Dragonfire Acoustics Mini Dragon DFA 2.1 desktop playback system Specifications

Sidebar 1: Specifications

Description: Nearfield playback system with dipole planar-magnetic satellites, subwoofer, amplifier with DSP loudspeaker controller, and headphone amp/streamer with DSP room correction (Dirac Live). Also supplied: calibration microphone and cabling. Frequency response: 30Hz–50kHz. THD: <1% at 100dB.
Price (system): $10,000. Approximate number of dealers: not disclosed; also sold direct. Warranty: 3 years.
Manufacturer: Dragonfire Acoustics, Orange County, CA. Tel: (657) 667-6187. Web: www.dragonfireacoustics.com.

Mini Dragon Satellite Loudspeaker
Description: Dipole desktop loudspeaker with 5" by 10" planar-magnetic driver in an aluminum frame. Magnets: Neodymium. Diaphragm: Ultrathin polymer. Sensitivity: 100dB/W/m. Maximum SPL: >120dB/1m, upper midrange. Satellite frequency range: 200Hz–50kHz. THD: <0.5% at 100dB. Impedance: 20 ohms purely resistive as standard; 2 ohms to 50 ohms or higher available by special order.
Dimensions: 12" (305mm) by 6" (152mm) (H by W). Weight: 7lb (3.2kg).
Finishes: Titanium anodized; other colors available on custom order.
Serial number of units reviewed: DFA0510MD0205-001 and -002.
Price: $4998/pair.

DFA SB-8P Subwoofer
Description: Self-powered floorstanding subwoofer. Drivers: 8" custom high-excursion woofer, 8" high-excursion passive radiator tuned for 30Hz bass extension. Integral amplifier power: 180W. Frequency range: 30–300Hz. Inputs: line level, speaker output from MD-4 amplifier. Controls: Volume, phase, auto on/off power, Sub/LFE.
Dimensions: 11.4" (290mm) W by 10.5" (267mm) H by 10.4" (264mm) D. Weight: 15.9lb (7.2kg).
Finish: Piano black gloss.
Serial number of unit reviewed: 0030.
Price: $498.

MD-4 Amplifier
Description: 4-channel class-D amplifier with DSP. Inputs: 1 USB Type B for streaming input, 1 S/PDIF, 1 AES/EBU (optional), 2 Stereo Balanced XLR analog, 1 USB Type B for Firmware Update and Snowbird Audioweaver DSP Programming. Outputs: 2 2-channel 4-pole Speakon, 1 S/PDIF (optional). Power: 245Wpc into 8 ohms (23.9dBW) at 1% THD. Gain: 26dB. Signal/Noise: >119dB (A-weighted, 20Hz–200kHz, 8 ohm load). THD+noise (typical): <0.05% (20Hz–20kHz, 8 ohm load, 3dB below weighted power).
Dimensions: 10.1" (256mm) W by 3.54" (90mm) H by 10.1" (257mm) D. Weight: 3lb (1.4kg).
Finish: Anodized aluminum. Serial number of unit reviewed 482-1005.
Price: $3498.

SHD Headphone Amp/Streamer
Description: All-in-one streamer/processor/headphone amp. DSP processor: 32-bit/450MHz. Internal sample rate: 96kHz. Network audio streamer: Quad-core ARM processor with Volumio music player installed. Digital inputs: 1 AES/EBU (XLR); 1 S/PDIF (RCA); 1 optical (TOSLINK); USB type B port for audio streaming, real-time control, and firmware upgrade. Digital outputs: 2 S/PDIF (RCA); 2 AES/EBU (XLR). Headphone amplifier: 1 6.35mm jack. Headphone amp signal/noise: 112dB (A-weighted, 1kHz, 32 ohm load).
Dimensions: 8.44" (214.5mm) by 1.63" (41.5mm) by " (206mm) (W by H by D).
Finish: Black.
Serial number of unit reviewed: DFA-AMP-MD4-001.
Price: $998.

COMPANY INFO
Dragonfire Acoustics
Orange County, CA
(657) 667-6187
ARTICLE CONTENTS

COMMENTS
Anton's picture

I've loved my Monsoon desktop speakers for years. Glad to see them getting some upscale cred!

JRT's picture

In the late 1990s I bought a 4-channel variant of Bruce Thigpen's Eminent Technology LFT-11.

http://www.eminent-tech.com/lft11prod.html

http://www.eminent-tech.com/graphics/desktopandruler2.jpg

http://www.eminent-tech.com/graphics/wooferandruler2.jpg

Anton's picture

Factoring in technological advancements and inflation, those are 10,000 dollar speakers!

I still use my Monsoons, they are uncannily musical creatures.

Ortofan's picture

... a pair of Wilson Audio TuneTots?
https://www.hifinews.com/content/wilson-audio-tunetot-loudspeaker

Bogolu Haranath's picture

According to Hi-Fi News TuneTot measurements ........

There is a nice, approx. 8 db 'BBC dip' in the presence region ........ The frequency response almost looks like a 'roller-coaster' ride .......... The sensivity is somewhat on the low side 83-84 db ......... Distortion levels seem to rise as the frequency decreases ....... Pair matching is also, not that great +/- 5-6 db :-) ........

I saved the best for the last ........ They cost $10,000/pair and they don't come with an amp :-) .........

landylee's picture

London celebrates the elegance of Audrey Hepburn. London celebrates the elegance of Audrey Hepburn.
https://fabiosa.com/lbmkt-ctclb-rseln-audkz-pbdlr-sasha-and-masya-shpak-.... In addition to the classic portraits of such famous photographers as Cecil Beaton and Angus McBean for the first time, the early "family pictures are to be seen" to be provided to the gallery by the sons of Hepburn's available.

Bogolu Haranath's picture

KEF active, wireless, DSP controlled LS series ........ KEF EGG, LSX, LS-50 wireless and LS-50 wireless Nocturnes are all lot less expensive than Dragonfire :-) .........

Anton's picture

They don’t cost enough!

Jason Victor Serinus's picture

In response to Ortofon's question, would I rather have a pair of Wilson TuneTots.... Every desktop system I've used in Port Townsend and Oakland, starting with AudioEngine 5s, has included self-powered loudspeakers. The Wilson Tune Tots would have to be paired with a different DAC, and would need appropriate amplification that I don't currently have on hand. Oh, and speaker cable as well.

As for comparing the sound of the speakers alone (which is the next question that a reasonable audiophile might ask), they are completely different animals requiring different connections and electronics. They're also designed for different placement. We're not talking apples and oranges; we're talking apples and almonds. Personally, I like them both. The foods, that is. I have only heard the TinyTots once, and have no educated opinion to offer.

Bogolu Haranath's picture

May be JVS could review the KEF LS-50 wireless Nocturnes ($2,500/pair)? ........... LS-50 Nocturnes are the top of the line model in the KEF LS wireless series ......... Nocturnes are active, wireless and DSP controlled ........ Nocturnes were not reviewed by Stereophile :-) ........

Anton's picture

I think that would be a way cool niche for Jason if it isn't to monotonous for him.

Bogolu Haranath's picture

May be not as monotonous as listening to Diana Krall over and over and over and ........ again :-) ........

Ortofan's picture

... supply the amp (and DAC and DSP, if needed) as a complete system or would you prefer having the freedom to select the ancillary components (and cables) yourself?

Bogolu Haranath's picture

If and when Wilson Audio comes up with an active, self powered, wireless, DAC and DSP controlled speakers for $50k ....... guaranteed JVS would be the first one in line to review them ...... Of course Nordost would be supplying the necessary cables :-) ..........

Ortofan's picture

... for a new Wilson product code named '4D'.
It will be an active model, with the speaker designed by Daryl (Wilson), the amplifier from Dan D'Agostino, the DAC from dCS and the DSP from Dirac.

Bogolu Haranath's picture

.... and the power supply cord is gonna be the $10,000 Synergistic 'world reference' power cord? :-) .......

Ortofan's picture

... Nordost products?
Try their Odin 2 power cord.

Bogolu Haranath's picture

Aha ....... Great comparison review project for JVS ........ Comparison review between Nordost Odin2 power cord and 'World's reference' power cord .......... If JVS selects the 'less expensive' WR power cord, we can all save some money here ....... We can still use the Odin2 digital and analog interconnects ...... unless, the Wilson '4D' is totally wireless like the B&W Formation Duo .........

I can see endless possibilities for Wilson '4D' ......... Wilson could come up with a wireless surround sound system like the Enclave Audio system (see S&V website) ......... Wilson could also come up with a '4D' surround sound, soundbar like the Sennheiser Ambeo (see S&V review) ......... Also, height channel speakers, in-ceiling speakers, in-wall speakers, outdoor speakers, automobile speakers .......... :-) ............

Bogolu Haranath's picture

When JVS buys an eco-friendly Tesla automobile, he could get a custom installed Wilson Audio automobile system ....... and, write a review for Stereophile :-) ..........

Hi-Reality's picture

Thank you Jason for this great report and review. This was extra special to read since I had the pleasure to interview Dr. C at the T.H.E SHOW IN LONG BEACH 2019 and record a demo (in binaural audio) of this very system. Enjoy:

Dragonfire Acoustics (Part 1: System Presentation): https://youtu.be/BjzWkNhzq04

Dragonfire Acoustics (Part 2: Sound Demo: Roger Waters!): https://youtu.be/ay3Tb53umuY

Regards, Babak
Hi-Reality Machines

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