This product can only be shipped to U.S. addresses.
The Audioquest DragonFly Black features Beautiful Sound from ANY Mobile Device or Computer!
The Medium Output (1.2 volt) DragonFly Black is a USB DAC + Preamp + Headphone Amp all in one small, portable device!
"I started listening to the Black with a set of Grado RS-1e full-size headphones, and it was the overall clarity of the sound that took centerstage. I felt like I was hearing deeper into the mixes of familiar recordings. The purity of the sound was addicting, so each instrument and vocal stood in bold relief. The RS-1e sounded like a higher resolution 'phone than I thought it was... AudioQuest is on a roll, so the DragonFly Black and Red are easy to recommend to audiophiles seeking better sound, without spending a lot of cash." - Steve Guttenberg, www.cnet.com
Hard to believe! 2016 marks almost four years since the original DragonFly (v1.0) changed the worldÂ’s concept of what a DAC could and should be. At only $249, but with expensive component-quality performance, DragonFly was hailed around the world as the perfect introduction to the pleasures of high-performance audio.
"The Original DragonFly was a groundbreaking product. the DragonFly Black continues this commitment ot better sound quality on a budget, but in an even more impressive package." - What Hi-Fi, 5 Stars
A year and half later, DragonFly rocked the audio world again when Audioquest introduced the updated v1.2 — for only $149. The sound was simply a little cleaner, a little better controlled, and more relaxed—unequivocally better. And, the new price helped bring better-sounding music to even more people.
Now, AudioQuest is truly pleased to introduce a dramatic step forward — DragonFly Black with unprecedented audio quality and even higher performance-to-cost ratio — and, drum roll, it works with Apple and Android™ phones!
Yes, that last point is a biggie. From the day that the original DragonFly came out, Audioquest received requests for a DragonFly-quality DAC to use with smartphones. Finally, thanks to newly available parts, power draw is now well within what any phone will authorize.
"DragonFly Red and Black are the finest examples of everyman hifi to ever grace these pages. Their value quotients explode the dial." - John H. Darko, www.digitalaudioreview.net
Audioquest has been busy for years making this new generation of DragonFlys possible. AudioQuest worked alongside Microchip Technology to develop a new high-performance, full-speed USB microcontroller (a DACÂ’s input processor) that delivers improved signal-to-noise ratio and significantly lower power consumption. Drawing 77% less current than the DragonFly v1.2Â’s microcontroller, the new Microchip MX microcontroller enables true compatibility with Apple and Android smart- phones and tablets. For use with Apple iOS devices, AppleÂ’s Lightning-to-USB Camera Adaptor is required (Click Here to get more info or to purchase separately from the Apple Website.); for use with Android devices, a Made for Android (OTG) adaptor, such as Audioquest's DragonTail USB Adaptor For Android Devices, is required (Click Here to get more info or to purchase from Elusive Disc!).
Audioquest hesitates to brag about specific electronic parts in the DragonFlys because the implementation of those parts is as crucial as their quality. Please don’t make the mistake of thinking that DACs with the same microcontroller or primary processor all sound alike! Depending on the circuit design, control of noise, power supply regulation, quality of the many passive parts, etc., a supposedly “lesser” DAC chip can easily outperform a “better” DAC chip in a different DAC.
Also, as with cameras and their previous race to have more pixels than the other guy, playing the numbers game can distract and deceive. While the DAC chip in the Black DragonFly has great capability, AQ has chosen to limit processing to 24-bit/96kHz. This makes using the DragonFlys as simple as itÂ’s always been, fully compatible with PCs, etc., without having to download and install new drivers. Though maybe more importantly, faster processing can mean more noise, so while playing 24/192 files with some of the best component DACs does offer sonic advantages, many DACs actually sound better when the computer down-samples a 24/192 file to 24/96 before sending the data to the DAC. AudioQuest plays a music-quality game first and foremost. The DragonFly Black is designed to be the-best-it-can-be Emotional Transportation for your music, whether Spotify, YouTube videos, Tidal, ripped CDs, or state-of-the-art Hi-Res files.
Back to bragging about the internals: The new DragonFly Black also incorporates improved 32-bit ESS Sabre DAC chips — (the 9010 in Black) — which employs minimum-phase filtering for naturally detailed, more authentic sound. The DragonFly Black uses the same high-quality headphone amp and analog volume control found in the DragonFly 1.2. The earlier DragonFlys and the Black features an analog volume control because that’s a better-sounding approach than most digital volume controls, which cut off bits in order to reduce the volume.
The DragonFly Black outputs 1.2 volts — enough power to capably drive all preamplifier input circuits and all reasonably efficient headphones. For reference, DragonFly 1.0 and 1.2 featured 1.8-volt output. (The difference in maximum output between DragonFly Black and Red is essentially irrelevant with the AQ NightHawk headphones, as they can be easily driven by either model.)
And, more good news: The new DragonFly Black is software upgradeable through complimentary Windows and OS X desktop applications. As new developments arise in music player applications, streaming protocols, or other associated software, DragonFly users will be able to incorporate those updates into their existing devices.
DragonFly Black for only $99, with better sound than any previous DragonFly for less money than any previous DragonFly, and compatible with iphones, how much good news can you stand?!
Features:
• Medium output (1.2 volts) drives a wide range of headphones
• 32-bit ESS 9010 DAC with minimum-phase filter
• 64-position (digitally controlled) analog volume control
• USB Stick-Sized Digital-to-Analog Converter
• Plays all music files: MP3 to High-Res
• Drives Headphones Directly
• Variable Output drives powered speakers or power amp
• Compatible with Apple and Windows PCs, as well as iOS and Android devices (requires Apple Camera Adapter or Made for Android/OTG adaptor)
• Asynchronous Class 1 USB data transfer using the Streamlength™ protocol
• Asynchronous transfer ensures digital timing integrity
• Direct-coupled digital-to-analog circuitry
• Fixed output feeds preamp or AV receiver
• Minimum-Phase digital filter for more naturally detailed, dynamic music
Capabilities:
• Plays all music files: MP3 to High-Res
• Compatible with Apple and Windows PCs
• Compatible with iOS devices (requires Apple Camera Adapter/Connection Kit)
• Compatible with Android devices (requires USB Adaptor for Android Devices)
• Drives a wide range of moderate to high efficiency headphones
• Analog variable output drives powered speakers or power amp
• Fixed output feeds preamp or AV receiver
Specifications:
Sample rates supported, LED indicator color code: 44.1kHz (Green), 48kHz (Blue), 88.2kHz (Amber), 96kHz (Magenta)
Output voltage: 1.2 vrms
Output impedance: 0.65 ohms
Suggested minimum load impedance (headphones, electronic input): 12 ohms
Analog audio - frequency response:
DC - 22kHz (44.1kHz sample rate)
DC - 24kHz (48kHz sample rate)
DC - 44kHz (88.2kHz sample rate)
DC - 48kHz (96kHz sample rate)
Useful Links:
Click HERE for our entire selection of 3.5mm Stereo Mini Plug to RCA Interconnect Cables!
Click HERE for our entire selection of Headphones!
