The Most Powerful DragonFly Ever Created
The AudioQuest DragonFly Copper delivers twice the output power of the Cobalt, a copper-plated RF-shielding case, and ESS9218 DAC precision — in a device smaller than a USB stick.
What Is the AudioQuest DragonFly Copper?
Plug the DragonFly Copper into any USB port and it immediately takes over as three components your existing device was never built to match well:
DAC — The ESS9218 converts your device’s digital audio stream into a precise, low-noise analog signal with accuracy built-in smartphone chips cannot approach.
Preamplifier — Delivers a clean line-level output directly to powered speakers or a hi-fi amplifier, turning any laptop or phone into a high-quality source component.
Headphone Amplifier — Outputs twice the power of any previous DragonFly, giving demanding headphones the clean, authoritative drive they need to perform at their best.
Explore All FeaturesDragonFly Copper By the Numbers
Every metric represents a meaningful advance over the DragonFly Cobalt.
Key Features
Filter by what matters most to you. Click any card to learn more.
DAC Technology
ESS9218 DAC Chip
- Audiophile-grade dynamic range
- Vanishingly low harmonic distortion
- Native Hi-Res audio decoding
- Far beyond any built-in smartphone DAC
RF Noise Elimination
Copper-Plated Case
- Faraday-cage RF interference rejection
- Measurably lower noise floor
- Inspired by AudioQuest cable science
- Cleaner highs and tighter bass
Headphone Amplifier
2× Output Power
- Double the output of the DragonFly Cobalt
- Drives demanding over-ear headphones
- Authoritative, controlled bass
- No compression or clipping
Efficiency
25% Lower Power Draw
- Uses less current than any prior DragonFly
- Extends phone and laptop battery life
- Cool operation during extended use
- More performance, less drain
Format Support
Full Hi-Res Audio Support
- MP3, AAC, FLAC, ALAC, WAV, MQA
- Hi-Res Audio up to full quality
- LED indicator confirms active format
- Future-proofed for all streaming tiers
Compatibility
Works with Every Device
- Apple macOS and Microsoft Windows
- iOS (iPhone & iPad)
- Android smartphones and tablets
- DragonTail USB-C adaptor included
Preamplifier
Line-Level Preamp Output
- 3.5mm output doubles as line-level out
- Connect to powered speakers directly
- Drive a hi-fi amplifier from your phone
- Pristine signal, no degradation
Ease of Use
Zero-Setup Plug & Play
- No drivers or software on macOS/Windows
- Instant audio routing on connection
- Software volume control via your device
- Fits in a shirt pocket
Brand Heritage
Trusted by Audiophiles Worldwide
- AudioQuest — decades of cable science
- Multi-award-winning DragonFly family
- Used by professionals and enthusiasts globally
- Backed by Home Automation Designs
Technical Specifications
Everything you need to know before you buy.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| DAC Chip | ESS9218 |
| Output Power | 2× any previous DragonFly model (including Cobalt) |
| Power Consumption | 25% less than previous DragonFly models |
| Case Material | Copper-plated (RF interference dissipation) |
| Desktop OS | Apple macOS, Microsoft Windows |
| Mobile OS | iOS, Android |
| Supported Formats | MP3, AAC, FLAC, ALAC, WAV, MQA, Hi-Res Audio |
| Connection | USB-A (DragonTail USB-A to USB-C adaptor included) |
| Output | 3.5mm headphone / line-level preamp output |
| Volume Control | Via source device software |
| Dimensions | 57mm (L) × 19mm (W) × 12mm (H) |
| In the Box | DragonFly Copper + DragonTail USB-A to USB-C Adaptor |
| Brand | AudioQuest |
| Availability | Summer 2026 |
Pros & Cons
An honest look at what makes the DragonFly Copper exceptional — and where its trade-offs lie.
Who Is This Product For?
The DragonFly Copper is for anyone who refuses to accept mediocre sound — and knows that better audio is possible without hauling a rack of gear everywhere.
The Serious Headphone Listener
You have invested in Sennheiser, Audeze, Beyerdynamic, or Focal headphones. You know your phone is holding them back. The DragonFly Copper gives those cans the power and signal quality they were designed for.
The Work-From-Home Professional
You spend long hours at a laptop on calls and listening to music. You want immersive, fatigue-free audio without a cluttered desk. The DragonFly Copper takes up no space and requires no setup — just plug in.
The Frequent Traveller
You are constantly in airports, hotels, and coffee shops. You want the closest thing to your home hi-fi system in your carry-on bag. Nothing else this small delivers this level of performance.
The Lossless Streaming Subscriber
You pay for Tidal HiFi, Apple Music Lossless, or Qobuz. Those services are sending you Hi-Res audio that your phone’s built-in DAC cannot properly decode. The DragonFly Copper lets you hear what you are paying for.
The Home Audio Enthusiast
You already have a hi-fi amplifier or powered monitors. You want to use your laptop or phone as a high-quality source. The DragonFly Copper’s preamp output feeds your system with a pristine analog signal.
The Gift Buyer Who Wants to Impress
You know someone passionate about music who already owns quality headphones. The DragonFly Copper is a gift that genuinely changes how they hear music every day — one they would never buy themselves but will never want to live without.
Setup in Under 10 Seconds
No drivers, no apps, no pairing. It really is this simple.
Step 1 — Connect
Plug the DragonFly Copper into your device’s USB-A port. For USB-C phones, tablets, or laptops, use the included DragonTail USB-A to USB-C adaptor.
Step 2 — Listen
Plug your headphones into the 3.5mm output. Or connect a 3.5mm-to-RCA cable to feed an amplifier or powered speakers. Press play — audio routes automatically.
Step 3 — Enjoy
Adjust volume using your device’s native controls. The LED indicator on the DragonFly glows a different colour to confirm which audio format is currently playing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Click any question to expand the answer.
A DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) translates the digital audio data on your phone, laptop, or tablet into the analog electrical signal your headphones or speakers need. Every device has a built-in DAC, but most are inexpensive components designed to minimise cost. An external DAC like the DragonFly Copper bypasses your device’s inferior converter and replaces it with a high-precision component — resulting in cleaner, more detailed, more dynamic sound.
Yes. The DragonFly Copper supports both iOS and Android. USB-C iPhone (iPhone 15 and later) and USB-C Android devices connect directly using the included DragonTail adaptor. Older Lightning iPhones require Apple’s Lightning-to-USB Camera Adapter (sold separately by Apple) plus the DragonTail adaptor.
The Copper is a significant step forward in every key area. It delivers twice the headphone amp output power of the Cobalt, uses the newer ESS9218 DAC chip, adds a copper-plated RF-shielding case for measurably lower noise, and draws 25% less current from your device’s battery. It is the most capable and technically refined DragonFly ever produced.
Yes, every streaming and local playback app works with the DragonFly Copper — Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Amazon Music, Qobuz, YouTube Music, and any local file player. For the best results, use a lossless or Hi-Res tier such as Tidal HiFi, Apple Music Lossless, or Qobuz Studio, where the DragonFly Copper’s full capabilities are realised.
No. On macOS and Windows the DragonFly Copper is entirely plug-and-play — no drivers or software required. On iOS and Android it integrates natively with the device’s audio system. Volume is managed through your device’s standard controls or within your music app.
Yes. The 3.5mm output functions as both a headphone output and a line-level preamp output. Use a 3.5mm-to-RCA cable to connect to any amplifier or set of active/powered speakers. This turns your phone or laptop into a high-quality source for your entire home audio system.
The LED indicator on the DragonFly illuminates in different colours to confirm which audio format is being decoded — giving you real-time confirmation that your lossless or Hi-Res files are playing at full quality. Each colour corresponds to a specific sample rate or format category.
The AudioQuest DragonFly Copper is scheduled for release in Summer 2026. Use the notification form on the product page to be alerted as soon as stock arrives, or add it to your cart now to secure your order position.
Ready to Hear Music the Way It Was Meant to Sound?
The DragonFly Copper is the rare device that genuinely changes your relationship with music — everywhere you listen. Double the power, lower the noise, and carry it in your pocket. Secure yours before it sells out.
Product summary for search engines: The AudioQuest DragonFly Copper is a portable USB DAC, preamplifier, and headphone amplifier. Key specifications: ESS9218 DAC chip; 2× headphone amp output power versus the DragonFly Cobalt; copper-plated RF-shielding case; 25% lower power consumption; supports MP3, AAC, FLAC, ALAC, WAV, MQA, and Hi-Res Audio; compatible with Apple macOS, Microsoft Windows, iOS, and Android; dimensions 57×19×12mm; DragonTail USB-A to USB-C adaptor included. Manufactured by AudioQuest. Available at Home Automation Designs — Canada’s source for premium home audio and automation equipment. Release date: Summer 2026.