| Columns Retired Columns & Blogs |
AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt Portable USB DAC Sweepstakes
Register to win an AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt Portable USB DAC (Total value $299.95) we are giving away.
According to the company:
In 2012, the original AudioQuest DragonFly thoroughly disrupted the DAC market. For so many casual enthusiasts who had never previously considered the possibility of improving their digital-audio experience, DragonFly was nothing short of a revelation. Meanwhile, even the most experienced audiophiles were compelled to reexamine long-held notions of what a DAC could and should be. Stereophile's Art Dudley enthusiastically summarized, “DragonFly is fun: It's a thumb in the eye of those tea-pinky tyrants who would tell the rest of us what is and is not high end. I can think of no more recommendable product in digital audio.”
In the early months of 2015, AudioQuest surpassed its previous achievements with DragonFlys Black and Red—two sensational models that offered improved performance-to-cost ratios with unprecedented sound quality, free firmware updates, and, of course, the biggest news of all, compatibility with Apple® and Android® smartphones.
And now comes DragonFly Cobalt—AudioQuest's new flagship DAC. Cobalt takes what music lovers around the world have come to expect from the multi-award-winning DragonFly family—naturally beautiful, seductive sound—and strips away fuzz and fog that weren't even noticeable until Cobalt removed them.
How is this possible? Like the critically acclaimed DragonFly Red, Cobalt has the robust 2.1-volt output to drive almost any headphone, uses a bit-perfect digital volume control for outstanding signal-to-noise ratio, enables seamless compatibility with Apple and Android devices, and is an exceptionally competent and affordable MQA renderer.
Cobalt's precedent-setting performance is made possible by multiple significant upgrades:
- New, more advanced ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip with a minimum-phase slow roll-off filter for more natural sound.
- Microchip's superb PIC32MX274 microprocessor draws less current and increases processing speed by 33%.
- Improved power-supply filtering that specifically increases immunity to WiFi, Bluetooth, and cellular noise.
- Includes AudioQuest's new DragonTail USB-A (female) to USB-C (male) adaptor to easily accommodate the increasing number of electronic devices that feature USB-C ports.
- Contoured enclosure measures just 2.26” x 0.73” x 0.47” (57.5mm x 18.6mm x 11.9mm), making the latest DragonFly 10% smaller than its predecessors.
Like previous models, Cobalt uses Gordon Rankin's precedent-setting StreamLength® asynchronous-transfer USB code. Further, in Gordon's monoClock® technology, a single ultra-low-jitter clock generated from the ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip runs the ESS chip functions as well as all microcontroller functions. This superior clock enables DragonFly Cobalt to provide greater resolution and clarity than DACs with multiple clocks.
With AudioQuest's DragonFly USB DAC, 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 on Spotify or Pandora. Stream high-res audio from Tidal or Qobuz. No matter the choice of musical pleasure, DragonFly delivers beautiful sound to earbuds, headphones, desktop speakers, or complete audio systems, unraveling the emotional expression and nuance that makes music and movies so enjoyable. Now, more than ever before, naturally beautiful sound is right at your fingertips—however you want it, whenever you want it.
The first 10,000 units of DragonFly Cobalt will come packaged with vouchers for trial subscriptions to the outstanding Tidal and Qobuz music-streaming services. Cobalt customers can begin their musical journeys with two new AudioQuest playlists—On an AudioQuest and Making Connections—available on Tidal and Qobuz, respectively.
To enter the sweepstakes, all you need is an account on this website. If you don't already have one, click on the link labeled "register" at the bottom of this announcement or "LOG IN/JOIN" in the nav bar at the right. Then, enter a username and a valid e-mail address, and click on the "Create new account" button. A message will be automatically sent to the e-mail address you specified, which will include a link to activate the account.
The final step (and only step for those who already have an account) is to log in and leave a comment right here on this announcement—any comment will do, as long as it's not profane or spam. Then, when the sweepstakes closes, a lucky commenter will be chosen at random to receive the prize. So post a comment, and good luck!
For complete sweepstakes rules, click here.
[This Sweepstakes is now closed]
| Loudspeakers Amplification Digital Sources |  |
Analog Sources Accessories Featured | |
Music Columns Retired Columns | |
Show Reports | |
Features Latest News Community | |
Resources Subscriptions |
© 2024 StereophileAVTech Media Americas Inc., USA
All rights reserved
Audioquest continues their fine series of high performance / high value DACS with the DragonFly Cobalt. Well done!
I have owned both the red & black in the past. Please send me the new cobalt. :)
Love to have the new Cobalt!
Happy to hear audioquest is continuing to make good quality portable dacs, if I win it might even replace my desktop dac!
Would love to hear it for myself!
Seems like a really cool product - would love to try it out!
Let's here it for free.
...and sure would like to hear the new improvements.
Would work great with my Laptop
Cobalt is my favorite color... and now it's a killer DAC also! What could be better!!
Call me DragonFly Jones. :)
Fingers Crossed!
for the dragonfly..
ME!!
Looks like a great little product.
It would be fun to win.
Fingers crossed.
I'm really looking forward to hearing the new DragonFly Cobalt DAC.
I'll have some of that!
Looks like a product I really need!!
I have plans for this baby!
I've never owned or used one of these gizmos, so it would be great to win this!
Yes! Looking forward to this!
This is a very interesting upgrade to previous Dragonfly products. Count me in for the giveaway. Would love to hear this beauty in action.
I would really love to try DragonFly Cobalt DAC. I always loved AudioQuest audio products.
Having enjoyed the red would love to hear the new Colbalt
I'd love to win this. Help me get rid of my big old dac/amp, please!
I have a DragonFly Black so this would be a great upgrade for me. Also hoping the next version is purple. :-)
I bought a black one the day it came out; I bought a red one the day it came out. Then I got stuck up and bought an iFi. Now I'm ready to go back to Audioquest.
i have been following along and reading multiple reviews, acquiring good headphones and am now ready to obtain a quality dac/amp. i was considering the dragonfly red but the cobalt sounds like it's what i really need.
username: hifitommy
email: hifitommy@gmail.com
cell: 818.554.5783
well, good luck to me.
It is very exiting to see that emerging this technology is making progress in a very small form factor and beautiful sounding products. I have had a great experience and journey into digital from original Dragonfly to 1.2, Black, Red and now we have the NEW Cobalt. Fantastic AudioQuest!
Sounds like a worthwhile upgrade from the Red.
Please and thanks.
Yes, one of these would be very nice!
Steve
Looking for luck
Dollar for dollar the best bang for the buck. Hard to believe all that is going on inside a DAC the size of a thumb drive. Kudos.
Today's electronics are amazing. I have a terabyte micro-Sd card the size and thickness of a thumbnail (sans thumb).
Can this run my Fostex TH610's?
New tech that actually benefits us.
hopefully I'll be lucky!
maybe I'll actually win !
Please.
I would love to have the new Cobalt!
I have the original DragonFly from way back when. It would be great to compare the Cobalt to it!
I hope I will win it. I already own the Black and the Red, and I'm anxious to hear the new Cobalt.
would surely make the music on my tablet sound so much better.
Thanks!
Yup, I'll get a Stereophile tattoo
Indeed. Never had a standalone DAC before so this would be cool to own.
Need more toys!
Hats off to AudioQuest. Looks like the DragonFly Cobalt maybe the the best small portable DAC !
looks like something I need badly :)
Really would like to hear this.
I would like to compare to my Marantz NA8005 DAC
I own both the red and the black Dragonfly DAC's. I have gotten a lot of use out of both of them in the house and in my car. After reading about the features of the Cobalt, I really can't wait to try out this one!
Beautiful color - please buzz over to my laptop!
I have the red would love the cobalt
Pick me ;)
Love the first two! Gonna love this cobalt for sure!
It seems like they perfected something I already thought was perfect.I guess there's always room for improvement.
I Want One!
Or so I hope.
I am listening to music at work through my Dragonfly Black. I am excited to hear the improvements that the Cobalt will bring.
Recommend the Red, so Yes Please.
Having enjoyed the Red, I look forward to discerning the differences.
Thanks for the review. Appreciate having a trustworthy source for critical equipment reviews.
I would be delighted to get my hands on a Cobalt!! My HD800 can't wait either:))
Yes!
As usual a wonderful product!
would love to win one !!
Would love to get one and compare against the Tone Board
Sign me up!
I have used a Dragonfly black for my Android tablet for two years. I would love to try out a new Dragonfly Cobalt.
Spectacular device that just gets better! Would love to get my hands on this version.
I could use a new DAC for my laptop and this would be perfect.
I love the DragonFly Red, and can't wait to see the improvements that have been made for the Cobalt.
Because I'm not in the US. Oh well :_/
yes please.
I loved the first Audioquest Black, so I upgraded to the Red. Now the Cobalt looks even better. I can't wait to try one - and even better would love to win one after buying the two previous :-)
Can’t wait to try it out. Seems like an overall better DF Red. I hope I win the giveaway!
Thank you for the chance to win.
I have an original (V1.2 I think) before they became 'red' and 'black'. Definitely want to hear the Cobalt.
I’ve heard and owned Dragonfly Black and Red. The Cobalt must be a fine upgrade!
Looks nice, i bet it sounds good also.Good luck, everyone...
Awesome, would be great to compare it to my Modi Multibit powered by Vali 2 tube pre amp ;)
Please!!!
The blue is absolutely beautiful. I am in love.
If the Cobalt sounds like it looks... audio nirvana.
my brother will be happy when he receives my dragonfly RED
That's the spirit!!
I miss my Red, but a Blue would help me get over it.
Sure, i'll play!
Want to compare to my Schiit Fulla!
A whole lotta fun!
Hey Now - this would be AWESOME - please pick me!
had the original dragonfly now have the red, would like to here the difference the cobalt makes
Crossing my fingers ...
great sounding
I need this in my life. Come to me Cobalt!
I hope to win the DAC of my dreams for my iPhone.
It should be a worthy successor to my DragonFly Black that does double duty with my phone and my laptop. Subscriber since the early days of J. Gordon Holt in the 1960's.
I hope I win I wanted to know how good this audioquest
Great contest!
That's amazing thanks for the entry.
...as I'm not eligible and as I have ordered a Cobalt from my dealer, I feel free to say that the comments to date are pitiful.
Perhaps the prize should go to the most grovelling and inane contribution...
Heh heh...
It might be time for an upgrade!!
Sign me up!
i enjoyed both the original and the red at home on on my iPhone.
Count me in. Thanks!
I can't wait to add the Dragonfly Cobalt to improving my morning commute!
Love to try out one of these
I love my dragonfly red. I’d love to hear the cobalt!
let's do this stereophile!
...and win.
Glad to improve our outdoor sound with the Cobalt. Probably the Red & Black get a price decrease, hopefully?
I never win anything! I need this....
Excited to hear the new 'fly from the folks at AQ.
I might have terrible ears, but I bought the red a few months after buying the black, and I cannot say I heard a huge improvement. Maybe the Cobalt will be different?
AQ Cobalt. Nice!
Recently bought the Red; too early to upgrade, but if it’s free... ;-)
I've been looking into the DragonFly Red for a while and now I've learn that AudioQuest just came out with the DragonFly Cobalt! Whether I win or not, I would definitely would get the Cobalt for my next DAC!
I already enjoyed the Black and the Red DAC.
I‘d love to get the new Model!
Thanks AQ for such a great little DAC!
I've always wanted one of these. A good friend has the older model and swears by it. Hopefully I get picked to win the new Cobalt!
Would like to fly with DragonFly...
Nice surprise. Can't wait the results :)
The Dragonfly Cobalt sounds great to win =)
Sweet offer! Thanks!
Looking forward to hearing it!
For me.
Great looking kit and I would love to win, thanks!
(Dragon)Fly Me To The Moon
Just one for mee plaese. Blue would be nice
;O)
I've had the Dragonfly 1, the 1.2, and now the Red. I've been waiting for an update!
Count me in. I would love to add the Dragonfly Cobalt to my arsenal of quality Audioquest gear.
It's really impressive how far DAC technology has come in the last decade. I'd love to have one of these.
hope I get to for free!!
Actually, I bought a TEAC AI-3010A integrated desktop amp to try using a separate DAC from the PC for the first time ever. It's pretty good, but I can't really tell the difference between that and the computer's own analog output, but the computer has what it calls "audiophile grade" DAC and line out circuitry with some kind of "audiophile" type capacitors, so maybe my motherboard really is better than average?
Game changer? Would like to find out.
It would be great to hear the improvements in this dac as played through both my computer system and in my audio system compared to the Chord dac.
Glad to see a new Dragonfly family member !
Enjoying very much my Dragonfly Red, always with me for high quality audio listening out of home.
Would love to welcome the Cobalt at home !!!
I could use one of these.
Always.
Looks great - sounds better
the new Cobalt Dragonfly
I was about to buy a Red... glad I waited. Do we know the street price?
I am leaving not profane or spam comment.
Looks impressive.
This is what I need :)
Pages