Excellence EVERYWHERE w/ AudioQuest's DragonFly Cobalt

This video sponsored by Voxativ: voxativ.berlin/
Camera: Olaf von Voss | Editor: Jana Dagdagan
For PC, Macs and smartphones: the DragonFly Cobalt (US$299/€299/£269) is AudioQuest’s top-tier USB DAC.
Backstory: darko.audio/2019/07/a-short-f...
10 more thoughts: darko.audio/2019/07/10-more-t...
PLEASE READ! Darko.Audio FAQ:
darko.audio/faq/
AudioQuest DragonFly Red review:
darko.audio/2016/04/audioques...
AudioQuest DragonFly Black review:
darko.audio/2016/04/go-anywhe...
Further information: www.audioquest.com/dacs/drago...
______________________________________________________________
Also featured in this video…
Campfire Audio Polaris 2:
campfireaudio.com/shop/polari...
Xiaomi Mi A1:
darko.audio/2018/01/dream-tic...
LG V40:
www.lg.com/us/mobile-phones/v...
iPhone 6S Plus:
www.amazon.de/Apple-iPhone-6s...
______________________________________________________________
Playlists…
Spotify:
open.spotify.com/playlist/3io...
Tidal:
tidal.com/browse/playlist/b0b...
Qobuz:
play.qobuz.com/playlist/2347583
#audioquest #usbdac #dragonflycobalt #portableaudio
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Darko.Audio is a web magazine covering new and exciting developments in the audio world and we aren’t afraid of indie rock or techno.
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Facebook: / darkodotaudio

[@pinaricyt]

I own a DragonFly Red and this video is exactly what I was looking for. Clear, informative, and beautifully presented. You've got a new subscriber. Thanks!

[@jinvid]

Same here. I own the Dragonfly Red and because of this video, I impulse bought the Cobalt.

[@edmundgil6008]

LOVE this review! Always wanted to purchase the dragonfly red. Now, my decision to wait seems to be quite timely and fruitful! Love the thoroughness, and explanation Regarding the differences. Thanks again.

[@bollingbryant]

Wonderful review. Nice job John! When it comes to digital you are my favorite reviewer. Thank you for your hard work and professionalism.

[@Abrikosmanden]

Filming, editing, audio is very well done - in this and in all the other Darko videos I've seen. Good job!

[@peterstevens9274]

I’ve been following you for years Darko, this is your best work yet. Love the video reviews, so much more refreshing than traditional editorials. Love the scenery of your town

[@nsw72]

Had no idea you lived in 'straya, John. Good on ya!👍👍 This is one of the better audio/audiophile channels on YT. 👌 Good job to all of you!

[@gregleonard1562]

Such a carefully balanced user of language to convey the thoughts, a delicate descriptive hyphenator! Always - - always good videos. Thank you so much.

[@RottenMechGaming]

He has a silky tongue and keeps selling me stuff. My wallet hurts! ;)

[@shahidyt]

Rottenlead tell me about it. Schiit Modi 3, Allo Digione Signature, chord poly, Audioquest Carbon usb. Now I’m looking at the campfire Polaris v2

[@brandonburr4900]

Thank you for taking us out with you around in Berlin in your videos! Haven't been there since 1990. What a fun time it was to be there with them wining the world Cup. And the people there were terrific! Thanks!

[@nwestmoreland1]

Great review John. You answered my main question as a current owner of the Dragonfly Red. Now it’s just a waiting game of when it’s available for purchasing!

[@nicktan4530]

what are you going to do with red dragonfly ?

[@reactorre]

Even if I can't afford the majority of the products that you review, I still enjoy your videos. The scripting and also the direction is well done, I really like listen you

[@tungstenelement2825]

Thank you John! Before this video I didn't have any idea about my phone audio quality. Now I am contemplating of getting one of these Dragonfly Cobalt. What a great and helpful information you have!

[@Blackhatsax55]

Hello John, I just wanted to drop you a quick line and a big shout out and thank you!, for your information on the Dragonfly Cobalt . I watched this several times and took the plunge and purchased. I was blown away ! . Your style of delivery and an unbiased view was of great help so thank you. Keep up the great work. Chris UK.

[@cb6171]

Thanks so much for the great review john, i bought one from richer sounds and paired it with my Imac and harmon kardon soundsticks , with spotify was great , but the cobalt came with a 2 month free Tidal HiFi account , wish it didn't , because WOW , and now its going to cost me £19.99 a month as i cant go back after that sound, its bloody awesome.

[@byronb.]

Did not know this was in the works. Great information. Appreciate the comparison to the DragonFly Red. Thank you!

[@leemartin2978]

Now that’s an office......great coffee and music. Great channel, I learn something every time I watch it

[@ivaraaroy]

my best audio upgrade evva! Thanks for the awesome tip mr.Darko, and keep up the good work. Sub'ed a long time ago

[@sanders3219]

Wow! Just bought this dac after looking at this review. Just love it! What a difference compared to the normal sound of my iPhone. Time to rediscover my favorite music. Thanks for this review!

[@sjoerdbastiaan]

I’m definately upgrading from Red to Cobalt. However, the biggest increase in sound quality I recently expercienced, was the upgrade from Spotify to TIDAL. Even with Spotify on best quality, I nearly fell off my chair when I first heard TIDAL Hifi and especially Master quality.... it’s not cheap, mind you, but for me worth every euro!👍

[@trevorcrowe7571]

Sjoerd Nieuwland I agree. The master quality is amazing. Tidal has also opened me up to new music genres as well.

[@lorenmorgan1931]

As much as I love Tidal, and I have been a member for several years now, something about Qobuz is slightly tighter. Now mind you I have not tested this on anything but the MBP headphone jack as of yet. Even their 16/44 flac seems tighter. Thier titles are limited though, and their interface is worse than Tidal was in 2015. I recommend doing the trial though. As to why I'm here, I am using hd600 and really wanted to know if the opinions on the Red, now I'm looking at the Cobalt since most my streaming is in the office. Since you at least have experience with the Red, do you have any opinions on MQA VS HD FLAC on the Dragonfly?

[@johnblack8036]

@@lorenmorgan1931 You're right the sound is amazing. I don't know if it's worth $24.95 a month, I'm still debating that, but the sound is phenomenal. I do have Grado RS1's with a Grado headphone amp. I was able to get those 2 things for under $300. The guy I got it from practically gave them away.

[@neilparnell2089]

@@johnblack8036 thats the price of one vinyl album....per month, of course, it's worth it...

[@giovannialfano5979]

Well, I don't want to say that Spotify is rubbish, because they democratized the music and changed the game, so I respect them. But Tidal is totally another league.

[@johnathanbellette2490]

Fantastic review! I finally got one this week, loving it!

[@Junior3z]

Hey man, Excellent review. I'm defintely steppin' up from Red to Cobalt after watching this. You and I listen to exactly the same music. From techno to lo-fi electronica/hip hop. Cool! :)

[@carolineleonard8214]

This really is my son's type of product, I may now have a way to convince him to listen to Hi-fi. I love the fact that you bounce around Berlin. It brings back soooo many great memories of my time in West Berlin (the wall was still up) and I love trying to spot landmarks in the background etc.

[@eddiecotter7201]

John great stuff there,thanks for the excellent presentation and making it all easy to understand,you answered my question too on if it would improve the lg v30s sound,keep up the good work!well done fella ☝

[@JohnJackson66]

I was very fortunate to get a sneaky listen to the Cobalt and Red at the Munich show. It is a big step up.

[@brianrowland9993]

Appreciate the clear no nonsense overview of the Audioquest Cobalt DAC. You clarified the grey area of connectivity for Mac and Android - because when it doesn’t work it can be a PITA to sort out why. I have decided to purchase the Cobalt to improve the output of my iPad Pro! And I hit the subscribe button!

[@Bula]

I like your take on this! Brilliant as always.

[@jinvid]

This video and the American Made video made me purchase the Dragonfly Cobalt! First off how much you talked about it so passionately and then secondly how much love and care with which it’s made. Btw, I purchased it off the link from your site John, so hope you got a little kickback from it. Love your work!

[@AshtonCoolman]

How have you liked yours so far?

[@g000se99]

@@AshtonCoolman i just got one - i think it may be dated as i found it underwhelming. i tried to return it but the shop refused. this alsone tells me they probably dont sell well anymore. old tech.

[@jinvid]

​@@AshtonCoolman I love mine! I have both the Red and the Cobalt now and the sound signature on both are still amazing I think. The Red is a bit smoother while the Cobalt is punchier. I've combined the Cobalt with my Holocenes from Campfire Audio for outdoor listening and the Cobalt with my Sennheiser Drop 6XX for indoor listening. The sound is STELLAR!! So much detail in everything! You'll love it if you get yours.

[@markussorrentino]

Thanks for this review. I actually just bought now a dragonfly cobalt and i am really very happy with it. I even can connect it to my squeezebox touch.

[@wellroundedsound2422]

Great video John! Nice outdoor offices as well! What's better than great German Coffee and a apple strudel...:) Looking forward to the Cobalt. Had nothing but great experience with the Red. At some point we will have AudioQuest Cortex. :)

[@d.n.a5415]

great review! Looking forward to getting one.

[@clickbaitpro]

Subscribed and love your videos and your production quality is amazing

[@j.j.hunsecker3009]

These pieces are so good, just right. Thank you!

[@DonHamlin]

Excellent work. The outdoor scenery makes it even more interesting.

[@kvrhifi]

Super cool review with practical usages and adopters

[@normalman6686]

Enjoying getting out and about. Jana, Olaf, & John's work goes from strength to strength.

[@carolineleonard8214]

As always, a great perspective. Yes I know what 'rooting' is ..... however I always thought it came from the French as in En Route, but I stand to be corrected. It appears to me that we are being provided with audio excellence at far less cost and that the time taken to achieve this advanced excellence is shortening with each iteration.

[@boxster32s]

Hi John. First time to the group. I'm an addict. My name's Martin and I'm a subscriber. I've watched this vid about 10 times...5, before I plumped for the Cobalt (my first Drgonfly), and you're right, it's "bloody fantastic". I've just watched again, and to see you out and about, free to travel with no restrictions is an added joy. Anyhow...When I bought the Cobalt, my daily driver was a Note 9, and found the sound was crisper, clearer, more head(sound)space, and overall a glory to behold. I'm using Camp Fire Comet (again as a result of one of your vids) and I'm delighted with that rig. A few months back I went back to my stable of an iPhone in the shape of a 11 Pro Max, and again the sound reproduction with my Cobalt & Comet is glorious....but....soooooo different in its joy giving. Whereas the Note 9 gave crystal clarity, the 11PM has a more smoother, more creamier delivery. Chocolate and Cheese, of which I love both. But therein lies my problem....which do I rock when I travel? I went down the cobalt route to minimise my gear carrying, but now it all depends on my travel type. When I'm flying, I take the Note 9 with me as a DAP, because the sound is clearer/brighter above the engine drone (the Comets do a great job of sound isolation by the way), but when I'm out and about, walking or trams, my 11PM is just wonderful in it's own right. I just wanted to drop by to say thank you. You're erudite insight has helped guide me to find my happy places...now it's just about where those places are and how I get there. Keep it up fella. Ta muchly.

[@peterkin1010]

John, AudioQuest owe you because I bought a Cobalt as a direct result of this brilliantly informatve review. Thanks very much.

[@Bladerunner220]

I subscribe to a lot of the audio reviewers. Yours are probably my favorites. Your background music is killer. I have the red dragonfly,love it. When I have some extra money will check out the cobalt. Excellent Review!

[@edwardhewer8530]

Yes, the background tracks are excellent.

[@MS7.7]

Your content is BLOODY FANTASTIC. I clicked the Like button 9 times and its still as blue as the Cobalt!

[@markhunting9058]

Another great video review. I love the way you present & film your reviews. Best channel by far. Keep up the good work.

[@joepublic8582]

I've ran the red now for two years or so and I'm having one of these too!

[@Sampardhanani]

Lovely video and a impressive product indeed. Bloody impressed.

[@nickrath4545]

Thank you for not being a snobby audiophile my man, I can’t wait to use this with Spotify and an lcd 4z!😄👌🏻

[@yoramdiamand]

Yep I saw the Dave lcd 4z video. I guess planars do like the power of a larger amp at home like the Dave even when they are easy to drive?! What headphones would one use with USB audioquest dac-amps. Easy to drive planars did not sound that great with my dragonfly red.

[@petrithysaj4529]

Hi John, I absolutely concur with all the good things said about the Cobalt. It even improved the sound when I used it with my LG V30. However, when I attach the cobalt to an iphone 7 via apple lightning to USB, the sound still comes out of iphone speaker and not the cobalt. What might be the issue here? Petrit, Kosovo

[@pistopit7142]

I have just purchased another cobalt today after my old one gave up after 3 years (the inside jack socket has detached from the ciruit board, likely from carying it in the pocket basically everywhere I go - after soldering it myself few times it finally gave up for good). It's been 4 years since this video was made and there is still no other DAC that would be as good as cobalt at this price range (curently £179 in UK). I stopped liking my dragon red because of it. I use it with my phone but also with my Klipsh bookshelf speakers which have their own DAC built in ( that I'm bypassing by using phono line), but cobalt is much better. What I like the most in terms of sound is the clarity and instrument separation this small thing provides. It is outstanding still after all these years.

[@aceventuraaceventura2003]

I had this for about a month now and I actually prefer this set up over many others I've had in the past. I am currently using it with a Grado SR325X and using VLC for playback of my music library. It is so satisfying. Sure you can spend thousands on a very serious audiophile set up but the Dragonfly DAC solution is for people who are on the go and want something very portable while still retaining about 90% of the fidelity of the tracks.

[@conor_94_]

I’m going to purchase the cobalt to use in an iPhone 14 Pro Max. I’m going to use it with my new Bowers and Wilkins PX8’s which aren’t even out the box yet. Am I correct in saying this will be an amazing experience, what headphones are you guys using?

[@edisonyoung4693]

Thank you. This video was very helpful. Have you had an opportunity to test the iFi GO Blu? I'm interested to know how its 'wired' performance compares with the Cobalt.

[@RandyHartono]

Thanks for giving me the Best simple alternative to enjoy more in Audiophile IEM. Grateful.. God bless

[@zed57]

Great review, going to have to check this out. More Berlin please!

[@stephenhodges4392]

I’m rooting for the Aussies ;) and thanks for a useful and enjoyable product reco, John!

[@authenticNL2]

The focus pulls are so nice, video is good too!

[@98ron]

So I got the Cobalt and the iPhone camera adapter/dragon tail on an iPhone 12. Using Etymotic headphones. First thing was : iPhone reports ‘device not compatible’ (which I ignored) second it disables the in-cable up/down/pause buttons on my headphones. Highly undesirable. What am I doing wrong? Also the sound difference didn’t seem so significantly better to pay this kind of money. I have returned it (to Amazon) for now but am open to suggestions.

[@Victor-pq5od]

Love the video John! If I have the Audeze i3s, do you recommend I use a usb C-lighting adaptor to make use of the cipher dac OR should I give the dragonfly a shot if I’m using a MacBook Pro like yours?

[@radekjarzyna]

Great video, as always very informative and fun to watch. I hope that a review of a bit more mainstream product will bring you more viewers, because you deserve bigger stage! High quality work and excellent timing - might be actually the first on KZbin! BTW, any chance to get a comparison with Chord Mojo since you have listened to both of these devices now. :)

[@lMyst1kal]

Excellent video, everything you transmit is very sublime.

[@DarkoAudio]

Well, not everything. But thank you.

[@megazine]

Great news! I didn’t know this existed. I love my Dragonfly Red so I’m curious how this one will perform.

[@RamisDad]

I just got my Audioquest Cobalt. It has what I percieve to be slightly less treble but better instrument separation. It has what is to my ear, a less fun sound. I like my Red better, the cobalt is going back. I would recommend comparing the two for yourself and then deciding.

[@temporarymomentary]

I just preordered Cobalt based on your review. I own DragonFly black and Grado GH1 headphones.

[@MoroGamingEnt]

hey I have the dragonfly red and use it with jitterbug would you recommend upgrading to the colbalt?

[@nikhilsai9613]

A lot of work must have gone into making this video. Kudos to the cameraman and the editor! Ofcourse, the content was quality, as always...

[@andrewcrain5461]

Thank for this review I've been looking for something to make my galaxy 9s sound a little better I'm gonna give this try!! Thank you again

[@sudheshsankarkk]

Thank you thank you thank you for sharing 🙏🙏🙏 great video ✌

[@benkrake3678]

I have the Audioquest DragonFly Black, and I swear by it. Got it paired with my Sennheiser Momentum headphones and it’s an excellent combo. Best $130 I have ever spent!

[@Ali_Shafai]

I was a Red user for a couple of years and loved it. Recently, got the EarStudio ES100, which to me is leaps and bounds better than the Red and much more feature packed and versatile. And, the killer is that it’s at a price point that doesn’t make sense given its sound and build quality. It’s a must have!!

[@leisureavidgentleman8901]

Ali Shafai I just looked it up online and it’s a very interesting product. How well is the mic and it’s functionality when receiving and taking calls?

[@FatNorthernBigot]

Question... I've got the B&o H9 (3rd gen) 'phones. Will a wired connection with this DAC sound better than the wireless connection with the inbuilt headphone's amp?

[@OscarSanchez-uo5yz]

I love watching your very informative videos. Keep up the great work!

[@brucecomerford]

Thanks John - great review.

[@malteadotas4]

I have a question: I own a Klipsch ProMedia 2.1computer speaker that I use with my Mac. Would the Dragonfly improve the signal coming from the Mac and help the ProMedia sound better? Thanks!

[@amancalledcraig]

I am using a red as the DAC out of my streamer in to my Rega Brio amp with B&W 606 speakers. It's sounds really good and the dynamics seem fine, it is musical. Great little DACs. I've heard the Cobalt trades warmth for insight.

[@fazraailmukadrin]

what connector do you use from the AQDF dac to the amp?

[@jarekharmening8993]

I also would appreciate more videos around the city. They're incredibly interesting.

[@Xocnuc]

BLOODY AMAZING VIDEO

[@SuenaTremendo]

Great video John. As a DF Red owner i believe that a more valuable step up would be if they include a 2.5 balanced autput beside the 3.5, i think it's about time. Greetings from Argentina!

[@mwgoldfix]

Took the plunge - wow - what a difference in the sound - iPad or iPhone 7 no problem - using my Pioneer HDJ 2000 headphones at home but will add the campfire IEM’s when I start commuting again ..great video and super DAC this - highly recommended

[@YTeradicant]

I literally have the exact same earbuds as you, did not expect to see them being used and they match so nicely.

[@RickZepp]

Can you kindly give me the name and model # of those earbuds? Thank you Jo-E

[@tulkastulkas9417]

please answer me when i am shaking my cobalt there is slight noise coming from inside like between shell and filling has small gap

[@MrBonger88]

Is there any difference in sound using an Android with tail vs Apple with adapter?

[@user-gq4gq8ye2f]

I have a question about DACs. Considering that you have found at the EXACT same price (Audioquest Dragonfly Red & Audioengine D1), which DAC would you choose and why? I have a pair of Edifier's S3000 PRO Studio Monitors and i want to buy an external DAC in order to listen to music as detailed as possible from those two speakers. I really, really need your advice about this one. Thank you !

[@Audfile]

The huge takeaway of course is that "night and day" differences are rare in the audio world. Almost word for word.

[@sauravbanerjee6359]

Hi! Came across your video on dragonfly and just subscribed to your channel. I just bought a Mac Air M1 and am having issues connecting it to my Dragonfly Black DAC. The DAC is being detected by my mac, but the glow light is not turning blue, and I am not getting any sound output via my headphones. I would be really grateful if you could provide a solution to this. Thanks in advance!

[@owendeboer2789]

Go find “MID audio”. From there you can choose your output.

[@levingthedream]

Hi. Looking for a dac for Sennheiser GST 550 yet I intend on keeping the virtual 7:1 surround sound and preferably the microphone functionality. I have no idea of where to even start with this

[@democritus37]

Great video John. Deciding whether to step up from the DFR... The one problem I had with the DFR is that the volume from iOS was too high for sensitive iems even at the lowest settings. Is this still the case with the cobalt? I ended up using a volume attenuator between the DFR and the Shure se846

[@outdatedTV]

6:46 and the bass is entrancing from my Dragonfly Red on 20 EUR sony earphones. At home I plug it in to a 40y old aplifier, there it can show off it's potential to a much higher extent. Dragonfly Red has changed the way I listen to digitaly acquired music. Very curious about the Cobalt model, but if you did not use a good DAC before, let alone the Red will be a shock for you.

[@johnblack8036]

So this will work on a Samsung Note20U? I was using a pair of Martin Logan Mikros 90 headphones on my old Note9, but the headphone jack is gone.. Is this a better option than getting a good pair of Bluetooth headphones?

[@hotrodplumber]

Have they increased the volume output over the red? I mainly use my Red for my hi-fi system and I need to max out my gain to get some volume out of it and that adds noise.

[@alanstoss]

These dragonflies are awesome. Would be nice to hear what you think of the dragonfly for home use with speakers compared to non portable dacs like the Modi 3.

[@DarkoAudio]

Yeah, it would.

[@TheEldestBoyTV]

John Darko I hope John’s reply here means that he’s working on a video comparing the Cobalt to other DACs for home hi fi set-ups. I too am wondering how the Cobalt compares to the Modi 3. We’ll see...

[@markphilpot4981]

Hey JD, you like the Cobalt. Good oh! The thing about this guy is size as well as sound quality. It’s a win, win! Can’t lose! Am I missing any euphemisms? Doubt it, but I was hoping you would like it. Since the Jitterbug is internal, I won’t be needing that as a go between. At least that is what I am gleaning from this vid. I think I would like to try it first and see if it will freak the Cobalt out. It shouldn’t, but I just need to see if it matters. It definitely does coming out of the laptop and going into the Meridian dac. I enjoyed this video JD!👍🏻

[@pianist00315]

Thank you for this fantastic presentation! I have a question though: I have headphones like PXC550 or QC15. Does the DAC make differences?

[@megamind8359]

Can someone help i want to buy a phone but on their official spec site says they that audio playback doesn't support ogg vorbis,the format spotify uses but i am a spotify user so does this mean that spotify wont work or the audio will be bad or something, phones that dont support ogg are all iphones and some xiaomi phones please someone help me i am so confused!

[@SNWxGaming]

What would you or anyone reading recommend for trying to find a DAC to run in between a External HDD(usb-c) to a HeadUnit(car stereo)

[@kjellhedberg7779]

Buy my cobalt for a moth ago and its bang on the money! What a product in a tiny packaging. Sounds stunning and drive my B&W PX in a great way...

[@googoo-gjoob]

i wholeheartedly concur...... been using it for years.

[@andreaaaaaaa574]

QUESTION: Someone know if this DAC need an installation with some driver for work? Becouse i would try it with a Sony Walkman

[@laika25]

I have the black. Thinking of getting either the red or the blue (cobalt). How much better is the Cobalt??

[@chefkoch7342]

Some people are on team red, some on team cobalt. I've heard that the cobalt is better with classical genres like jazz, piano etc. while the red is better with dance, electronic and so on. So I think it depends on your music genres. You don't make a wrong choise with either of the dragonflies.

[@roybuis7646]

Can I use this with 150Ohm headphones? I'm new to Hi-Fi and audiophilism. I just want something that sounds marginally better than my regular consumer headphones (Sony WH-1000XM4 & Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro). More details and more clarity. I wanna hook it up to my laptop or smartphone and I'm thinking of getting the Sennheiser HD660 headphones. But they have a 150Ohm impedance...

[@kdubsea]

John, I own the DF Red and am currently pairing it with an iOS device while I’m mobile. It had issues with the standard Apple USB 2.0 adapter so I was forced to buy the much bulkier 3.1 camera adapter. As far as you can tell, does the Cobalt have the same issues with the standard adapter. Thanks in advance, and thanks for the video!

[@willyvlyminck201]

I had the Red before but did get stolen on holiday last year. I know you did a 3 video Serie about the Dap becoming obsolete, would you say the same here, if one make a combination iPhone/ Dragonfly Cobalt?

[@Supperconductor]

Great review. I might have to get one of these. No info on the cobalt yet on AQ’s website.

[@HiFiInsider]

I like to try this. I have every DF ever made. It's a fantastic product.

[@pdcragin33]

The Berlin beauty shots are a wonderful bonus to your audio reports.

[@martinmalette8538]

Hi I have apple products, iPhone, iPad etc. and I have Bose Qc35, and Sony WH-1000XM4. Do you think that I will hear the difference? I will be making changes in the speaker products going from Bose to better performing speakers. Would it be a good 1st acquisition to improve the sound quality for my earphones?

[@RbNetEngr]

Largely based on this review, plus some other KZbin and written reviews, I purchased the Dragonfly Cobalt, and it arrived last night. So, I spent several hours testing it out with my iPhone X (via the Apple Lightning-USB-A camera adapter). My headphones are a set of Bose QC35s (sorry, Bose-haters) operating unpowered, via a wired connection. My test music was Apple Music, Lossless as well as Hi Res Lossless. And I compared the sound of the Cobalt DAC with the internal DAC, using the Apple Lightning-3.5mm adapter). And I did my best to set the output volume of either option to be as equal as I could make it. There was a clear and obvious difference between the Apple interface DAC and the Cobalt DAC. While the Apple Lossless music sounded good, it sounded two-dimensional. I’m not sure how to best describe it, but I visualized it as seeing all of the instruments and voices spaced around in the same flat plane, so there was clear left-right spacing, but that’s it. But switching to the Cobalt DAC and listening to the same tracks, the music opened up. Now, in addition to clearer and cleaner sounds from the voices and instruments, and the left-right spacing, there was now more dimension to the sound, the instruments and voices sounded more open and…real. A lot depends on the quality of the recording. I listened to some old albums that are now available in Hi Res audio (Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon, for example), and while the sound is very good, the quality of the recording pales in comparison to more modern recordings. So, I guess you can’t make a modern Hi Res recording sound better than the best original master recording. I like how the Cobalt DAC will automatically switch, track by track, to the correct coding rate for the track, and how the Dragonfly backlight will show the difference: Green - 44.1Khz Blue - 48Khz Yellow - 88Khz Light Blue - 96Khz One thing I DID notice about MacOS is when I started testing the Cobalt DAC with my 2016 MacBook Pro. In order to get it to work properly, I had to make some setting changes to the MIDI app. And, unlike my iPhone X, apparently my MacBook doesn’t have the ability to detect the rate of a track and automatically switch the MIDI app to use that rate, so whatever it gets set to in the MIDI app is what it will remain, unless I change it manually. And the Dragonfly light on the Cobalt will change colors to reflect the rate that the MIDI app is set for. In any case, so far I am totally pleased with this Cobalt DAC, and it has finally let me hear the amazing quality of Lossless and Hi Res Lossless music.

[@chefkoch7342]

I'm about to buy a used dragonfly cobalt over eBay and you confirmed me in doing that. Thanks!

[@fabiyeah]

i just ordered the dragonfly black to improve my macbook/grado sr80 setup, do you think that i'll regret not purchasing the dragonfly red or blue ones?