AudioQuest DragonFly Red USB Digital Audio Converter

Full Description

New for 2016 the AudioQuest DragonFly Red USB digital to analogue converter / preamp / headphone amp. The original DragonFly defined the market for micro-DACs, however its USB power draw made it compatible with computers only. Users wanted a more portable version, one that could be used with Apple and Android smartphones and tablets. With DragonFly Red convenience and performance are both achieved, any computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone can be used as a true high fidelity music player, allowing users to enjoy superior sound anywhere.

AudioQuest have worked alongside Microchip Technology to develop a new high-performance, full-speed USB microcontroller that delivers improved signal-to-noise ratio and significantly lower power consumption. Drawing 77% less current than the DragonFly v1.2’s microcontroller, the new Microchip MX microcontroller enables true compatibility with Apple and Android smartphones and tablets. DragonFly Red has a digital volume control which doesn’t compromise the signal or reduce finesse and subtlety and low level detail.

For improved performance DragonFly Red incorporates a 32-bit ESS 9016 Sabre DAC chip which employs minimum-phase filtering for naturally detailed, more authentic sound. It outputs 2.1 volts, meaning that DragonFly Red is compatible with an even wider range of headphones, including power-hungry, low-efficiency models. This higher output is an important advantage with some of the more inefficient headphones on the market. DragonFly Red includes the latest ESS headphone amp and a bit-perfect digital volume control that resides on the 9016 DAC chip itself, a sophisticated implementation that ensures maximum fidelity, dynamic contrast, and signal to noise ratio.

DragonFly is designed to honour the music you already own and love. Whether you are listening to Spotify, YouTube, Tidal, ripped CDs, or state-of-the-art high-resolution files, DragonFly will deliver a more emotionally compelling experience. DragonFly Red is also 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.

AudioQuest DragonFly Red Features

• USB stick-sized digital-to-analogue converter
• Plays all music files: MP3 to high-res
• Compatible with Apple and Windows PCs, as well as iOS and Android mobile devices (requires Apple camera adapter or made for Android/OTG adaptor)
• Drives headphones directly
• Fixed output feeds preamp or AV receiver
• Asynchronous transfer ensures digital timing integrity
• High output (2.1 volts) drives almost all headphones, including power-hungry models
• 32-bit ESS 9016 DAC with minimum-phase filter
• Bit-perfect digital volume control

Native Resolution	Up to 24-bit / 96kHz
Output	2.1 Volts
Micro Controller	Microchip PIC32MX
DAC Chip	ESS 9016 32-Bit
Volume Control	Digital 64-Bit Bit-Perfect Volume Control
Desktop / PC Compatibility	Windows 7 / 8.1 / 10; Apple OS X; Linux (no support provided)
Mobile Comparability	Apple iOS (5 and newer) Android (4.1 and newer)
Software Upgradable	Yes (from desktop application)
USB Protocol	Asynchronous USB Streamlength
Dimensions (H x W x L)	12mm x 19mm x 62mm