Audioquest DragonFly Copper DAC, Preamp, Headphone Amp
Now Available. Now, DragonFly Copper boasts the most powerful and efficient DAC/ headphone amp we’ve ever used and features a High-Conductivity CopperPlated case inspired by the gorgeous RF-Draining plug barrels of our Mythical interconnects. The result is 2x the output power of Cobalt, significantly improved noise-dissipation, and, we hope, immeasurably greater musical immersion and enjoyment.
Shipping
Most orders ship within 1–3 business days. We deliver across Canada. Large items such as speakers and TVs may require freight shipping — our team will contact you to arrange delivery.
Returns
We accept returns within 30 days of delivery for unused items in original packaging. Contact us at support@HomeAutomationDesigns.com to initiate a return.
Installation Services
Professional installation available in the Ontario GTA & Hamilton area and Edmonton, Alberta. Our certified technicians ensure your system is set up correctly and working perfectly. Contact us to book a consultation.
Key Technologies
Long Live DragonFly
Since its introduction in 2012, the award-winning AudioQuest DragonFly DAC-preamp-headphone amp has received enthusiastic recommendations from the New York Times, Rolling Stone, and Men's Health while earning glowing praise from the world’s leading hi-fi publications. With more than 300,000 DragonFlys sold worldwide, our little critter has proven capable of disarming even the most rigid audio skeptic.
DragonFly Today
Like all AudioQuest products, the award-winning DragonFly has benefited from gradual refinements made possible by better parts, better materials, and AudioQuest's own insatiable desire for better sound.
DragonFly Copper maintains everything that made its predecessors such a success:
- Beautiful sound from all audio files: MP3 to Hi-Res
- Compatible with Apple® and Windows® PCs, iOS and Android devices
- Drives Headphones; Feeds Preamps, Amps, and Powered Speakers
- Phone, tablet, or computer controls the output level
- Meets all USB Audio Class (UAC) standards; requires no additional drivers
- Dragonfly emblem changes color to indicate playback status and the sampling rate of the file being played: red (standby), green (44.1kHz), blue (48kHz), yellow (88.2kHz), light blue (96kHz)
Compared to previous DragonFlys, Copper offers:
- 2x greater output power
- 25% lower current draw
- High-conductivity copper-plated case for improved RF-noise drainage
DragonFly designer Gordon Rankin then did what he does best: He optimized the new DragonFly parts for ultimate performance, reducing distortion to a level significantly below that of previous models.
Drawing 25% less current and delivering two times as much output power as any previous DragonFly, Copper is the most powerful and efficient DAC AudioQuest has ever produced. Its new copper case, informed and inspired by the RF-draining barrels of AudioQuest's Mythical Creatures interconnects, isn’t merely gorgeous, but, like every other aspect of the DAC’s design, has been implemented for improved performance.
We believe AudioQuest DragonFly Copper faithfully carries forward the esteemed legacy of the DragonFly family, and we hope it introduces many more listeners to the immersive, emotionally compelling musical experience that hundreds of thousands of DragonFly owners have already enjoyed.
Materials & Design
| DAC Chip | 32-bit ESS Sabre ES9218 |
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Features & Performance
| Output | 2.1 volts |
|---|---|
| Mobile Compatibility | Apple iOS; Android |
| Desktop Compatibility | Windows; Apple; Linux (no technical support provided) |
| Volume Control | Phone, tablet, or computer controls the output level |
Manufacturing Details
| Included Accessories | DragonTail A to C Adaptor |
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Q What is the Audioquest DragonFly Copper and what does it do?
It's a thumb-sized USB DAC, preamp, and headphone amplifier that transforms phones, tablets, and computers into reference-grade audio sources. It's the flagship of the DragonFly family, using the ESS9218 DAC chip and a copper-plated RF-shielding case.
Q What audio formats and resolutions does it support?
It natively decodes Hi-Res audio up to 24-bit/96kHz, and supports MP3, AAC, FLAC, ALAC, WAV, MQA, and Hi-Res Audio formats.
Q How does it connect, and what devices is it compatible with?
It connects via USB-A (a DragonTail USB-A to USB-C adaptor is included) with a 3.5mm headphone/line-level output. It works plug-and-play with macOS and Windows (no drivers required), plus iOS and Android devices.
Q How does it compare to the DragonFly Cobalt?
It delivers double the output power of the DragonFly Cobalt, with 25% lower power consumption and a measurably lower noise floor, thanks to its copper-plated Faraday-cage case that rejects RF interference.
Q Does it have any built-in indicators or controls?
Yes — an LED indicator shows the active audio format in real time, and volume is controlled in software via the connected source device. It also functions as a built-in preamp for amplifiers or powered speakers.