AudioQuest DragonFly Copper is a compact USB DAC, preamplifier and headphone amplifier featuring the ESS Sabre ES9218, Hi-Res playback up to 24-bit/96 kHz and broad compatibility with computers, smartphones and tablets. Read more.
The AudioQuest DragonFly Copper is a portable USB DAC, preamplifier and headphone amplifier designed for listeners who want better sound from a computer, laptop, smartphone or tablet. The compact DAC bypasses the standard audio circuitry inside the connected device and converts the digital music signal into a high-quality analogue output for headphones, powered speakers and complete audio systems.
DragonFly Copper therefore combines three useful functions in one compact device: digital-to-analogue conversion, volume control and headphone amplification.
At the heart of DragonFly Copper is the 32-bit ESS Sabre ES9218, integrating the DAC and headphone amplifier. AudioQuest developed this new generation with particular attention to lower power consumption, increased output power and reduced distortion.
Compared with previous DragonFly models, Copper provides twice the output power, according to AudioQuest, while drawing approximately 25% less current.
The lower current consumption is particularly useful when listening from a smartphone, tablet or laptop on the move.
AudioQuest DragonFly Copper processes audio natively at up to 24-bit/96 kHz, making it suitable for a wide variety of music files, from MP3 and CD-quality audio to Hi-Res music.
The illuminated DragonFly logo indicates the active sample rate:
One of the most important upgrades to DragonFly Copper is its increased output power. According to AudioQuest, Copper delivers twice the output power of any previous DragonFly.
This makes the compact USB DAC suitable for a broad range of headphones and an attractive solution for better headphone listening while travelling, working at a desk or relaxing at home.
Volume is controlled directly by the connected computer, smartphone or tablet.
DragonFly Copper complies with USB Audio Class standards and is designed to operate without additional drivers. It is compatible with Apple and Windows computers as well as iOS and Android devices.
DragonFly Copper itself uses a USB-A connector. A DragonTail USB-A to USB-C adaptor is included, allowing easy connection to modern smartphones, tablets and computers equipped with USB-C.
Apple devices with a Lightning connector require a suitable Apple USB adaptor.
AudioQuest DragonFly Copper is not limited to headphone listening. Its analogue 3.5 mm output can also feed powered speakers, preamplifiers, amplifiers and other audio systems.
This allows the same compact DAC to be used with headphones on the move and as a digital audio upgrade for a home audio system.
The distinctive Copper finish is more than a cosmetic feature. AudioQuest uses a high-conductivity copper-plated enclosure designed to improve the drainage of RF noise.
Together with the redesigned electronics and optimised circuitry, this contributes to DragonFly Copper's focus on clean and accurate analogue audio reproduction.
DragonFly Copper brings AudioQuest's familiar portable DAC concept into a new generation. Its ESS Sabre ES9218 DAC, increased output power, reduced current consumption, native 24-bit/96 kHz support and USB-C compatibility via the included DragonTail make it a flexible choice for both portable and home listening.
Explore our complete range of DACs and digital-to-analogue converters for more ways to improve the digital audio performance of your system.
Product type: USB DAC, preamplifier and headphone amplifier
DAC chip: 32-bit ESS Sabre ES9218
Native resolution: up to 24-bit/96 kHz
Sample rates: 44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96 kHz
Digital connection: USB-A
USB-C: via included DragonTail USB-A to USB-C adaptor
Analogue output: 3.5 mm
Volume control: controlled by connected smartphone, tablet or computer
USB Audio Class: yes
Additional drivers required: no
Computer compatibility: macOS und Windows
Mobile compatibility: iOS und Android
Applications: headphones, powered speakers, preamplifiers and amplifiers
Enclosure: high-conductivity copper-plated enclosure for RF-noise drainage
Current draw: approximately 25% lower than the previous DragonFly generation
Output power: 2x greater than any previous DragonFly according to AudioQuest
EAN / UPC: 092592197978
DragonFly Copper is a compact USB DAC, preamplifier and headphone amplifier. It converts digital audio from devices such as computers, smartphones and tablets into an analogue signal for headphones or an audio system.
DragonFly Copper processes audio natively at up to 24-bit/96 kHz and supports sample rates of 44.1, 48, 88.2 and 96 kHz.
Yes. DragonFly Copper has a USB-A connector and includes a DragonTail USB-A to USB-C adaptor for modern USB-C devices.
Yes. The included DragonTail can be used with USB-C equipped iPhones. An appropriate Apple USB adaptor is required for iPhones with a Lightning connector.
Yes. DragonFly Copper includes an integrated headphone amplifier and, according to AudioQuest, delivers twice the output power of any previous DragonFly.
Yes. Its 3.5 mm analogue output can feed headphones as well as preamplifiers, amplifiers and powered speakers.
No. DragonFly Copper complies with USB Audio Class standards and is designed for plug-and-play operation without additional drivers.
DragonFly Copper does not include the MQA rendering functionality found on some earlier DragonFly models. Its native audio processing supports resolutions up to 24-bit/96 kHz.
Read our own review of the AudioQuest DragonFly Copper here.
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