Audioquest DragonFly Copper USB DAC - iOS, Android & Windows
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Audioquest DragonFly Copper USB DAC - iOS, Android & Windows
Overview
The audio circuitry built into a laptop, phone, or tablet has other jobs to do besides playing music, and it is rarely optimized for sound. That is why music streamed straight from a headphone jack or a phone's USB port can sound flat or thin next to what a dedicated DAC and amplifier can draw out of the same file.
The AudioQuest DragonFly Copper is a portable USB DAC, preamp, and headphone amplifier that bypasses that built-in circuitry. Built around a 32-bit ESS Sabre DAC/headphone amp chip, it plays files up to a 96kHz sample rate and, according to AudioQuest, delivers twice the output power of any previous DragonFly while drawing 25% less current. It drives headphones directly and can also feed powered speakers, an amplifier, or a preamp.
Volume is handled by a 64-step, 64-bit, bit-perfect digital volume control that follows your device's own volume setting, and the DragonFly emblem changes colour to show standby or the sample rate of the file playing. It meets USB Audio Class standards, so it needs no extra drivers on Apple or Windows computers, and it works with iOS and Android devices.
Simcoe Audio Video Insight
DragonFly Copper ships with a form-fitting DragonTail USB-A to USB-C adaptor; remove it to use the DAC's own USB-A plug. For iPhones and iPads with a Lightning port you will also need an Apple Camera Adapter, which is not included. AudioQuest found the Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter (with charging port) sounded better and was more reliable in its tests, and it lets you charge while you listen.
More Info
Why the AudioQuest DragonFly Copper Stands Out
32-Bit ESS Sabre DAC and Headphone Amp
A 32-bit ESS Sabre chip handles digital-to-analog conversion and headphone amplification in one small housing.
2x the Output Power of Previous DragonFlys
AudioQuest rates Copper at twice the output power of any previous DragonFly, with 25% lower current draw.
64-Step Bit-Perfect Digital Volume
A 64-step, 64-bit, bit-perfect digital volume control is adjusted through your phone, tablet, or computer's volume setting.
Copper-Plated RF-Draining Case
A high-conductivity copper-plated case improves RF-noise drainage compared with previous DragonFlys.
Sample-Rate Indicator
The DragonFly emblem shows red (standby), green (44.1kHz), blue (48kHz), yellow (88.2kHz), or light blue (96kHz).
No Drivers Needed
Meets all USB Audio Class standards and works with Apple and Windows computers plus iOS and Android devices.
DragonTail Adaptor Included
A form-fitting DragonTail USB-A to USB-C adaptor comes in the box for USB-C computers, tablets, and phones.
Buyer's Guide
Who It's For
- The Laptop or Phone Listener: Wants clearer sound from files and streaming than a built-in headphone output can give, without a desktop DAC and amp.
- The Multi-Device User: Moves between a laptop, phone, and tablet and wants one small DAC/amp for all of them.
- The Light Traveller: Wants a plug-and-play DAC small enough to leave in a laptop bag, with no extra drivers to install.
How It Compares
AudioQuest calls Copper the latest and most sophisticated DragonFly. Compared with previous DragonFlys it offers twice the output power, 25% lower current draw, and a copper-plated case. Its volume control is digital and bit-perfect, like the Red and Cobalt, where the DragonFly Black uses an analog volume control. AudioQuest lists an MQA indicator for the Black, Red, and Cobalt, but not for Copper.
Audioquest DragonFly Copper USB DAC - iOS, Android & Windows Specifications
| General Information | |
|---|---|
| Model | AudioQuest DragonFly Copper |
| Brand | AudioQuest |
| Product Type | USB DAC, preamp, and headphone amplifier |
| SKU | DRAGONFLYCOPPER |
| UPC | 092592197978 |
| Audio | |
| DAC Chip | 32-bit ESS Sabre DAC/headphone amp |
| Maximum Sample Rate | 96kHz |
| Volume Control | 64-step, 64-bit, bit-perfect digital |
| Output Power | 2x any previous DragonFly (per AudioQuest) |
| Current Draw | 25% lower than previous DragonFlys (per AudioQuest) |
| USB Code | Streamlength asynchronous USB |
| Connectivity | |
| Connector | USB-A (USB-C with included DragonTail adaptor) |
| Output | Analog headphone / line output |
| Compatibility | Apple and Windows computers, iOS and Android devices; no extra drivers (USB Audio Class) |
| Lightning Devices | Require an Apple Camera Adapter (sold separately) |
| Physical | |
| Dimensions | 19mm W x 12mm H x 57mm L |
| Case | High-conductivity copper-plated |
| Indicator Colours | Red (standby), Green (44.1kHz), Blue (48kHz), Yellow (88.2kHz), Light Blue (96kHz) |
| In the Box | DragonFly Copper, DragonTail USB-A to USB-C adaptor |
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