and replaced it with this one. Without a direct comparison, it's hard to say if there's a difference, but it's an excellent product. I couldn't do without it anymore.

Comment from March 25, 2025 — Experience from March 14, 2025

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Excellent DAC, je possédais déjà le black ; je l'ai donné à quelqu'un et je l'ai remplacé par celui-là. Sans comparaison direct, difficile de dire s'il y a une différence mais c'est un excellent produit. Je ne pourrais plus m'en passer.

Stephane

Very good performance, just a bit restrictive with the cord to fully enjoy.

Comment from November 17, 2023 — Experience from April 29, 2023

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Très bon rendu, juste un peu contraignant avec le fil pour profiter pleinement.

Willy

Big improvement over the simple headphone output of the PC!
Connected to my Meze 109 PRO headphones, a real pleasure to listen to!
Very good purchase, I recommend this device that is simple to install and use!

Comment from May 10, 2023 — Experience from April 29, 2023

Automatically translated — Show original (French)

Grande amélioration par rapport à la simple sortie casque du PC !
Relié à mon casque Meze 109 PRO un vrai plaisir à l'écoute !
Très bon achat, Je recommande cet appareil simple à installer et à utiliser !

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