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Designed in
the USA
Ideal for
Audiophiles
Best Suited for
Portable Use
1 Year of
Warranty
Super Lightweight
Design
ESS Sabre 9010 DAC
Chip
The AudioQuest DragonFly Black has been developed in partnership with Gordon Rankin and Microchip Technologies. It has a better signal to noise ratio and consumes 77% lesser power than the original DragonFly thanks to the Microchip PIC32MX microcontroller. Streamlength™ asynchronous USB code ensures low jitter, low resource load, minimal packet errors, world-class audio playback and reliable connectivity between the Dragonfly Black and any computing device with a USB output.
The DragonFly Black comes with a 32-bit 9010 ESS Sabre DAC chip that employs a minimum-phase fast roll-off filter for a naturally detailed, more authentic sound that can process up to 24-bit/96kHz audio. It features a Texas Instruments TPA6130 amp circuit and analogue volume control. You can use the source device's volume controls to adjust the DragonFly Black's volume.
This tiny DAC/AMP is compatible with a wide range of headphones, including power-hungry, low-efficiency models. It's compatible with PCs, without needing any additional drivers. You can also use it with your smartphone and enjoy music from your favourite streaming app like Tidal, Spotify, SoundCloud, YouTube and more. The DragonFly Black's software can be upgraded with the free Windows or Mac desktop app.
The Dragonfly Black supports Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) playback. This is an award-winning audio technology that's meant to deliver the sound of the original master recording. MQA files are tiny and can easily be streamed using Tidal.
STATUS/SAMPLE RATES SUPPORTED (LED INDICATOR COLOR CODE) | Standby (Red), 44.1kHz (Green), 48kHz (Blue), 88.2kHz (Amber), 96kHz (Magenta), MQA (Purple) |
VOLUME CONTROL | Analog Volume Control |
OUTPUT VOLTAGE | 1.2 |
HEADPHONE AMP | Texas Instruments TPA6130 |
DAC CHIP | 32-bit ESS 9010 with minimum-phase fast roll-off filter |
MICROCONTROLLER | Microchip PIC32MX |
DIMENSIONS | 12mm H x 19mm W x 62mm L |
SUPPORTED INPUTS | 3.5mm Stereo Jack |
HEADPHONE IMPEDANCE | 10 Ohms & Higher |
WEIGHT | 22g |
BOX CONTENTS |
1. AudioQuest DragonFly Black USB DAC
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2. Travel Pouch | |
3. Flight Manual |
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Audioquest - Dragonfly Black
₹ 10,999/- ₹ 12,000/- |
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Audioquest - Dragonfly Red
₹ 17,999/- ₹ 21,000/- |
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iBasso - DC01
₹ 4,999/- |
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iFi Audio - Zen DAC
₹ 11,999/- ₹ 13,999/- |
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Warranty | ||||
Ideal For | Smartphone & Desktop | Smartphone & Desktop | Smartphone | Desktop |
Weight | 22g | 22g | 11g | 800g |
DAC Chip | ESS Sabre ES9010 | ESS Sabre 9601 | AK4493 | Burr Brown |
Sample Rate | 24-bit / 96kHz | 24-bit / 96kHz | 32bit/384kHz | 32-bit/384kHz |
Inbuilt Battery | ||||
Battery Life | ||||
Balanced Outputs | ||||
Outputs | 3.5mm | 3.5mm | 2.5mm | 4.4mm, 3.5mm, RCA |
Digital Inputs | USB Type-C | USB3.0 B | ||
Output level | 1.2 volts | 2.1Vrms | 113mW@32ohm | 4.4mm 330mW@32 Ohm S-BAL 230mW@32 Ohm; |
Signal to Noise Ratio | 116dB | |||
MQA Support | ||||
Volume Control | ||||
Expert Verdict |
"The DragonFly Black continues this commitment to better sound quality on a budget, but in an even more impressive package. The look of it may be same, but this is easily the best DragonFly yet." What Hi-Fi |
"If Headfonia would hand out medals, the DFR would surely get one it’s that nice.I seriously doubt there are better DAC/Amp combinations in this price category and especially in such a small package." Headfonia |
"Everyone has a phone these days and plenty are Android. Introduce them to a good quality sound from their jack-free smartphone if you can. It won’t break the bank." Headfonics |
"The iFi Zen Dac is one of the best entry-level DACs you can buy. It sounds great, has a ton of features, and can grow with your system as your tastes evolve." Tech Radar |
All DragonFlys are designed to preserve the body, warmth, and natural beauty in music. We like to think of the progression like this: Black is beautiful, Red is more beautiful, and Cobalt is most beautiful. For a complete Model Comparison Chart, Click here.
No. DragonFly does not use the internal speakers in your computer.
DragonFly is specifically designed to connect to external audio devices, such as headphones, powered desktop speakers, complete audio/video systems, and iOS and Android mobile devices.
Note: DragonFly v1.0 and DragonFly v1.2 are designed to work with computers and laptops only; they are not designed for use with iOS and Android mobile devices. However, all current-production DragonFly models—Black, Red, and Cobalt—are compatible with iOS and Android devices.
From MP3 to MQA and Hi-Res, DragonFly adds life, meaning, and color to all of your music.
With all current-production models of AudioQuest’s DragonFly USB DAC (Black, Red, Cobalt), music appreciation and exploration are limitless: Plug into an Apple or Windows® computer or connect to an iOS® or Android mobile device. Play YouTube or Vimeo videos. Go hunting on Bandcamp or SoundCloud. Explore playlists and podcasts on Spotify, Pandora, or Deezer. Stream high-res audio from Tidal or Qobuz.
No matter the choice of sonic pleasure, DragonFly unravels the emotional expression and nuance that makes music and movies so enjoyable.
DragonFly is versatile enough to drive virtually any headphone on the market today, from impedances of 10ohm and higher.
While all DragonFly models offer enough output to drive most headphones, DragonFly Black (1.2-volt output) comfortably drives most medium- to moderate-efficiency models and DragonFlys Red and Cobalt (2.1-volt output) easily drive even the lowest-efficiency models.
and also matches and compensates the DAC characteristics to the hierarchical target, matching the analog sound heard in the studio.
All current-production AudioQuest DragonFlys (Black, Red, and Cobalt) feature an MQA renderer that enables playback of MQA audio files and streams, delivering the sound of the original master recording. When connected to an MQA Core signal (within TIDAL Masters or Audirvana, for example), DragonFly’s purple display indicates the unit is rendering an MQA stream or file.
As a fully functional MQA renderer, your DragonFly is ready to unfold and play MQA files through the Tidal music-streaming service. If you have a Tidal Master account and want to enjoy the full benefits of Tidal Master (MQA) files through DragonFly, simply adjust your Tidal playback settings:
macOS
To play MQA files from Tidal on a Windows computer, follow these steps in the Tidal app:
For Android playback, we recommend the USB Audio Player Pro media player by eXtream Software Development.
Yes. DragonFly is compatible with Windows 7 and later. If you’re running the Windows 10 Anniversary Update, please be sure to install the Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 1607 (August 9, 2016), to maintain optimal USB audio performance.
Microsoft does not offer native support for 88.2kHz with its Windows 7 operating system.
Fortunately, aftermarket programs such as JRiver Media Center and Foobar2000 bypass the Windows “Hardware and Sound” application and allow native 88.2kHz decoding. For more information please visit www.jriver.com or www.foobar2000.org.
Early versions of Windows 8 had compatibility issues with their device drivers and many USB DACs (including DragonFly). If you are running Windows 8, we suggest that you do the following:
There are no reported audio issues with Windows 8.1.
If the installation is complete and the DragonFly is not visible, you may need to restart your computer to complete the installation process.
Yes. DragonFly Black, Red, and Cobalt are compatible with OS X (starting with OS 10.6.8 to present). There are no known compatibility issues with OS X.
Yes. DragonFly Black and Red can be used with Apple iOS devices.
Yes. DragonFly Black, Red, and Cobalt can be used with Apple iOS devices. An Apple Camera Adapter is required to connect DragonFly to an Apple Lightning device.
In our tests, Apple's Lightning-to-USB 3 Camera Adapter (with charging port) sounds better and is more reliable than Apple’s less expensive Lightning-to-USB Camera Adapter, while also providing the ability to charge during playback. Your mileage may vary. Some users prefer the size of the smaller adapter, while others prefer the performance of the larger adapter. We encourage experimentation.
When DragonFly (Black, Red, Cobalt) is connected to an iOS device using Apple’s older Lightning to USB Camera Connection Kit, I can hear clicks and pops in the background of the music. What should I do? In some rare instances, the combination of an iOS device in conjunction with the standard CCK and DragonFly Black, Red, or Cobalt causes a clicking in the background of the music.
Neither we nor Apple have been able to determine why this is, but, in circumstances where this occurs, we’ve found that using Apple’s Lightning-to-USB 3 Camera Adapter resolves the problem. In addition, this connector offers improved audio performance over the smaller unit and provides the ability to charge the attached iOS device while listening to music.
Yes. DragonFly Black, Red, and Cobalt will work with most Android devices running on Lollipop OS (and some Android devices running on KitKat), provided that the device manufacturer has adhered to the USB specification and implementation, and supports audio over USB.
To verify that your Android device complies with isochronous USB audio, download and run USB Host Check.
In our early pre-production testing, we found that some Android devices (4.1 OS and newer) do not provide native support for audio over USB. If you find that your Android device (4.1 or newer) does not support audio over USB, we ask that you please contact the manufacturer of your device. To determine whether your device supports audio over USB, consult the user manual or visit the manufacturer’s website.
Despite Android’s support of USB audio output, there are still hardware manufacturers that do not completely adhere to the USB audio class specification. If you experience this, we recommend the USB Audio Player Pro application.
UAPP includes its own USB audio device driver that is compliant with the USB Organization’s USB Audio Host Mode Class specification. Further, it is compatible with various audio formats and will manage music on both the Android’s internal memory and inserted SD cards. With the phone connected to the Wi-Fi network, this application can also find and connect to DLNA servers/libraries. USB Audio Player PRO Version 5 now supports audio from Google Music, Tidal (including Tidal Masters), Qobuz, and Shoutcast, and includes an MQA Core Decoder, which will unfold MQA streams from 44.1/48kHz to 88.2/96 kHz and can be combined with DragonFly for further unfolding of even higher sample rates.
When using DragonFly with headphones, powered speakers, or a power amplifier, start at a low (or zero) volume level, then slowly raise the volume until the desired level is achieved.
When using DragonFly with headphones, powered speakers, or a power amplifier, it functions in variable output mode, and we recommend the following steps:
DragonFly Black is equipped with a 64-step analog volume control. With DragonFly Black connected to a PC or mobile device, adjusting the host’s system volume control will, through proxy, control the DragonFly Black’s onboard volume. This ensures maximum resolution and the highest sound quality, regardless of volume setting.
In DragonFly Red and Cobalt, we were able to employ a highly sophisticated 64-step, 64-bit, bit-perfect digital volume control. It works similarly: With DragonFly Red/Cobalt connected to a PC or mobile device, adjusting the host’s system volume control will, through proxy, control the DragonFly’s onboard volume. Here again, we’ve optimized the volume control to ensure maximum resolution and the highest sound quality, regardless of volume setting.
You can also use DragonFly as a traditional fixed-output source component (such as a CD player, DVD player, or Blu-ray player), connected to a standard input on a receiver or preamplifier. When used in this manner, DragonFly functions in fixed output mode, which allows the overall volume level to be adjusted with the audio/video system’s master volume control. For this application, both the music player’s volume control and the computer’s main (operating system) volume level should be set to maximum.
DragonFly will play music or audio data at sample rates of 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, or 96kHz.
For the best sound quality, the computer should be configured so that it sends music and audio data to DragonFly that matches the native rate of the music. For example, since all CDs use a sample rate of 44.1kHz, 44.1kHz tends to be the “native rate” of most digital music. In most cases, for most people, this will be the best sample rate to choose.
Choosing a sample rate that is higher than the native rate of a music file will convert the audio data using mathematical approximations that can potentially decrease the sound quality.
Conversely, if you have high-resolution music files, configuring your computer for 44.1kHz (or any other lower sample rate) will cause the computer to down-sample your music to a lower resolution.
When possible, always configure the computer to output the native sample rate of the music you are listening to. Many music player software suites on the market manage this process for you.
DragonFly’s LED displays different colors to indicate status or sample rate of audio data. For DragonFlys Black and Red: Red = Standby; Green = 44.1kHz; Blue = 48kHz; Amber = 88.2kHz; Magenta = 96kHz; Purple = MQA. For DragonFly Cobalt: Red = Standby; Green = 44.1kHz; Blue = 48kHz; Yellow = 88.2kHz; Light Blue = 96kHz; Purple = MQA.
If you have higher resolution files, it is important to choose the correct higher sample rate in order to maximize the benefit of those files. For the best performance with sampling rates above DragonFly’s 96kHz ceiling, files should be played at a rate mathematically related to their native resolution. For instance, a 192kHz file should be played at 96kHz (i.e., 2 x 96000.0 = 192000.0).
By selecting sample rates that are directly divisible, the computer avoids having to do sonically degrading, complex math in its conversions, and allows DragonFly to sound its best.
While iTunes was once the easy and obvious answer, a cottage industry of higher-performance, add-on applications have since sprouted up. These applications address OS X only.
Stand-alone media players (for Apple and Windows)
For any technical support or questions regarding the functionality or use of these recommended playback applications, please contact the manufacturer. AudioQuest cannot provide technical support for any of these recommended playback applications.
DragonFly has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy, and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
Modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment under FCC rules.
It is completely safe to leave DragonFly plugged in at all times. We hope that you will always want it connected to your music playback device!
While repeatedly plugging and unplugging DragonFly will not affect its lifespan or reliability, in general we have found that DACs measure and sound better after being left on for at least 24 hours.
We absolutely recommend using JitterBug with DragonFlys Black and Red, both in series (with DragonFly plugged directly into JitterBug) and/or in parallel (with JitterBug plugged into a separate USB port within the host computer).
However, because some of JitterBug’s filtering is included in DragonFly Cobalt, a JitterBug is not necessary and not recommended with mobile devices or when only one USB port is available. When using Cobalt, you can still optimize the digital audio from a computer, car stereo, or other hardware by adding a JitterBug (in parallel only) into a different USB port.
Don't sweat it, this AudioQuest DragonFly Black comes with a 1 year warranty from AudioQuest that covers manufacturing defects. All products featured on Headphone Zone are backed by an original manufacturer's warranty.
Read more about AudioQuest's warranty in India.
PRODUCT DESIGN WINNER
The Absolute Sound
Mar, 2020
RECOMMENDED COMPONENTS
Stereophile
Mar, 2019
PRODUCT DESIGN WINNER
The Absolute Sound
Mar, 2018
EDITOR'S CHOICE AWARD
Sound & Vision
Dec, 2016
“The DragonFly Black continues this commitment to better sound quality on a budget, but in an even more impressive package. The look may be same, but this is easily the best DragonFly yet.”
Read More"I've spent almost a year using DragonFly Black and I don't plan on stopping. Anyone who enjoys music and wants to make the most out of listening to it at their desk should seriously consider this."
Read More"I find the Black to be the most neutral sounding one of the new DragonFly units and it’s also the most energetic one. It’s more that it’s fast sounding with good attack and prat."
Read More“Through headphones, the DragonFly Black was superior to the original DragonFly in every way. The soundstage was considerably larger.”
Read More"The DragonFly Black is quite possibly the sharpest high street audio bargain available right now. It’s the quintessential everyman hifi product."
Read More"Now add to that low power consumption, size and fuss free operation without drivers and I think DF is still great choice in certain usage scenarios."
Read MoreShow Your DAC/AMP some love, get a headphone that unleashes its true potential
Used with : iPhone 7 plus, Macbook Pro
Headphones Used: Audeze Sine, RHA t20i, Meze 99 Classics, Crossfade M-100
The Dragonfly Black just lights up the music and makes it more enjoyable. The bass is more pronounced and has more weight to it. The soundstage is better, vocals are more prominent and everything is crisper. And it can get really loud.
The only downside is the inability to fine tune the volume. This was not a problem when used with my iPhone but with the MacBook, increasing the volume by one notch resulted in considerable increase in volume.
In order to use the dragonfly with an Android/iPhone, an adapter would be required. For the iPhone, the lightning to USB camera adapter from Apple works best, though it is quite difficult to find one. I purchased mine through Flipkart. I have not yet used the dragonfly on an android device.
Took my AT M50x to a whole new level.Couldnt tell much when compared to my M2Tech Evo DAC. Such a tiny thing can do such wonder, it's truly amazing.
Great service by Headphone zone guys.Periodic update of the courier. Prompt call from team if you drop in a message.
Can anybody suggest a usbc to USB A female cable?
Audio output changed to another level
Combined it with signature acoustic head phone.........
In one word: "Wonderful".
Although I have read in many reviews that this tiny device really enhances the sound quality, I never expected that the experience will be so good. I have Edifier Luna Eclipse connected to my desktop PC. This PC has a decent SupremeFX S1220A codec, which is good. Then I attached this "Black Beauty" to the USB port, and connected the Luna Eclipse. Just playing a flac file, I immediately noticed much better clarity, wider and well defined sound stage. Surprisingly, the bass also has improved. One can immediately feel these improvements, its so good. It plays any other format also very well, even the YouTube Music.
I am really very happy with this DAC. The delivery was on time. Thank you very much Headphonezone!
Currently I am under the spell of this "Black Magic".
-Kalyan Bhar
Surely an upgrade over default DACs on phone and laptops.
Never expected generic in ear buds to sound like bonafide speakers. Punchy bass, clear highs, expansive soundstage. One warning though, regarding volume: If you have generic headphones with low impedance, you should not set the master volume on windows to greater than 25. This should be the max volume beyond which you will either blow your headphones or your ear.
Highly recommended!
I was actually searching for a USB audio driver for my laptop, then I came across dragonfly. I found that it solves my problem in a musical way. The clarity of sound is enhanced. I am more than satisfied with the product as well as the buying experience at headphone zone!! Ultimately, thanks for making these products accessible!!
Our Headphone Guru’s Top Recommendations for You
Which version of AUDIOQUEST DRAGONFLY BLACK IS THIS ONE??
Dragonfly doesn't have multiple versions!
Will Dragonfly be able to handle MQA files played through Tidal in Laptop.
Yes, AudioQuest - DragonFly Black does support MQA files.
Founded in 1980, AudioQuest is popular for producing and selling a host of audio products and accessories including headphones, Digital-to-analog (DAP) converters, audio cables, power-conditioning products, phono cartridges and other audio accessories. Each AudioQuest product is designed to deliver extraordinary performance and value.
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AudioQuest offers a wide range of products and accessories from affordable to state of art products. Across this range, the one thing that remains constant is the blend of high-grade materials and sophisticated design. This allows AudioQuest to deliver clear and natural audio which sounds exceptional.
AudioQuest has produced the critically acclaimed NightHawk and NightOwl headphones along with award-winning DragonFly DACs. So be it headphones or DACs, rest assured of the high standard quality across the AudioQuest product range. AudioQuest is dedicated to promoting the pursuit of pleasure while respecting the pursuit of musical truth.
Just so you know you're in good company
“Thank you headphone zone team for timely delivery especially in this situation and bringing this product to India I recommend everyone to check this one before considering other alternatives in the market.”
Sreekesh V“Good Purchase with Good Delivery Experience !!!Delivery Experience - Extremely satisfied. The packaging was sufficient and delivered 2 days before the committed delivery experience. Delivered in almost 48 hrs.”
Kanchan Vaidya“Good and quick delivery from Headphone zone and would recommend others to buy from them too. No issues from their end whatsoever.”
Ankit Sharma“Amazing support from Headphones Zone team, this is my second product purchase. Delivery at critical times (COVID19), is just awesome, received my headphones one day before the committed time. Kudos to the team.”
Purushotham"It’s one of the best sites to get premium quality headphones. Their service is unparalleled!! Would recommend 10/10. A Grade service!! "
Joshua Sudeep"Experience was smooth. The Headphone Guru was kind and answered all my queries. The delivery was super fast. The product is genuine This is my go-to destination for everything audio from now on."
Srinidhi Padukone"Their commitment to customer satisfaction is beyond par. I requested them to deliver my replacement earphones to a newer location and they were ready to deliver. Such requests don't get entertained anywhere else."
Yaseen Samudri"It's not one of the best; It is the best! The only website I truly trust to get my Ear candies from. The crew has great knowledge of the various products and I bet this tops off Amazon when it comes to audio gears. Kudos "
Reagan Lyngdoh"Have you done something that you're really passionate about and found out that the results are outstanding? Well, I have just summed up Headphone Zone - a really passionate team."
Mohit Tannu"Awesome experience. I am so so happy and my bf loved the earphones a lot and it was his pre birthday gift. Thank you for the great service as well."
Jennifer Yonzon"Probably one of the best experience I have had right from buying till getting a item serviced. I don't think I have had such a smooth experience with an online shopping website. This is where your search ends."
Rima Patel"Loved the customer support shown by Headphone Zone's team. They are all willing to help and clear your doubts. I can only say that there is no need to worry. Order you dream audio tech RIGHT NOW!"
Rajat KaushalLike you, Headphone Gurus at Headphone Zone are passionate about music. It's their job to make sure that you find a headphone that fits your music listening habits and preferences perfectly. They do this all day.
With years of experience helping people find musical bliss, they're the experts when it comes to everything audio.
Headphone Zone is India’s first exclusive online store for headphones, earphones and personal audio devices.
Raghav Somani started Headphone Zone in 2010 after realising that most big retailers had little to no understanding of headphones. And so, it is our commitment to personalize your listening experience as much as possible.
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