AudioQuest DragonFly Black USB DAC / Headphone Amp
The Next Generation: DragonFly Black
While the original DragonFly defined the market for micro-DACs, its USB power draw made it compatible with computers only. Music lovers have craved a more portable version—one that could be reliably used with Apple and Android smartphones and tablets. Audioquest are delighted to present DragonFly Black.
Convenience and performance are no longer mutually exclusive. With DragonFly Black any computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone can be used as a true high-fidelity music player, allowing music lovers to enjoy beautiful sound wherever they go, whenever they please.
AudioQuest, Gordon Rankin, and Microchip: A Beautiful Partnership
AudioQuest and DragonFly designer Gordon Rankin worked alongside Microchip Technology to develop a new high-performance, full-speed USB microcontroller solution that delivers improved signal-to-noise ratio and significantly lower power consumption. Drawing 77% less current than the previous microcontroller, the new Microchip PIC32MX microcontroller enables true compatibility with Apple and Android smartphones and tablets.
Improved 32-Bit Digital Performance
For greater overall performance, the new DragonFly also incorporates improved 32-bit ESS Sabre 9010 DAC chip which employs minimum-phase filtering for naturally detailed, more authentic sound. DragonFly Black uses the same high-quality headphone amp and analog volume control found in DragonFly v1.2.
DragonFly Black will output 1.2 volts—enough power to successfully drive all preamplifier input circuits and a wide range of today’s efficient headphones. While the DAC chips AudioQuest have selected are remarkably powerful and sophisticated, they have intentionally limited DragonFly Blacks processing capabilities to 24-bit/96kHz resolution. This makes using the DragonFly as simple as it’s always been: it is fully compatible with PCs without having to download and install new drivers.
Most importantly, DragonFly is designed to honor the music you already own and love. Whether you’re listening to Spotify, YouTube, Tidal, ripped CDs, or state-of-the-art high-resolution files, DragonFly will deliver a more emotionally compelling and enjoyable experience.
Free Desktop Application for Software Upgradability
In addition, the new DragonFly Black will be software upgradeable through a complimentary Windows or OS X desktop application. As new developments arise in music player applications, streaming protocols, or other associated software, DragonFly users will be able to incorporate those updates to their existing devices.
Specifications
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USB Stick-Sized Digital-to-Analog Converter
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Plays all music files: MP3 to high-res
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Compatible with Apple and Windows PCs, as well as iOS and Android mobile devices (requires Apple Camera Adapter or Made for Android/OTG adaptor)
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Drives headphones directly
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Fixed output feeds preamp or AV receiver
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Asynchronous transfer ensures digital timing integrity
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Medium output (1.2 volts) drives a wide range of headphones
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32-bit ESS 9010 DAC with minimum-phase filter
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Analog volume control