Question 1

i know these DACs are mainly for high end headphones , but anyone know if it will make a better (or slightly better) audio on $10 -$30 earphones?

Accepted Answer

The answer is that it might make a big difference, but you won't know until you try.  I have a $3000 headphone amp coupled to a $15000 DAC.  I normally use them with headphones in a price range from $1000 to $4000, for which both components, independently make a huge difference.  Now for the surprise:  I have a pair a cheap, no-name headphones -- the only name on them is "digital."  That speaks volumes.  On those cheap headphones, the headphone amp makes a totally unexpected, MONUMENTAL difference.  My point is that you never say "never."  That said, I recommend that if you're considering investing $300 in this device, you should consider investing in better headphones.  Look at the less expensive models from Grado, for example.

Question 2

What's the difference between red and black?

Accepted Answer

In performance, both models incorporate the 32-bit ESS Sabre DAC chip, the 9010 in Black and the higher-performance 9016 in Red. While the Black uses the same headphone amp and analog volume control found in previous version, the new Red includes the latest ESS headphone amp and a bit-perfect digital volume control that resides on the 9016 DAC chip itself. In power the Black puts out 1.2 volts: enough power to drive all preamplifier input circuits and a wide range of efficient headphones. The red with its higher 2.1-volt output will be compatible with a wider range of headphones, including power-hungry, low-efficiency model.

Question 3

Can you still use inline headphone controls when using the dac with an iPhone?

Accepted Answer

No you cannot nor can you use the mic in the headphones for making or recieving calls ...luckily you do get notification ...and you can just pull the lightning connector to answer the call ..using iphone in normal manner ..i  had this exact Q  after recieving my unit ..

Question 4

I have powered speakers that I plug into my laptop 3mm headphone jack. Can I use this product to get more volume & better audio quality

Accepted Answer

That's what I use the Dragonfly (Black) for. I expected a subtle improvement, but found it to be night and day! The cheapo DAC and output stage circuitry that's built into the laptop was really limiting the sound quality.

ASIN	B07T3HSD9Z
Best Sellers Rank	#178,315 in Industrial & Scientific ( See Top 100 in Industrial & Scientific ) #69 in Digital to Analog Converters #130 in Hi-Fi DA Converters
Brand Name	AudioQuest
Compatible Devices	PC, MAC, iPhone, iPad, iPod, Android Smartphone
Country of Origin	USA
Customer Reviews	4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars (1,459)
Global Trade Identification Number	00092592098398
Included Components	DAC - PreAmp, 6" "Dragon Tail" cable, Stitched leatherette storage pouch
Interface	USB
Item Weight	4.2 Ounces
Manufacturer	AudioQuest
Model Number	DRAGONFLYCOB
Number Of Pins	4
Number of Channels	1
Part Number	DRAGONFLYCOB
UPC	092592098398
Warranty Description	One Year AudioQuest Official Manufacturer’s Warranty. Parts and Labor.

Audioquest Dragonfly Cobalt Usb Digital to Analog Converter, Preamplifier, Headphone Amplifier

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