--- product_id: 162069463 title: "Dragonfly Cobalt Usb Digital to Analog Converter, Preamplifier, Headphone Amplifier" brand: "audioquest" price: "KD 183.40" currency: KWD in_stock: true reviews_count: 3 category: "Audio Quest" url: https://www.desertcart.com.kw/products/162069463-dragonfly-cobalt-usb-digital-to-analog-converter-preamplifier-headphone-amplifier store_origin: KW region: Kuwait --- # 33% faster processing speed 24-bit/96kHz high-res audio decoding 2.1V powerful headphone amp output Dragonfly Cobalt Usb Digital to Analog Converter, Preamplifier, Headphone Amplifier **Brand:** audioquest **Price:** KD 183.40 **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Summary > 🎶 Unlock studio-quality sound on the go — don’t just listen, experience every note! ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** Dragonfly Cobalt Usb Digital to Analog Converter, Preamplifier, Headphone Amplifier by audioquest - **How much does it cost?** KD 183.40 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.com.kw](https://www.desertcart.com.kw/products/162069463-dragonfly-cobalt-usb-digital-to-analog-converter-preamplifier-headphone-amplifier) ## Best For - audioquest enthusiasts ## Why This Product - Trusted audioquest brand quality - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Key Features - • **Compact Powerhouse:** Thumb-drive sized DAC + headphone amp for premium sound anywhere - • **Next-Level Clarity:** ESS ES9038Q2M DAC with monoClock tech delivers ultra-precise, distortion-free audio - • **Battery-Friendly Boost:** Low power draw keeps your phone/laptop charged while upgrading sound - • **Audiophile-Grade Output:** 2.1V output drives any headphones or powered speakers with rich dynamics and deep bass - • **Universal Compatibility:** Works seamlessly with Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android via included DragonTail adapter ## Overview The AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt is a compact USB digital-to-analog converter and headphone amplifier that upgrades your audio experience with 24-bit/96kHz high-resolution decoding, a powerful 2.1V headphone amp, and a 33% faster processor for cleaner, distortion-free sound. Compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices (DragonTail USB-C adapter included), it delivers audiophile-grade clarity and dynamics in a pocket-sized design, perfect for professionals and music lovers who demand premium sound anywhere. ## Description Product Description AudioQuest Company & DragonFly Product Overview AudioQuest products have huge fan base for almost 40 years. Bill Low, the founder of AudioQuest, is a huge music lover who constantly pushes the AudioQuest team to innovate to improve sound. As a very successful company, AudioQuest has a decent sized sales force tasked with traveling around the country to see their dealers and attend consumer shows. When computer music started to become popular, their team, who is also made of up hardcore music lovers, stored lots of music on their computers but did not have an easy way to get better sound while on the go. You certainly don’t want to carry around home components when traveling. AudioQuest felt something tiny that could improve computer audio sound would fill a huge void in the audio market. This is actually what led to the creation of the original AudioQuest DragonFly in 2012. The DragonFly is a small and portable audio component that connects directly to a USB port. It serves as a Digital to Analog Converter (DAC), headphone amp, and a preamp. Launched in 2012, press and public alike have enthusiastically embraced AudioQuest’s DragonFly USB digital-to-analog converter/preamp/headphone amp as the rare audio product that bridges the gap between die-hard audiophiles and mainstream music lovers. DragonFly plugs into a computer’s USB port to bypass the computer’s compromised audio circuitry and deliver cleaner, clearer, more naturally beautiful sound to headphones, powered speakers, and complete audio systems. The AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt, is the latest addition to the DragonFly family and promises to be the best sounding little bug yet! What is a digital-to-analog converter (DAC)? Little-known fact: Digital-to-analog converters are used in all digital devices that have the ability to send an audio signal or play music. These digital devices include (but are not limited to) CD players, laptops, computers, tablets, smartphones, and televisions. DACs are everywhere. Simply put, a DAC, as its name suggests, converts digital audio information (comprised of 1s and 0s) into an analog signal that can be sent to headphones, powered speakers, amplifiers, and/or receivers, to be heard and enjoyed by the listener. Anytime you’re listening to music, watching a movie, or even enjoying a YouTube video on a computer, the digital audio data is first sent through a DAC that converts the 1s and 0s to the analog waveforms that our headphones and home stereos deliver to our ears as music. The sound card that’s built into your computer and feeds its headphone jack is an example of a DAC. However, computers and most other digital devices are not optimised for sound. They have other priorities to meet and functions to fulfill—browsing the Internet, taking and sending photographs, sending and receiving emails and texts, and so much more. For most digital devices, delivering audio is just one of numerous functionalities, all of which are compromised to some extent. Far superior sound—and, thus, much more beautiful, engaging music—can be enjoyed when using an external, purpose-built DAC, such as DragonFly. AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt Plug-in USB Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) + Pre-amplifier + Headphone Amplifier for PC, Mac, iOS and Android mobile devices with MQA support and DragonTail USB-C adapter included Super-premium sound, everywhere You might think awesome sound quality is hard to achieve on the go. If so, we'd like to present the handy AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt USB DAC/headphone amp. It's roughly the size of a thumb drive, and it plugs into your phone or computer to deliver premium, high- precision sound. AudioQuest's highly successful DragonFly models put the USB DAC category on the map, and the Cobalt looks to be the best one yet. It makes for an easy and very effective upgrade to your portable or desktop listening setup. It slips right into your pocket or bag, and its sound rivals that of some popular (non-portable) desktop DACs out there. And the Cobalt sounds even better — more spacious, with more realistic dynamics and better imaging. "The Cobalt does wonders in cleaning up our laptop’s performance, no matter what kind of file we feed it or whether it’s streaming from YouTube, Spotify, Tidal or playing from our own hi-res library. AudioQuest claims its new DAC ‘strips away fuzz and fog that weren’t even noticeable until removed’, and we’d have to agree. It is such an incredibly precise rendering that we almost feel duty bound to play our highest resolution recordings through it." What HiFi? USB DAC for the best sound on the move With HiRes music files and streaming services sounding better than ever, it pays to get a DAC and headphone amp that does justice to them. Rather than using your smartphone or laptop’s headphone output, the DragonFly Cobalt plugs into the USB output, bypassing the built-in (and usually average quality) sound processing and headphone amp. Specifically designed for the purpose, a quality USB DAC gives a stunning upgrade in sound and makes the most of your music files and headphones. The DragonFly Cobalt is designed make everything you listen to sound better. So even the compressed audio you get from MP3s, Spotify or YouTube videos will get a sonic boost. But if you have a high-resolution music collection, or stream lossless music from Qobuz or TIDAL, you can really hear what the Cobalt can do. This DAC will decode high-resolution music files up to 24-bit/96kHz resolution, which is better than CD quality, and it also offers full MQA support. Advanced new DAC. Enhanced processor Key to the Cobalt’s stunning sound is an advanced ESS ES9038Q2M DAC (Digital to Analogue Convertor). Highly regarded within the hi-fi world, this DAC uses precise filtering to deliver a smooth and natural sound. Simply put, you’ll hear subtle details in the music that your regular headphone output misses out on or glosses over. At the heart of this tiny DAC is a powerful processor that’s 33% faster than before. Faster processing means more accuracy and less distortion. It also draws less current, helping to preserve your smartphone or laptop’s battery life. Revisions to the power-supply filter help the Cobalt resist interference from wi-fi, Bluetooth and mobile phone signal noise. Improved filtering reduces background noise, meaning you hear every tiny detail in the music. For headphones or speakers Plug your headphones directly into the DragonFly's stereo 3.5mm mini audio output jack for high-energy private listening. You can also use an optional stereo mini-to-mini cable or mini-to-RCA adapter to feed a line-level signal to a pair of powered speakers, power amplifier, or receiver. Both the AudioQuest DragonFly Red and AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt feature a very powerful headphone amplifier. Capable of 2.1 volts of output, it will drive any pair of headphones on the market with ease. The higher output gives effortless dynamics, a powerful bass and ability to make the music 'come to life'. Interestingly enough, 2 volts is the same output a CD player typically has which means you can connect the AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt from your computer to audio system and its output would match that of a CD player. Two volts are also plenty to drive any power amp, enabling you to use the Cobalt as a preamp into either a power amp or pair of powered speakers. Product highlights compatible with Windows and Mac computers, compatible with iOS devices: requires Lightning-to-USB adapter (not included); Lightning-to-USB Camera Adapter recommended for best results; compatible with some Android devices: DragonTail USB-C adapter included, may require a DragonTail Micro USB Adapter to connect to some Android devices 32-bit ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M digital-to-analog conversion chip with minimum-phase filter for nuanced, dynamic sound; high-efficiency microcontroller for extremely low power draw and increased processing speed, processing speed increased by 33% over DragonFly Red, high-performance ESS Sabre 9601 headphone amplifier powered by USB connection — no need for external power supply, asynchronous USB data transfer using Wavelength Audio, ltd.'s Streamlength protocol for reduced timing jitter and better sound, offers rendering for MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) audio files 3.5mm stereo minijack provides: headphone output (minimum recommended headphone impedance 16 ohms and higher), variable line-level output for driving powered speakers or power amp, fixed line-level output for connecting to a preamp or receiver, 64-step, bit-perfect digital volume control (operated via your computer or mobile device) supported sample rates: PCM up to 96kHz native resolution (sample rates above 96kHz will play but are down-converted by your computer or mobile device's playback software), incoming sample rate color-coded LED indicator for 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, and 96kHz sampling rates, input bit depth: 16 bits, 24 bits; output voltage: 2.1 Vrms durable metal construction with blue hardshell finish, storage pouch supported operating systems: Windows 7-10, OS X (version 10.6.8 or later), iOS (5 and newer), Android 4.1 and later, Dimensions (LxWxH): 57mm x 19mm x 12mm, Weight: 17g AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt Specs Review: Great product and great seller support - Awesome product and great after-sales support from the AV Squad Mumbai team. Will do more business in the future for sure. Review: sound quality is good but ver costly - Sound quality is good but very costly ## Features - You might think awesome sound quality is hard to achieve on the go. If so, we'd like to present the handy AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt USB DAC/headphone amp. It's roughly the size of a thumb drive, & it plugs into your phone or computer to deliver premium, high-precision sound. AudioQuest's highly successful DragonFly models put the USB DAC category on the map, & the Cobalt looks to be the best one yet. It makes for an easy & very effective upgrade to your portable or desktop listening setup. - AudioQuest loaded the Cobalt with a brand new high-performance USB microcontroller that increases processing speed by 33% (over the DragonFly Red and Black). Faster processing means less extra noise, and ultimately less distortion. This chip also reduces power consumption. That's important if you're listening on the go, because the DragonFly draws its power from your connected mobile device or computer. So you can enjoy the upgraded sound without sucking your phone or laptop's battery dry. - The DragonFly Cobalt is designed make everything you listen to sound better. So even the compressed audio you get from MP3s, Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube videos will get a sonic boost. But if you have a high-resolution music collection, or stream lossless music from Qobuz or TIDAL, you can really hear what the Cobalt can do. This DAC will decode high-resolution music files up to 24-bit/96kHz resolution, which is better than CD quality, and it also offers full MQA support. - The DragonFly Cobalt features a native resolution of up to 24-bit / 96 kHz formats and takes advantage of monoClock technology to produce sounds with resolution and clarity that are greater than DACs with multiple clocks, and the StreamLength asynchronous USB code helps ensure improved audio delivery with low jitter, resource load, and minimal packet errors. A smart LED indicator on the DragonFly shows the sample rate and status of the incoming signal. - With a DragonTail (USB A – C adaptor) supplied, you can now take advantage of using the DragonFly with your Android smartphone. Simply plug the DragonTail between the phone's USB and the DragonFly DAC and you're good to go - audiophile quality sound from your smartphone! If you want the best from your music on the move, you’ll love the AudioQuest DragonTail Cobalt. ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | ASIN | B07T3HSD9Z | | Best Sellers Rank | #54,062 in Industrial & Scientific ( See Top 100 in Industrial & Scientific ) #20 in Digital to Analog Converters #37 in Hi-Fi DA Converters | | Brand | AudioQuest | | Brand Name | AudioQuest | | Customer Reviews | 4.3 out of 5 stars 1,452 Reviews | | Global Trade Identification Number | 00092592098398 | | Included Components | DAC - PreAmp, 6" "Dragon Tail" cable, Stitched leatherette storage pouch | | Interface | USB | | Interface Type | USB | | Item Weight | 4.2 Ounces | | Manufacturer | AudioQuest | | Number of Channels | 1 | | UPC | 092592098398 | | Warranty Description | One Year AudioQuest Official Manufacturer’s Warranty. Parts and Labor. | ## Product Details - **Brand:** AudioQuest - **Interface Type:** USB - **Number of Channels:** 1 - **UPC:** 092592098398 - **Manufacturer:** AudioQuest ## Images ![Dragonfly Cobalt Usb Digital to Analog Converter, Preamplifier, Headphone Amplifier - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61egruTjOGL.jpg) ![Dragonfly Cobalt Usb Digital to Analog Converter, Preamplifier, Headphone Amplifier - Image 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61E2hpazHrL.jpg) ![Dragonfly Cobalt Usb Digital to Analog Converter, Preamplifier, Headphone Amplifier - Image 3](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51FBbzm0y+L.jpg) ## Questions & Answers **Q: i know these DACs are mainly for high end headphones , but anyone know if it will make a better (or slightly better) audio on $10 -$30 earphones?** A: The answer is that it might make a big difference, but you won't know until you try. I have a $3000 headphone amp coupled to a $15000 DAC. I normally use them with headphones in a price range from $1000 to $4000, for which both components, independently make a huge difference. Now for the surprise: I have a pair a cheap, no-name headphones -- the only name on them is "digital." That speaks volumes. On those cheap headphones, the headphone amp makes a totally unexpected, MONUMENTAL difference. My point is that you never say "never." That said, I recommend that if you're considering investing $300 in this device, you should consider investing in better headphones. Look at the less expensive models from Grado, for example. **Q: What's the difference between red and black?** A: In performance, both models incorporate the 32-bit ESS Sabre DAC chip, the 9010 in Black and the higher-performance 9016 in Red. While the Black uses the same headphone amp and analog volume control found in previous version, the new Red includes the latest ESS headphone amp and a bit-perfect digital volume control that resides on the 9016 DAC chip itself. In power the Black puts out 1.2 volts: enough power to drive all preamplifier input circuits and a wide range of efficient headphones. The red with its higher 2.1-volt output will be compatible with a wider range of headphones, including power-hungry, low-efficiency model. **Q: Can you still use inline headphone controls when using the dac with an iPhone?** A: No you cannot nor can you use the mic in the headphones for making or recieving calls ...luckily you do get notification ...and you can just pull the lightning connector to answer the call ..using iphone in normal manner ..i had this exact Q after recieving my unit .. **Q: I have powered speakers that I plug into my laptop 3mm headphone jack. Can I use this product to get more volume & better audio quality** A: That's what I use the Dragonfly (Black) for. I expected a subtle improvement, but found it to be night and day! The cheapo DAC and output stage circuitry that's built into the laptop was really limiting the sound quality. ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great product and great seller support *by R***J on 11 September 2023* Awesome product and great after-sales support from the AV Squad Mumbai team. Will do more business in the future for sure. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ sound quality is good but ver costly *by P***H on 29 November 2023* Sound quality is good but very costly ### ⭐⭐⭐ Too much bass with a Grado 325 *by S***M on 24 October 2023* This is supposed to be a much vaunted portable DAC. However, I found the bass too high which kills the rest of the music. I used it with a Grado 325. So suggest to try it before you buy as it is quite expensive. Also look at the Astel and Kern AK HC3 ## Frequently Bought Together - AudioQuest Dragonfly Cobalt USB Digital-to-Analog Converter - AudioQuest DragonTail USB-A > USB-C High-Performance USB-A (Female) to USB-C (Male) Extender - Apple Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.com.kw/products/162069463-dragonfly-cobalt-usb-digital-to-analog-converter-preamplifier-headphone-amplifier](https://www.desertcart.com.kw/products/162069463-dragonfly-cobalt-usb-digital-to-analog-converter-preamplifier-headphone-amplifier) --- *Product available on Desertcart Kuwait* *Store origin: KW* *Last updated: 2026-05-18*