AMERICAN MADE: AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt

👉🏻 This video was funded by PATREON:
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🎥 Camera: Jana Dagdagan
🎬 Editor: Jana Dagdagan
🛋 My listening room in 2022:
darko.audio/darkos-listening-...
🎵 Song IDs? Playlists of all music heard in this video - and other videos - can be found on PATREON: / johndarko
* IMPORTANT* This is the second in a series of videos showing off American-made hi-fi gear. Each of these videos was funded by Darko.Audio Patreon supporters with zero financial contribution from the manufacturer.
American Made #1: Audio Research I/50
darko.audio/2021/11/american-...
👉🏻 As seen in this video...
AudioQuest Dragonfly Cobalt:
darko.audio/2019/07/a-short-f...
darko.audio/2019/07/10-more-t...
www.audioquest.com/page/aq-dr...
Mirac:
miracinc.com/
#americanmade #audioquest #mirac
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[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Great work Jana!!

[@alterrex4463]

It’s so rare to see such a beautifully made film that’s so informative! Wonderful to see and hear the people who make the product! It’s great to see the process! I always try to by products that are made in the USA. I would use it on my HP notebook computer.

[@holottawang]

Thank you so much for making this series. It makes listening to music that much more personal (and enjoyable!) knowing how much can go into each piece. I especially appreciated Lynette’s comment about creating something people use, it really resonated with me. Great job all!

[@BananaAllergy]

I never feel this “at home” vibe by watching a factory tour. Thank you Jenna. Great VDO 👍

[@DrGIzmoBRad]

Appreciated Jana's sense of humor throughout. Quite good that Mr. Rankin made cameo appearances to provide introductions and closing statements. I've a pair of Gordon's Mercury AVVT20 Monoblocks so I know his epic attention to detail. Really enjoyed the encompassing chronology of how the Cobalt is produced, and the understated comments from the folk at Mirac - an example of how matter of fact pragmatism is practiced by people making top quality items here in the USA.

[@frankbrannigan758]

Love seeing people actually having a good time enjoying what they do. I honestly don’t know much about the device made but I love music, so I’ll check it out. Great video.

[@jwbrook]

Love this! I didn’t realize these were made in Lynchburg. I grew up in Southern Ohio and I still have family in and around the Cincinnati area. These are my people. Love that there was a shot of Skyline Chili. This short video offered the strange and delightful feeling of parts of my world colliding. I would love to have one of these Dragonfly DAC’s running out of my MacBook Pro to hopefully / likely vastly improve the sound in my office as I work. It would be super cool to have one of these. Regardless, thanks for the cool video, John and Jana!

[@wergable]

Great to see the care they put into this dac! Love to get my first dac and use it to upgrade my listening experience. All the best for the New Year and keep up to good work!

[@Stereocascade]

Jana absolutely knocked it out of the park with this one. Informative, well shot, and well edited! Those little transition scenes are so charming. Great music choices too. Simply put, I'd use the Cobalt on the go with my phone, with a usb-c adapter. I have a DAC at home... but I love the idea of being able to listen well even when I'm out and about in the world.

[@tankslapper4662]

What a fascinating video! I hope Jana makes many more. I would use this on my Motorola phone to improve listening to Spotify and Musicolet.

[@internationalsixty1819]

Loved this... Intriguing mix of high end technological manufacturing with human hands and care. The filming, edit and story telling - first class!

[@skaragianis]

Jana. Loved it. Then I saw the shorts at the end. “I like doing this” 😀 I’ve had 2 reds (long story - have one today) and am even happier now. Beautiful doco start to finish thank you

[@DarkErdrick]

It really is fascinating to see how detailed the process is to make something so tiny in the end. I'd definitely use one of these with my Meze 99 Neos and iPhone during long flights for work~

[@RossJukesPhotography]

What a great video, I hope Jana makes more videos, really enjoyed watching the process... Personally, I would use a Cobalt so that I could travel with my Sundaras and get more use out of them, as I'm sure they would sound great with one of these little gems!

[@jinvid]

It’s because of this video that I bought my Dragonfly Cobalt. The love and passion that goes behind these products is clearly evident in this series. And most importantly, it’s Made in The USA. A HUGE thanks to John and especially to Jana for showing us how the products we love are made.

[@AudioQuestUS]

Thank you so much. We're proud to be a part of your listening experience.

[@jinvid]

@@AudioQuestUS OMG! Thank you so much for the shout out! And Thank you so much for all your hard work! I LOVE MY RED AND MY COBALT!!

[@josephkong7547]

Thank you Jana and John for this content, so good!!

[@DarkoAudio]

**PLEASE READ CAREFULLY** 1) This video was funded by PATREON: www.patreon.com/johndarko with zero financial contribution from the manufacturer. 2) All comments are moderated by a third party. Polite comments that advance the conversation are most welcome (but no URLs, please).

[@akosalbertoszabo]

Funny twist to Jana’s cobalt video! I am a traveling chef cooking for people affected by natural disasters. While traveling I love to listen to music, but the DAC/amp from iPhone simply is not enough to properly enjoy my music. Please let me experience Cobalt! 🙏

[@grizzly6699]

Hey, don't give me one. This person sounds like they could use it more. Good luck 🤞

[@jinvid]

Dear John and Jana, PLEASE CONTINUE THIS SERIES! Love seeing the hard work and dedication put into the products we have, need, or love to use!

[@Staybrown11]

Great to see you back! Wonderful video!

[@Jaytecx]

I’m watching to feel even better about my purchase.

[@TiagrajI]

Well this is a masterpiece. Thank you

[@gw8863]

Well shot/edited. Love Jana's cheeky side..... Well done and informative video 👍👍👍

[@love2spinvinyl]

I loved this video, just shared it to a mate who has a Dragonfly and loves his. I really enjoyed it seeing it. Would love to see more manufacturing of audio product videos in the future thanks.

[@michaelm.5036]

This how-it's-made video is fantastic work. I'd love to see more content like this. The only AudioQuest product I've tried is the OG Nighthawk headphone, so I'd love to pair it with a Cobalt and a smartphone source. I also work on a laptop that benefits from an external DAC, so I'd use that pairing with IEMs as well. Thanks!

[@barlypop]

What an excellent film, always refreshing to see and meet the people who make products that enrich our lives. Music is very important to me. If I was lucky enough to win a dragonfly I would use every time I listen to music. 👍

[@VishnuPadmanabhan]

Love these behind the scenes videos of these manufacturing plants. Great to see the people who passionately work behind these awesome products used worldwide! Thank Jana and John for this one. 😇

[@nicselander490]

Giveaway aside, this was a great idea and I highly encourage you to produce more! It was a great peek into the manufacturing world for a trailblazer of a product.

[@FrightfulMess]

Not having ever even heard a DAC outside of what comes with my AV receiver or is in my CD players, I would love the chance to hear what everybody talks about as to HI REZ audio.

[@musicjewell9329]

Is a game changer if you have good speakers

[@markmedeiros3137]

During Covid I’ve gotten back into audio by shopping thrift stores for gear. I have a 30 year old CD player and a new DAC would help the sound quality. Happy New Year!

[@sebastianbachert9528]

Great video! Thank for this one, Jana!!!

[@peterkatz6151]

Great to see how these products are made. Nicely shot & edited. Thanks

[@MilosTodorovic1994]

I’d use it with my B&O H6 and iPad for relaxing between patients in the clinic I work in. Never used portable DAC’s and am a huge fan of cobalt, saving to buy it for some time now :D

[@tdmduc]

Is the cat anti static too?

[@markbogers7646]

Great video!!! So nice to see where and how my dragonfly cobalt is made. I use it frequently while i am relaxing, enjoying my music...its a very nice upgrade on my phone

[@stevep2111]

WOW loved that and so well filmed... felt a bit like a really good Spaghetti Western :) I would love to see more of those!!

[@samt1039]

They should made the cover plate where you plug the headphone jack in stronger. I had the black version and that end coming apart just a couple months of used - have to use lots o crazy glue to put it back on. And it is sagging when using on laptop, have to use Velcro to counter pull the other side. Sounds wise really improved the output volume and clarity.

[@sfadhjkl4112]

They need to switch to USB-C

[@leenrietveld5601]

An interesting mix of automated and manual processes. The multitude of testing activities gives me the trust of a very high quality product.

[@my2cents198]

wow awesome video....makes you really appreciate the work involved in making the product ....thanks for this video.

[@howardtobin2170]

Surprised to see the Factory workers not wearing Masks. Hope they all stay healthy.

[@fedebo1233]

Winners announced? Thanks :)

[@DarkoAudio]

Nope, not yet. We will hopefully find time to select them later this week. Thanks for checking in almost one month after this video went live but you're still a day early.

[@hiphop-head0102]

@@DarkoAudio Are they announced yet? I'm still hoping I will win.

[@labalo5]

Great walk thru and behind the scenes peek into this company’s product. Great editing work too.

[@thegoyzilla1]

Great work Darko team! It's so cool to see how a product I own was made, and before now didn't know it was manufactured in the USA! I've used my DragonFly Cobalt on the go and at work when streaming. I need to get it back from the person I loaned it to, haha!

[@shawnt836]

Excellent job Jana !! Appreciate all your efforts. Looks like you had fun too.

[@TheSujanroy]

I love my Dragonfly Red. It was indeed wonderful to see the entire process of the dongles being made. It such a joy that these hard working people are able to bring me joy with their labours all the way around the world in Chennai, India!

[@mikepezel6436]

Thanks for this! I’ll use it on every mobile device I own. Keep up the awesome work :-)

[@hardware4200]

That being said, I very much appreciate your approach to these made in USA videos (and frankly any county). Audio Research and Audio Quest. Seeing the hands on building of this gear, gives vision to my dreams to see my designs made. Thanks again, wonderful content.

[@quentingoldfinch]

Well done. Great to see this series on product manufacturing.

[@milesjagger1667]

This was a great video and a nice change from the reviews(please don’t stop).Really cool to see the people behind the manufacturing of the dragonfly. If I had one, I’d run my iPad through my old A&R A60 . Keep up the amazing content. Thanks

[@noahjones3042]

I really enjoyed this video. The little bits of story telling kept me very invested. Especially the Kitty storyline!

[@EarphonesFin]

It would so nice finally hear what it sounds like, because you have recommended it and I haven’t been able to purchase it. It would make my life happier. (Thank you guys for the this awesome channel!)

[@wouldwebealive]

Great video thank you 🙏🏼 nice to have a quick look in the cobalt kitchen :)

[@johnfinn1570]

What a great video to start the new year. I have the red and am totally satisfied with it. Happy new year from Australia 🥂

[@DanielMustran_ND-Pipes]

For sure that will be put to a good use on my computer to power my hifi through it.... cheers guys, you are the best - love your videos

[@michaelfewster4604]

Great video Jana! I love the behind the scene look at how the soup is made. Great content as always. Looking fwd to more great product reviews in 2022. I would use the Cobalt with my iPhone & iPad. Having the Cobalt would encourage me to upgrade my headphones.

[@fr0zty86]

Gotta love this kinda vids. Had my Black for almost 3 years, finally splurged on the Cobalt now and waiting for it to drive my Beyer DT900's. Thanks Audioquest and Darko for making this video. Great showcase\documentary!

[@KenPowers]

This was a great video! I love seeing every step of the process and this video has answered some of the questions I’ve always had about modern circuit board production. I’d use the cobalt with my iPhone, Linux laptop, and Etymotic EVO IEMs.

[@harieeshraajthehzphile6505]

Cobalt will be my go-to DAC for both in home and travel listening, as a budget enthusiast this Cobalt DAC would be a great piece to bring my music to life 🎶 Highly appreciate this amazing trip Janna and John, keep it up 😀 Happy New Year 😀

[@adolphhernandez7615]

The Cobalt is such a versatile DAC/amp. I'd use it with my Andromeda when I'm out and about and with my Focal Clear when I'm am at home. Happy New Year and thanks for the great video.

[@markcarrington8565]

Brilliant video, Jana. Hilarious that you checked you were looking cool inside a paper bag 🤣. Love these factory tours, especially with the little comments from the folks actually building the kit. Thank you.

[@TheChiptallent]

Great vid. I really enjoyed it! Very informative.

[@JuanHernandez-js7mo]

Love to see the BTS of a Dragonfly Cobalt. I've been seeing such an improvement of my listening experience after using a portable DAC while I'm on the move. Jana killed it with the outdo haha

[@jmbaug1229]

What a cool video ! Love the vibes inside the factory everyone looks so friendly and nice. I will use the Dragonfly cobalt with my iMac and Sony Headphones 🥰

[@doitrightwhite2511]

Absolutely loved the factory tour! She was sooo cute nabbing the Cobalts for give-a-ways! I would really enjoy a Cobalt so that I can finally enjoy my music collection that I ripped twelve, yes, 12 years ago and have NEVER heard them again on my stereo. They are on a hard drive that really would be a perfect way to enjoy that COBALT!

[@IvanMarjanovicLDN]

Fantastic, thank you!

[@benmcgeorge-henderson1684]

Hi everyone, happy new year! Great video, I love to see behind the scenes of tech gear, it's fascinating and great to put real human faces to products like this - especially in a hobby that can get overly critical and snooty. Anyway, I'd love to pair a cobalt up with all my gear - my phone, my laptop, but most of all I'd love to lend it to my friends, to show them how much better music can be when you step beyond the internal DACs!!

[@bryangillett2685]

This was really fascinating and well done as usual! I’d be using this to connect my Dell laptop with my AKG headphones. I’m keeping my fingers crossed!

[@teeshirt]

I used a Cobalt Black and it was pretty cool to see the whole manufacturing process. The human touch, especially at the end of the process, is pretty awesome. Thanks for this video @Jana!

[@polyl2357]

Great video from Jana ! Glad to be a Patreon :) I'm a minimalist who tries to keep things simple and mobile so the Cobalt will be a huge avancement for me and my HD6XX and Meze 99 as I'm using my laptop and phone to listen on the go

[@chuckcleveland7324]

I would love to use a cobalt with all my mobile devices. PS, John, Jana's contributions to the channel are works of art!

[@jtimwilk]

Thanks Darko and Jana for this wonderful video. Having recently rediscovered the joy of critical listening that I had somehow lost with working, raising a family, and just surviving in a fast-paced world, the DragonFly coupled with my MacBook and my Sony cans will raise the journey to a new level.

[@iainverigin4708]

I love this video. Nice job showing how electronics are assembled! And I could use a cobalt to connect my iPad, streaming Tidal, to my Focal Listen Pro Headphones.

[@dk4559]

I never heard sound through 🐉 only very good opinions how good it is. Thanks to this channel you guys open the doors for me about many products. Thank you very much for doing great work.

[@tcalixto4v]

Very nice to see Jana back in action. 👍

[@tomgibson1902]

Love that opening shot. Jana is very talented!

[@Waldorfinho]

The Cobalt would be paired with my work laptop. There's nothing like drowning out noisy colleagues in high fidelity bliss :) Thanks for the video and a happy New Year to the Darko, AQ, and Mirac crews!

[@howardbaldwin1226]

Excellent, informative and well filmed documentary. I have another DAC that I use with my MacBook to listen to flac files from my internal network server. Really enjoyed this presentation. Thanks for sharing.

[@namelluh7795]

Nice vid! After almost 2 years of working from home, my headphone could use this upgrade! I'm in!

[@finnroohomebrewing1846]

Great video, I'm just getting into streaming and have a lap top hooked up to my Yamaha system. So that's where I'd use it. Cheers and happy new year from New Zealand 😎👍

[@ZeNuno]

Hi. Great video with lots of details. Thanks!! If I get one of those dragonfly cobalt I will use it mostly with my MacBook and my wired headphones to enjoy uncompressed music on my tidal hi-fi :) Happy new year for you!!

[@boatformypotplants]

What a fantastic video! Very informative, interesting, revealing and entertaining. I'd use a Cobalt with my laptop and headphones to watch music videos on KZbin in bed at night, and streaming albums to Bluetooth speakers while working during the day.

[@bashaenraets9156]

Thank you for another entertaining video, and wishing Jana and John a happy and healthy new year! As for using the dragonfly: I would use it on my iPhone, for late night listening in bed before going to sleep, to enjoy quality audio without waking up the Mrs. :-)

[@sandarq]

Nice and informative video, content, everything! I will use it with my cellphone! Thank you!

[@codyhuber]

Real people! Real quality! Thanks for the tour and video! I’d try it first in my car via my iPhone, then with my CD player and finally my open back headphones.

[@ulfcarlson9264]

Great site! Carry on 2022 with your interesting reviews. I’m very attracted to upgrade my “traveling kit” with AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt to my I-pad/phone with my noise cancelling headphones

[@nickroden]

I really like these videos. Keep them coming! I’d get a nice pair of wired IEMs and use the Dragonfly at work with my MacBook Pro. The reason being (according to John’s previous videos) is that this would provide a significant improvement in sound quality over the laptop’s internal DAC.

[@josefkagermeier4848]

I’d be happy to get one of the cobalts to start with high-res audio. After having a break of twenty years from listening to stereo music, I finally returned. Thanks s lot for your videos, they are very helpful.

[@jamessilvester5707]

Loved this one, nice work Jana! Red dragonfly was the start of my audiophile journey, to own a cobalt would mean a new friend at work and in travels. I'd plug it into my surface pro, load up bandcamp radio and delight in the music.

[@Peaman99]

Guys, what a great Video! Talk about every day being a School day - learned a tonne of stuff there - Thanks.

[@MAXLAND7]

I already use a dragonfly cobalt. It is a great product.Congrats. And thanks for this video. It's very nice and interesting to see the making of and especialy the people behind the scene.

[@Thimmovg]

Hi Jana & John, Thank you for another wonderful video. I'm a long time follower of this channel and I love the 'down to earth', 'low threshold' and 'no fuss' perspective on audio. Keep up the good work. I'm very eager to use the AQ Cobalt between my 2015 Macbook Pro and AKG Q701's 😃 Cheers!

[@cristianciobanu341]

i find all this process really interesting! i would love to have one Dragonfly Cobalt. thanks for sharing!

[@ynad6874]

Happy New Year 2022 from Belize. I've never had a device like the Cobalt and have pretty much listened to music all my life through simple devices such as laptops, tablets and home stereos and it would be on these devices that I would use the Cobalt.

[@philippaulpeters]

Thanks Jana and Darko Audio for a beautifully produced video! I'll be using the Dragonfly Cobaltbwith my iPhone 8 and my Jabra Evolve 2 headphones. Hope to take Tidal HiFi Plus to a new level 🎼

[@davidfix1596]

Perfect for my IEMs on the go and as a preamp for streaming with my IPad and powered speakers. BTW, nice production values on all your videos.

[@woodshop-audio]

I panned this video when it first came out thinking "Boooring!” Today I clicked on it and WOW! Hats off to Jana for turning something that SHOULD be boring into something fun and entertaining. If I had one, I’d use it to interface with my iPhone and IEM’s.

[@craigsummerville8823]

I’d love to have a Cobalt for use with my smartphone and my MacBook. I really appreciate this behind-the-scenes look at audio product manufacturing. Would love to see more when you can fit them in! Thanks Jana and John!

[@timvanrooyen]

Kitty! Well done Jana! Beautiful film! If I were to win a Cobalt I would use it on my Mac mini during work hours and on my phone when out and about. Thanks to Patreon and the Darko Patrons for making films like these possible. Looking forward to more!

[@mr_ion]

Having recently acquired the Sony WH1000XM3, the AQ Cobalt would be the key missing element to unleash the unheard-before details of my FLAC tunes collection - all this whilst proudly recommending Darko Audio to my friends and family! Happy new year and cheers from the Netherlands!