AudioQuest DragonFly Red is a compact USB DAC, preamp, and headphone amplifier that plugs into a computer’s USB-A port (or a phone/tablet with the right adapter). It bypasses the basic audio circuitry found in many laptops and mobile devices, then converts the digital signal to clean analog sound for headphones, powered speakers, or an amplifier. Inside is an ESS Sabre 9016 DAC with a minimum-phase filter and a high-quality ESS headphone amp, plus a digital volume control that helps keep sound quality consistent at different listening levels. With a 2.1V output, DragonFly Red has the drive for a wide range of headphones, and it supports music files up to 24-bit/96kHz. The coloured “dragonfly” LED shows the incoming sample rate at a glance.

Key Features

• USB DAC + headphone amp + preamp in a pocket-size design
• 32-bit ESS Sabre 9016 DAC with minimum-phase digital filter
• 2.1V output helps drive many full-size headphones with authority
• Supports audio up to 24-bit/96kHz
• Bit-perfect digital volume control for precise level adjustment
• Works with computers and with many iOS/Android devices using the proper adapter
• Colour LED indicator shows playback status and sample rate

Why Buy

If you listen on a laptop or phone and want clearer sound without adding a bulky box, DragonFly Red is a simple, proven solution. It’s easy to carry, quick to set up, and flexible enough to use with headphones at your desk or as a clean output into powered speakers or a hi-fi system.

• Better source quality: Bypasses noisy built-in audio to deliver cleaner analog output.
• Plenty of drive: 2.1V output suits a wide range of headphones.
• Easy daily use: LED sample-rate indicator and reliable USB plug-and-play operation.