Greetings mate and Welcome aboard! Stuart Charles here, HomeStudioBasics.com helping YOU make sound decisions, so…
Before we get into the Audioquest Dragonfly Red Review, grab a snack, sit back and relax because…
You’ve come to the right place!!
Ah, AudioQuest’s DragonFly Red. What more can we say? This is one of the first DACs I ever tried and I recommended it for many years as an excellent portable solution.
It’s a great product and always has been, but is it still relevant in today’s oversaturated DAC market?
Let’s review it and find out. We’ll discuss build, features, sound, power output, and more.
By the end of this review, you should know everything it’s capable of and if it’s right for you.
Now without further ado, let’s get rolling!
All specs, pricing, and box contents toward the end. I also included a little blurb about Dragonflies if you’re so inclined.
Build & Features
About the size of a thumb drive, the no-driver-required AudioQuest DragonFly Red lives up to its namesake. If convenience is a top priority, there weren’t too many products better than this when it first came out.
Nowadays the market has shifted significantly, and I firmly believe this little piggy is the one that kind of kickstarted the whole portable DAC craze.
For being so tiny, it’s built rather well and you can quite literally take it anywhere. This is one of the main reasons I still keep one around. It’s perfect for overnighters, road trips, and general on-the-go excursions. The provided leatherette case protects homie from getting damaged, giving you peace of mind on the commute.
It also looks cool.
Yes, it’s kind of weird to say that as I’m vehemently opposed to aesthetic sensibilities as a way to justify expensive purchases, but AudioQuest, for all of their faults, made damn sure you were never going to forget about this thing. It’s the one product that stands out in my mind perhaps more than anything else.
The main reason for this is the stenciled DragonFly on top which lights up in a few different colors according to sample rate.
This is done via a 1mm LED inside the device that illuminates the logo on the outside.
- Green = 44.1 kHz
- Blue = 48 kHz
- Amber = 88.2 kHz
- Magenta = 96 kHz
As you’re probably well aware, the DragonFly connects to your PC in the same way a flash drive does: via Type-A USB. There are no onboard volume controls, so adjustments will be made with your keyboard.
The only other connection is a 3.5mm headphone output that also doubles as a line out/pre-out.
This means you can use the DragonFly as a DAC connected to a separate headphone amplifier, or as a preamplifier into separate active speakers like the Presonsus Eris e3.5, FiiO SP3, etc.
Just purchase an RCA to mini cable and you’re all set.
- Required Reading: What Is a Headphone Amp? Demystifying the Sound Experience
I can’t tell you how many times the Red comes in handy when I quickly need a DAC to pair with a separate amp that has line-in or RCA inputs.
Because I review so many products, I keep the Fly on my desktop since it’s versatile in that regard and I always have a DAC around.
This prevents me from getting caught with my pants down as the DragonFly can pair with almost any amplifier.
Power Output
Moreover, the Dragon buddy supplies 2.1V of power (roughly 135mW) which is more than enough for any of the 20+ headphones I have lying around.
Yes, inefficent planars like the 400se, as well as dynamics such as a K702 will need a bit more juice to reach acceptable volume levels, but the Red has always been a workhorse and remains one to this day.
It can drive 300 Ohm headphones like the HD600 without breaking a sweat and even works well with my K240M 600 Ohm Austrian-made AKGs.
To pair it with your phone, you’ll need some sort of OTG cable. Here are a few options:
- For Android – The Audioquest Dragon Tail or this Anker USB-C to USB 3.1 are excellent.
- Older Androids – If you somehow still live in the Dinosaur age and have an older phone with micro, this UGREEN Micro USB 2.0 OTG Cable will do the trick.
- For Apple – The Apple Lightning to USB 3 or AGVEE Lightning to USB Adapter are great options.
- If you have an iPhone like me but only have a USB-A female to USB-C male, an adapter like this works wonders.
Sound
This is a bit of a touchy subject so bear with me.
For a long time, I preferred the “sound” of The DragonFly Red because of its ESS chip implementation; one that I believed “sounded” better due to openness, crispness, air, better Soundstage, resolution, etc.
To be frank, I no longer believe DACs have a sound signature, but I will say that whatever placebo I experienced felt real to me.
This is actually a really deep rabbit hole, but if you’re in the mood for some snark, watch my video:
That said, if you’re coming from a crappy internal Soundcard such as my old Lenovo T510’s (I’m talking REALLY poopy here) then yes, the DragonFly Red will be a marked improvement over that.
No question about it.
Blast from the past: My old Lenovo T510 + DF Red + HD558 outside Audio Advice
The digital-to-analog conversion + subsequent amplifier section you’re getting here is clean, neutral, and provides a low output impedance that works well with all headphones.
In other words, the DragonFly will portray to you exactly how the source file, and your headphones, sound. No lipstick on no pigs.
- Related: Beginners Guide: What is a USB DAC?
Final Verdict
AudioQuest’s DragonFly Red is a clean, neutral, highly portable, convenient Amp/DAC combo that’s still useful but could be overpriced in today’s market.
Part of me is still torn on this as it’s still pretty versatile despite the lack of Bluetooth connection and balanced headphone output.
I fully expect AudioQuest to come out with some sort of update in a future release (in an attempt to keep up with current trends), but for now, I think $170 (down from its original $200) is still a bit high when there are more capable DACs to choose from.
For instance, a product like the Hidizs S9 Pro provides the same 9038Q2M chip found in the DragonFly Cobalt for a fraction of the price and has a balanced headphone output.
Additionally, FiiO’s BTR Family of DACs can be used wirelessly via Bluetooth, contain an array of features, support higher PCM/DSD (I don’t care about that, but some do), and are priced much better overall.
If you’re interested in a list of my top portable options, click the button below:
AudioQuest DragonFly Red
Price: Check Amazon | Check B&H | Check eBay
In The Box
AudioQuest DragonFly Red – USB DAC + Preamp + Headphone Amp
Carry Pouch
Limited 1-Year Warranty
Specifications
- Input: USB
- Output: Headphone, 2.1 volts
- Dimensions: 12 mm x 19 mm x 82 mm
- Resolution: Up to 24-bit / 96 kHz
- MicroController: Microchip PIC32MX
- DAC Chip: ESS 9016 32-bit
- Volume Control: Digital: 64-bit Bit Perfect Volume Control
My Video Comparison
Here I compared the Red to a few other DACS. Please keep in mind when this was recorded relative to my current stance on DACs.
The Dragonfly: A Deeper Look
On the surface, the name Dragonfly given to a portable Amp/DAC as small as this seems fairly straightforward.
It’s lightweight, extremely portable, and can literally go anywhere – much like a real Dragonfly.
When I first wrote this article, I didn’t give it a second thought.
But as I was creating the graphic for the article months later, I became interested in the backstory of the insect itself.
It turns out that these somewhat erratic creatures are extremely fascinating upon further examination.
Took this at the pool. The poor guy got obliterated.
Let’s take a gander.
You may recognize the predator Dragonfly as almost an afterthought, even though it’s been around for about 300 million years!
Whenever I see them during the summer they always have this tendency of darting around aimlessly (so it seems), and because they don’t pose a threat and never bother others, I just sort of ignore them.
They’re really peaceful as well.
One even landed on my lap while I was at the pool and I wasn’t scared at all.
And no, it wasn’t the one pictured above. How could you even insinuate that I would harm a Dragonfly?! Lol.
But really, imagine that, an insect that doesn’t bother you. Wow. What a concept.
I wish Bumblebees and Wasps would take note. Lol.
What’s incredible about a Dragonfly is the fact that it can move at speeds of 45 mph, hover, fly backward like a hummingbird, fly straight up, straight down, and side to side; all of this in a very swift and brisk manner.
Uh, I guess humans are pretty cool too.
We can attempt to walk in a straight line after being pulled over by the cops. Oh boy.
What’s even more impressive is that it can do all these things while only flapping its wings 30 times per minute.
For perspective’s sake, a Mosquito must flap 600 times and a Housefly 1000 times!
The beautiful Dragonfly also showcases iridescent, opaque wings that reveal what’s called Structural Coloration: The ability to reflect many different colors as the angle or view of illumination changes.
Though we see them as flying insects, only a small portion of this time (a few days to a few weeks) is spent in the air.
The majority of their 6-7 month lifespan occurs as larvae (or nymph) in the freshwater regions.
Its metamorphosis takes form when the larva comes out of the water to hang from the bank or some sort of stem while enjoying the warm sunshine and eventually turning into an adult Dragonfly.
Before it can take flight, its wings have to dry; in this state it’s referred to as the Latin word teneral, meaning tender, soft, or delicate.
Many “tenerals” in this critical stage die out due to strong force winds, boats, other predators, and even other larvae!
How sinister is that?
A soon-to-be Dragonfly can be taken out by a larva in its infancy. Mind blown. Call it not-so-friendly fire.
Though the Dragonfly in flight is a formidable predator, it must constantly be on the lookout for other predators like birds, lizards, frogs, fish, and more.
Because of these dangers, the Dragonfly is naturally well equipped with 360-degree vision, extremely agile flight, and a fast speed as discussed earlier.
That’s God’s handy work!
Unfortunately,
the mature Dragonfly’s life is short-lived, only surviving for a maximum of 6-7 months in ideal conditions, and sometimes as little as just a few weeks!
If there were ever a creature to live in the moment, it’s the Dragonfly.
Let that be a lesson to us as humans.
We tend to live in the past or future a lot of the time, always worried about our “plans” and constantly looking ahead for better days.
Even worse, some of us can’t stop reflecting on past mistakes and what we could have done better.
The fact is that it’s hard to live in the here and now, but it is possible.
Life is but a fleeting moment, so let’s make the best of it by being grateful for what we do have, and loving ourselves right where we are.
“To regret the past, to hope in the future, and never to be satisfied with the present: that is what I spend my whole life doing”
―
Well that’s about it for today folks! I hope you’ve enjoyed this Audioquest DragonFly Review.
What do you think about this piece? Is it still worth the investment in today’s market? Let me know!!
Questions? Comments? Requests? Did I miss the mark on something? Let me know in the comments below or Contact me!! I would love to hear from you.
Until then, all the best and God bless…
-Stu
Can’t decide which headphones to purchase? Interested in a complete buyers guide outlining over 40 of the best options on the market? Click on over to the best audiophile headphones to learn more!!
Be sure to also check out my Reviews and Resources page for more helpful and informative articles!
Photo Gallery
Shoot 2
DragonFly Red goes to the beach
Audioquest DragonFly Red
Pros
- Convenient
- Easy to Use
- Powers 99% of Headphones
- Can be paired with a phone
- Sounds fantastic
Cons
- Lack of features
14 comments
Hi,
Thanks for all the great information on the site!
I am looking for a portable and affordable amp/DAC for my AKG K701 – would you recommend this device? I use it for music production on my Macbook Pro Retina.
Cheers!
Thank you for your kind words 🙂 I would say certainly! Let me know how it turns out Tee!
Regards,
-Stu
Hi Stu,
I have a pair of older AKG K240 DF cans which I believe are 600 ohms. I am wondering if the Dragonfly Red will power these? I have found a couple of conflicting reports on the interweb. I would prefer to have a portable DAC/amp for these and the Dragonfly Red certainly would fit the bill.
If it doesn’t, any suggestions for the K240?
Thanks!
Dave,
I probably would not recommend that as the 240DF’s are a special case, and the Dragonfly Red’s ceiling is about 300 Ohms. For instance, it can power my HD600’s very well, but just barely spec wise. I would never rely on it for anything more than that. Sounds like I’m ragging on it but it’s quite the opposite. I love the Dragonfly and recommend it first in 99% of situations.
For your case however, I would go with something else. Here are some options:
-Schiit Magni 3. This will provide 230mW into 600 Ohms and is more than enough for a 240DF. I have the Magni 2 but do plan on upgrading in the future.
-Musical Paradise MP-301. Read quite a bit about this guy and a few people were loving the pairing with the 240DF. Something to consider for sure.
-For something a bit more affordable, the Audioengine D1 into a Bravo Audio V2 got an endorsement as well.
-Schiit Valhalla. Might even be overkill, but provides 450mW into 600 Ohms.
-Rock n Glass. Another hidden gem of a tube amp, said to be a good pairing with the K240DF and comes in at a very reasonable price.
–Darkvoice336. Great tube amp for higher impedance headphones like the 240DF.
I’ve even read that a Kenwood C2 and generally older Yamaha receivers work really well with the 240DF. Mostly this is due to the ability for you to use the tone controls on the C2, which helps out with the bass in particular.
I would probably go with either the Magni 3 or the Musical Paradise in your case. I hope that helps! Please keep me posted on your decision making process and let me know what you think of the above mentioned.
Blessings,
-Stu
Dragonfly red vs bravo v2 for he 600?
Hey Juan! Do you mean the HD600? What headphone are your referring to?
Hi Stu, happy new year.
How well does the dragonfly red handle the AKG K702? I know those headphones lack bass but for rock, electro, pop and hip hop, how’s it going? I’m not a bass head
Happy New Year to you as well! Love the Red with the 702! I listen to all those genres with it! 🙂
How do i know if it will power something well?
Hey man, it’s got plenty of power. 2.1V which comes out to around 400mW if I’m not mistaken. What are you trying to power?
Hey Stu, thanks for this review it helped put me over the top, for making the purchase. I can’t recomend the Dragonfly Red enough. Quick question around set up – Within “Control Pannel >Sound” is it advisable to set my “Default Format” in “Speaker Properties” up to 24/96? Yes, I do listen to quite a bit of music at this rate both in files on my comp and via Qobuz. Many thanks in advance.
Hey man my pleasure! As for your question, I don’t really think it matters all that much, to be honest with you. If you prefer listening at 24/96, then go for it. But the difference between a standard FLAC of 16/44 and 24/96 is pretty subtle due to the Nyquist Shannon theorem as well as it’s just very difficult to discern those marginal differences (if there even are any).
You also have to take into account that many of these files are upscaled anyway which is a nice way of saying they’re intentionally trying to make the file look better – sometimes, not all the time.
In reality, yes, bit depth is pretty important so I generally do like 24-bit over 16, but high sample rates are almost impossible for our ears to discern and mostly boil down to placebo more than any real tangible differences.
Hi Stu,
My sincerest apologies, I completely missed this response. Thanks very much for your help!
No worries my friend! 🙂