--- product_id: 260047011 title: "Dragonfly Cobalt USB Digital-to-Analog Converter, Cobalt" brand: "audioquest" price: "R9087" currency: ZAR in_stock: true category: "Audio Quest" url: https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/260047011-dragonfly-cobalt-usb-digital-to-analog-converter-cobalt store_origin: ZA region: South Africa --- # 24-bit/96kHz native resolution ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip Universal USB Type-A connectivity Dragonfly Cobalt USB Digital-to-Analog Converter, Cobalt **Brand:** audioquest **Price:** R9087 **Availability:** βœ… In Stock ## Summary > 🎢 Elevate your audio game β€” hear what you’ve been missing! ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** Dragonfly Cobalt USB Digital-to-Analog Converter, Cobalt by audioquest - **How much does it cost?** R9087 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.co.za](https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/260047011-dragonfly-cobalt-usb-digital-to-analog-converter-cobalt) ## Best For - audioquest enthusiasts ## Why This Product - Trusted audioquest brand quality - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Key Features - β€’ **Compact & Portable Design:** Sleek 57mm length fits perfectly in your on-the-go audio setup. - β€’ **Studio-Grade Sound Clarity:** Experience pristine audio with 24-bit/96kHz native resolution for every track. - β€’ **Cutting-Edge DAC Technology:** Powered by the ESS ES9038Q2M chip delivering natural, warm, and detailed sound. - β€’ **Seamless Device Compatibility:** Plug and play with iOS and Android devices using simple USB adapters. - β€’ **Trusted by Audiophiles Worldwide:** Join thousands who upgraded their sound with a top-ranked DAC. ## Overview The AudioQuest Dragonfly Cobalt is a premium USB digital-to-analog converter featuring a high-performance ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip and native 24-bit/96kHz resolution. Designed for audiophiles and professionals, it delivers warm, natural, and detailed sound across all music formats, including MP3, MQA, and Hi-Res. Compact and compatible with iOS and Android devices via USB adapters, it’s the ultimate portable upgrade for superior sound clarity and depth. ## Description - ## Features - Native Resolution up to 24-bit / 96kHz - DAC Chip ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip with minimum-phase slow roll-off filter for more natural sound - Plays All Music Files: MP3 to MQA and Hi-Res - Compatible with iOS Mobile Devices (requires Apple Lightning-to-USB adaptor) and Android Mobile Devices (requires USB adaptor) - Dimensions: 57mm (l) x 19mm (w) x 12mm (h).Connectivity technology: Wired.Connector type: USB Type A ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | ASIN | B07T3HSD9Z | | Audio Output Mode | Stereo | | Best Sellers Rank | #46,698 in Electronics ( See Top 100 in Electronics ) #59 in Digital-Analog Converters | | Brand Name | AudioQuest | | Compatible Devices | iOS and Android mobile devices | | Customer Reviews | 4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars (1,462) | | Global Trade Identification Number | 00092592098398 | | Included Components | DragonTail | | Interface | USB | | Item Dimensions L x W | 5.7L x 1.2W centimeters | | Item Type Name | DAC | | Item Weight | 4.2 Ounces | | Manufacturer | AudioQuest | | Material Type | default_no_selection_value | | Model | DRAGONFLYCOB | | Mounting Type | Usb | | Number of Channels | 1 | | Number of Pins | 4 | | Part Number | DRAGONFLYCOB | | Smart Home Compatibility | Not Smart Home Compatible | | UPC | 092592098398 | | Unit Count | 1.0 Count | | Warranty Description | 1 Year | ## Product Details - **Brand:** AudioQuest - **Interface type:** USB - **Mounting type:** Usb - **Number of channels:** 1 - **Number of pins:** 4 ## Images ![Dragonfly Cobalt USB Digital-to-Analog Converter, Cobalt - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61huliR-Q6L.jpg) ## Questions & Answers **Q: 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?** A: 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. **Q: What's the difference between red and black?** A: 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. **Q: Can you still use inline headphone controls when using the dac with an iPhone?** A: 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 .. **Q: 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** A: 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. ## Frequently Bought Together - AudioQuest Dragonfly Cobalt USB Digital-to-Analog Converter - AudioQuest DragonTail USB-A > USB-C High-Performance USB-A (Female) to USB-C (Male) Extender - Apple Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - πŸ›’ **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** β€” Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** β€” Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - πŸ’° **No Hidden Fees** β€” All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - πŸ”„ **15-Day Free Returns** β€” Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - πŸ”’ **Secure Payments** β€” Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** β€” Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/260047011-dragonfly-cobalt-usb-digital-to-analog-converter-cobalt](https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/260047011-dragonfly-cobalt-usb-digital-to-analog-converter-cobalt) --- *Product available on Desertcart South Africa* *Store origin: ZA* *Last updated: 2026-06-09*