Excellence EVERYWHERE w/ AudioQuest's DragonFly Cobalt

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.

PLEASE READ! Darko.Audio FAQ:

AudioQuest DragonFly Red review:

AudioQuest DragonFly Black review:

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Also featured in this video…

Campfire Audio Polaris 2:

Xiaomi Mi A1:

LG V40:

iPhone 6S Plus:

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Playlists…

Spotify:

Tidal:

Qobuz:

#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.

[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!

[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!👍

[Abrikosmanden]

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

[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

[nwestmoreland]

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!

[bollingbryant]

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

[pistopit]

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.

[cb]

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.

[leemartin]

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

[Blackhatsax]

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.

[edmundgil]

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.

[peterstevens]

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

[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

[robinwilliams]

I know that this review is 5 years old, but I would like to thank you for reaffirming that I made a good choice when I purchased the Cobalt and that I am currently waiting for it to arrive. Good quality audio is important to me and as of late I have been made to suffer from some quite inadequate and inferior sound quality via my computer and Android phone. It definitely can have a negative effect on your mood and well being. Again I thank you!

[JohnJackson]

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

[nsw]

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!

[boxsters]

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 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.

[Juniorz]

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! :)

[sbove]

1) Great review, 2) great production and cam work in this vid...really enjoyed being in "Berlin" with you...this takes huge effort & creativity and we viewers really appreciate it!, 3) what is/are the audio track(s) playing behind the Berlin train scenes at ~ 7:15 & 10:20...I checked out all the songs on the playlist and could not hear them in there...they're very nice track(s) that I'd love to buy a copy of.

[clickbaitpro]

Subscribed and love your videos and your production quality is amazing