The next generation
While the original DragonFly redefined the micro DAC market, its power consumption meant it was only compatible with computers. Music lovers wanted a portable version - one that could easily be used with Apple and Android smartphones, as well as tablets.

We are delighted to now present two new alternatives that enable just that: DragonFly Black and DragonFly Red.

Convenience and performance are no longer mutually exclusive. With DragonFly Black and Red, any computer or laptop, tablet or smartphone can be used as a true Hi-Fi music player, allowing music lovers to enjoy beautiful sound - wherever you are, whenever you want.

AudioQuest, Gordon Rankin and Microchip: A wonderful friendship
Together with Microchip Technology, AudioQuest and DragonFly developer Gordon Rankin have worked to develop a new solution for a powerful full-speed microcontroller with improved signal-to-noise ratio and significantly lower power consumption.

With 77% lower power consumption than the previous microcontroller, Microchip's new PIC32MX microcontroller enables true compatibility with Apple and Android smartphones and tablets.

We also cannot overstate the importance of Gordon Rankin's contribution to AudioQuest. The new DragonFly models embody many of Gordon's most innovative, creative and elegant solutions to digital audio to date.

Improved 32-bit processing
To improve overall performance, the new DragonFly models also feature upgraded ESS Sabre 32-bit chips - the 9010 in the Black and the even more powerful 9016 in the Red, both with minimum phase filtering for natural detail and authentic sound. The DragonFly Black features the same high-quality headphone amplifier and analog volume control as the DragonFly 1.2, while the DragonFly Red features the latest ESS headphone amplifier and bit-perfect digital volume control located on the 9016 DAC chip itself - a sophisticated design that ensures maximum fidelity, dynamics and signal-to-noise ratio.

The DragonFly Black outputs 1.2 volts - enough power to easily drive all preamplifier input circuits and a large proportion of today's high-efficiency headphones. Meanwhile, with its higher output of 2.1 volts, the DragonFly Red is compatible with an even wider range of headphones, including power-hungry, low-efficiency models.

Although the DAC chips we have chosen are exceptionally sophisticated and powerful, we have deliberately limited the signal processing in the DragonFly Black and DragonFly Red to 24 bit/96 kHz resolution. This makes using the DragonFlys as easy as it has always been: they are fully PC compatible, without the need to download and install new drivers.

Most importantly, the DragonFly is designed to honor the music you already own and love. Whether you prefer listening to Spotify, YouTube, Tidal, ripped CDs, or state-of-the-art Hi-Res files, the DragonFly will make the experience more emotionally engaging and enjoyable.

Free desktop application for software updates (only for DragonFly Black and Red)
In addition, the software on the new DragonFlys can be updated via a free Windows or OS X desktop app. As new developments occur in music players, streaming protocols, or other software involved, DragonFly users will be able to incorporate these updates into their existing devices.

This is just the beginning
After presenting to the media at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show, the DragonFly Black and DragonFly Red were named “Stars of CES” by What Hi-Fi? magazine. But that’s just the beginning.

We look forward to creating stronger, deeper connections between music lovers and the artists, albums and songs they love. We hope that thanks to the DragonFly Black, DragonFly Red and other future AudioQuest digital products, more people than ever will be able to enjoy beautiful music - anywhere, anytime.