Might as well face it – you’re addicted to the deals. 

This is the description from the Magento Admin

This is the title from the Magento Admin

Bjorn's

 | Bjorn’s

Buy now, pay over time with Special Financing*

Dream it. Do it.

Versatile

Digital-to-Analog Converters

Most Popular

Name: A to Z

Name: Z to A

Price: Low to High

Price: High to Low

Average Customer Rating

DragonFly Cobalt, our new flagship DAC, takes what music lovers around the world have come to expect from the multi-award-winning DragonFly family—naturally beautiful, seductive sound—and strips away fuzz and fog that weren't even noticeable until Cobalt 

AudioQuest® Dragonfly Cobalt Digital to Analog Converter

DragonFly Black, the most affordable model of the award-winning DragonFly family, has been praised by Darko.Audio as “the quintessential everyman hi-fi product,” while its more sophisticated sibling, DragonFly Red, combines significantly improved performance with still exceptional value. The ESS 9010 DAC chip in Black and the higher-performance 9016 chip in Red employ minimum-phase filtering for naturally detailed sound.

While DragonFly Black uses a high-quality headphone amp and analog volume control, DragonFly Red includes a more advanced ESS headphone amp and a bit-perfect digital volume control that resides on the 9016 DAC chip itself—a sophisticated implementation that gives Red a unique combination of power and grip over the music. DragonFly Black outputs 1.2 volts—enough power to successfully drive all preamplifier input circuits and a wide range of today’s efficient headphones. With its higher 2.1-volt output, DragonFly Red is compatible with a wider range of headphones, including power-hungry, low-efficiency models.

Meet Cobalt: The Most Beautiful-Sounding DragonFly Yet!

DragonFly Cobalt, our new flagship DAC, takes what music lovers around the world have come to expect from the multi-award-winning DragonFly family—naturally beautiful, seductive sound—and strips away fuzz and fog that weren't even noticeable until Cobalt removed them.

How is this possible? Like the critically acclaimed DragonFly Red, Cobalt has the robust 2.1-volt output to drive almost any headphone, uses a bit-perfect digital volume control for outstanding signal-to-noise ratio, enables seamless compatibility with Apple and Android devices, and is an exceptionally competent and affordable MQA Renderer.

Cobalt's Precedent-Setting Performance is Made Possible by Multiple Significant Upgrades

New, more advanced ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip with a minimum-phase slow roll-off filter for more natural sound.

Microchip's superb PIC32MX274 microprocessor draws less current and increases processing speed by 33%.

Improved power-supply filtering that specifically increases immunity to WiFi, Bluetooth, and cellular noise.

Includes a form-fitting DragonTail female USB-A to male USB-C Adaptor.

All DragonTails use AQ's Carbon-level USB cable.

AudioQuest, Gordon Rankin: A Beautiful Partnership

Like all previous DragonFly models, Cobalt uses Gordon Rankin's precedent-setting StreamLength® asynchronous-transfer USB code. Further, in Gordon's monoClock® technology, a single ultra-low-jitter clock generated from the ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip runs the ESS chip functions as well as all microcontroller functions. This superior clock enables DragonFly Cobalt to provide greater resolution and clarity than DACs with multiple clocks.

Cobalt employs ESS's new flagship ES9038Q2M DAC chip. While the chips used in DragonFlys Black and Red are unbeatable for the price, the minimum-phase slow roll-off filter in the 9038 results in naturally expressive sound that is always emotionally engaging and never fatiguing—a beautiful combination of warmth and detail that we find equally exciting and soothing.

In Cobalt, we've taken what we've learned from our recent research and development in noise dissipation to employ power-supply filtering specifically designed to dramatically reduce the increasingly prevalent noise from WiFi, Bluetooth, and cellular signals. Successfully combating this noise is absolutely crucial to the preservation of the lowest-level musical details, particularly when it comes to high-res audio—and especially when applied to a portable-audio device such as DragonFly.

Bit-Perfect Volume Control and 2.1-Volt Output

Cobalt features the same ESS Sabre 9601 headphone amp and bit-perfect volume control that give DragonFly Red its unique combination of power and grip over the music. This solution ensures maximum fidelity, thrilling dynamic contrast, and excellent signal-to-noise ratio. The 2.1-volt output makes Cobalt and Red compatible with a wide range of headphones, including power-hungry, low-efficiency models.

DragonFlys Black, Red, and Cobalt are firmware upgradeable via our free Desktop Device Manager. In today's fast-paced digital world, longevity in a hi-fi component is increasingly rare—at any price. AudioQuest believes that today's digital devices should evolve as technology itself evolves, thereby delivering musical pleasure for many years to come. Our Desktop Device Manager will also allow you to identify your DragonFly's serial number and software version to ensure that the device is up to date.

Beautiful Sound in a Smaller Package...And Now with a Tail

All this goodness is packed into a sleek new case that measures just 2.26" x 0.73" x 0.47" (57.5mm x 18.6mm x 11.9mm), making the latest DragonFly 10% smaller and even a bit more pocket-friendly.

Finally, to easily accommodate the increasing number of electronic devices that feature USB-C ports, DragonFly Cobalt comes with AudioQuest's USB-A to USB-C adaptor.

The Rest of the Dragonfly Fleet: Dragonflys Black and Red

While the original DragonFly created a new category of portable DAC, its USB power draw made it compatible with computers only. Black and Red answered the call of music lovers everywhere for DragonFlys that could be used with Apple iOS mobile devices and Android smartphones and tablets. These DACs proved for once and for all that convenience and performance need no longer be mutually exclusive.

All current-production DragonFly models incorporate 32-bit ESS Sabre DAC chips.

The DAC chips we’ve selected are remarkably powerful and sophisticated, yet we’ve intentionally limited DragonFly’s processing capabilities to 24-bit/96kHz resolution. This makes using DragonFly as simple as it’s always been: All models are fully compatible with PCs without having to download and install new drivers. Most importantly, DragonFly is designed to honor the music you already own and love. Whether you’re listening to Spotify, YouTube, Tidal, Qobuz, ripped CDs, or state-of-the-art high-resolution files, DragonFly will deliver a more emotionally compelling and enjoyable experience.

DragonFlys Black, Red, and Cobalt support Tidal Masters (MQA) playback from iPhones and Android smartphones. MQA's technology folds high-resolution files into smaller files that can be streamed on the go. As MQA Renderers, DragonFlys Black, Red, and Cobalt complete the unfolding process, allowing music lovers to enjoy a wider selection of high-res music

Stream Qobuz's Vast Catalog of Outstanding Hi-Res Music

DragonFlys Black, Red, and Cobalt support Qobuz high-res playback from iPhones, Android smartphones, and MacOS and Windows computers. Qobuz streams and downloads music in bit-perfect FLAC, the most widely used format for mastering and archiving, at resolutions of up to 24-bit/192kHz. With DragonFlys Black, Red, and Cobalt, listeners can enjoy more than 40 million tracks in lossless 16-bit CD resolution and over 2 million hi-res files.

Naturally Beautiful Sound is Right at Your Fingertips

Whatever music turns you on, wherever you are, an AudioQuest DragonFly USB DAC delivers inspiring, dynamic, and beautiful sound to earbuds, headphones, powered speakers, or complete audio systems.

With a DragonFly, music appreciation and exploration are limitless: Plug into an Apple or Windows® computer or connect to an iOS® or Android mobile device. Play YouTube or Vimeo videos. Go hunting on Bandcamp or SoundCloud. Explore playlists on Spotify or Pandora. Stream high-res audio from Tidal or Qobuz. No matter the choice of musical pleasure, DragonFly delivers beautiful sound, unraveling the emotional expression and nuance that makes music and movies so enjoyable.

Plays all music files: MP3 to MQA and High-Res

Compatible with Apple® and Windows® PCs

Compatible with iOS devices (requires Apple Camera Adapter/Connection Kit)

Compatible with Android devices (requires DragonTail or other USB Adaptor for Android Devices)

Asynchronous transfer ensures digital timing integrity

DragonFly plugs into a computer’s USB port to bypass the computer’s compromised audio circuitry and deliver cleaner, clearer, more naturally beautiful sound to headphones, powered speakers, and complete audio systems. Small, affordable, easy to use, and r

AudioQuest® DragonFly Series Black

Launched in 2012, press and public alike have enthusiastically embraced AudioQuest’s multi-award-winning DragonFly USB digital-to-analog converter/preamp/headphone amp as the rare audio product that bridges the gap between die-hard audiophiles and mainstream music lovers. DragonFly plugs into a computer’s USB port to bypass the computer’s compromised audio circuitry and deliver cleaner, clearer, more naturally beautiful sound to headphones, powered speakers, and complete audio systems. Small, affordable, easy to use, and remarkably effective, DragonFly was named Stereophile’s 2012 “Computer Audio Component of the Year” and 2012 “Budget Component of the Year;” Tone Audio’s 2012 “Digital Product of the Year;” Computer Audiophile’s 2012 “Computer Audiophile Product of the Year;” AudioStream’s “Greatest Bits;” and What Hi-Fi?’s 2014 “Product of the Year.” Perhaps most memorably, DigitalAudioReview.net’s John Darko quipped: “A DAC with the DragonFly’s performance at the DragonFly’s price point is as rare as rocking horse sh*t.” We couldn’t have said it better.

The Next Generation: Dragonfly Black and Dragonfly Red

While the original DragonFly defined the market for micro-DACs, its USB power draw made it compatible with computers only. Music lovers have craved a more portable version—one that could be reliably used with Apple and Android smartphones and tablets. We’re delighted to present two new options that do just that: DragonFly Black and DragonFly Red. Convenience and performance are no longer mutually exclusive. With DragonFly Black and Red, any computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone can be used as a true high-fidelity music player, allowing music lovers to enjoy beautiful sound wherever they go, whenever they please.

Audioquest, Gordon Rankin, and Microchip: A Beautiful Partnership

AudioQuest and DragonFly designer Gordon Rankin worked alongside Microchip Technology to develop a new high-performance, full-speed USB microcontroller solution that delivers improved signal-to-noise ratio and significantly lower power consumption. Drawing 77% less current than the previous microcontroller, the new Microchip PIC32MX microcontroller enables true compatibility with Apple and Android smartphones and tablets. Further, we simply cannot overstate the significance of Gordon Rankin’s contributions to AudioQuest. The new DragonFly models embody many of Gordon’s most innovative, creative, and elegant digital-audio solutions to date.

For greater overall performance, the new DragonFly models also incorporate improved 32-bit ESS Sabre DAC chips—the 9010 in Black and the higher-performance 9016 in Red—both of which employ minimum-phase filtering for naturally detailed, more authentic sound. While DragonFly Black uses the same high-quality headphone amp and analog volume control found in DragonFly v1.2, DragonFly Red includes the latest ESS headphone amp and a bit-perfect digital volume control that resides on the 9016 DAC chip itself—a sophisticated implementation that ensures maximum fidelity, dynamic contrast, and signal-to-noise ratio. DragonFly Black will output 1.2 volts—enough power to successfully drive all preamplifier input circuits and a wide range of today’s efficient headphones. Meanwhile, with its higher 2.1-volt output, DragonFly Red will be compatible with a wider range of headphones, including power-hungry, low-efficiency models. While the DAC chips we’ve selected are remarkably powerful and sophisticated, we’ve intentionally limited DragonFly Black and DragonFly Red’s processing capabilities to 24-bit/96kHz resolution. This makes using the DragonFlys as simple as it’s always been: they’re fully compatible with PCs without having to download and install new drivers. Most importantly, DragonFly is designed to honor the music you already own and love. Whether you’re listening to Spotify, YouTube, Tidal, Qobuz, ripped CDs, or state-of-the-art high-resolution files, DragonFly will deliver a more emotionally compelling and enjoyable experience.

Free Desktop Application For Software Upgradability (For Dragonfly Black and Red Only)

In addition, the new DragonFlys are software upgradeable through a complimentary Windows or OS desktop application. As new developments arise in music player applications, streaming protocols, or other associated software, DragonFly users can incorporate those updates to their existing devices.

Stream Tidal Masters Everywhere (For Dragonfly Black and Red Only)

Tidal Masters (MQA) playback is now available on iPhones and Android smartphones. MQA’s technology folds high-resolution files into smaller files that can be streamed on the go. The MQA decoder in the Tidal app recovers all the direct music-related information. As an MQA Renderer, DragonFly completes the unfolding process, allowing listeners to enjoy a wider selection of high-res music.

Introduced to the media at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show, DragonFly Black and DragonFly Red were named “Stars of CES” by What Hi-Fi? Magazine. But this is only the beginning. We look forward to building stronger, more meaningful connections between music enthusiasts and the artists, albums, songs, and videos they love. Our hope is that with DragonFly Black, DragonFly Red, and future AudioQuest digital products, more people than ever before can enjoy beautiful music—wherever they go, whenever they please.

USB Stick-Sized Digital-to-Analog Converter

Compatible with Apple and Windows PCs, as well as iOS and Android mobile devices (requires Apple Camera Adapter or Made for Android/OTG adaptor)

Medium output (1.2 volts) drives a wide range of headphones

32-bit ESS 9010 DAC with minimum-phase filter

DragonFly plugs into a computer’s USB port to bypass the computer’s compromised audio circuitry and deliver cleaner, clearer, more naturally beautiful sound to headphones, powered speakers, and complete audio systems. Small, affordable, easy to use, and remarkably effective.

AudioQuest® DragonFly Series Red

High output (2.1 volts) drives almost all headphones, including power-hungry models

32-bit ESS 9016 DAC with minimum-phase filter

DragonFly plugs into a computer’s USB port to bypass the computer’s compromised audio circuitry and deliver cleaner, clearer, more naturally beautiful sound to headphones, powered speakers, and complete audio systems. Small, affordable, easy to use, and remarkably effective,

The DA2 Digital Audio Module is our newest and most advanced module for processing digital audio. It comes standard in the C53 and C2700 Preamplifiers, allowing both of those units to take advantage of some of the latest innovations in digital audio techn

McIntosh® DA2 Digital Audio Module

Our newest and most advanced Digital Audio Module

Available as an optional dealer installed upgrade to MA9000, MA8900, MA7200, MA5300, MAC7200, C49

Next gen, Quad Balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit DAC

7 inputs: 2 coax, 2 optical, 1 USB, 1 MCT, 1 HDMI (ARC)

The DA2 Digital Audio Module is our newest and most advanced module for processing digital audio. It comes standard in the C53 and C2700 Preamplifiers, allowing both of those units to take advantage of some of the latest innovations in digital audio technology. McIntosh home audio products equipped with the DA1 can be upgraded to the newer DA2.

The models that can be upgraded to the DA2 are: MA9000, MA8900, MA7200 and MA5300 Integrated Amplifiers; MAC7200 Receiver; and C49 Preamplifier. (Note: These models will continue to come with the DA1 installed. Upgrading to the DA2 is an optional dealer installed upgrade that must be installed by an Authorized McIntosh Dealer or Authorized McIntosh Service Agency.)

The DA2 Digital Audio Module builds upon the DA1 with an expanded set of capabilities. In addition to having all the same connections as the DA1 (2 coaxial, 2 optical, 1 USB and 1 MCT) a new audio-only HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC)1 connection is included on the DA2. This allows it to be connected to TVs with a compatible HDMI (ARC) output to bring your TV sound to the next level by listening to it through your home stereo system. ARC functionality can provide two-way communication between your DA2 equipped unit and TV, allowing for volume control and lip-syncing functions to ensure the audio and video are perfectly synched. Popular multi-channel audio formats from Dolby® and DTS® are supported and will be expertly converted to 2-channel audio for proper playback through your DA2 equipped unit. When CEC communication is enabled in both the DA2 equipped unit and your TV, your TV remote can control the power and volume of your connected McIntosh unit.

Additionally, the DA2’s USB input can support native playback of up to DSD512, surpassing the DSD256 limit of the DA1. This increased DSD playback support is thanks to the next generation, Quad Balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) that powers the DA2. This audiophile-grade DAC is highlighted by both an improved dynamic range and total harmonic distortion compared to the DA1. The USB input also supports DXD up to 384kHz. The coax and optical inputs can decode digital music up to 24-bit/192kHz for high resolution audio playback. Rounding out the DA2 is a proprietary MCT input that offers a secure, custom DSD connection for playback of the high definition audio found on SACDs when paired with our MCT500 and MCT80 SACD/CD Transports to produce the best possible sound quality from your SACD collection.

Due to the technical nature of the DA2 upgrade, it's a dealer installed upgrade that must be performed by a qualified trained professional at an Authorized McIntosh Dealer or Authorized McIntosh Service Agency. Please note that if the upgrade is performed by anyone other than an Authorized McIntosh Dealer or Authorized McIntosh Service Agency, under the terms of your McIntosh Limited Warranty any resulting damage or failure of your unit will be excluded from warranty coverage. Contact your local Authorized McIntosh Dealer or Authorized McIntosh Service Agency today to schedule your upgrade.

McIntosh® Portable Decoding Amplifier-MHA50

McIntosh® Portable Decoding Amplifier

McIntosh® Portable Decoding Amplifier with Bluetooth® 4.1 and high-performance 32-bit digital-to-analog converter

Digital-to-Analog Converters

AudioQuest® Dragonfly Cobalt Digital to Analog Converter

AudioQuest® DragonFly Series Black

AudioQuest® DragonFly Series Red

McIntosh® DA2 Digital Audio Module

McIntosh® Portable Decoding Amplifier

Is it Time to Plan Your Next Great Project?

Bjorn's

Info

Our Location

Hours

Connect With Us

Payment Methods