audioquest - DragonFly Red D/A Converter/headphone amp Dac portable

About this deal

The AudioQuest DragonFly Red is a USB DAC (digital-to-analogue converter), preamplifier, and headphone amplifier that bypasses the built-in audio circuitry in laptops, computers, and smartphones to deliver cleaner, clearer sound to headphones, powered speakers, or a full audio system. About the size of a flash drive, it plugs into a USB port and uses a 32-bit ESS Sabre 9016 conversion chip , with a 2.1-volt output that makes it compatible with a wider range of headphones, including power-hungry, low-efficiency models. The Red accepts audio files ranging from MP3s and CD-standard 16-bit/44.1kHz up to high-resolution 24-bit/96kHz formats. It includes an advanced ESS headphone amp and a bit-perfect digital volume control that resides on the DAC chip itself, giving it a unique combination of power and grip over the music. The 3.5mm output doubles as a line out, so it can also feed a separate amplifier or powered speakers. This is a used example, ideal for anyone wanting a significant step up from a laptop or smartphone headphone socket without the bulk of a desktop unit.