AudioQuest DragonFly Black

amazon AudioQuest DragonFly Black reviews

The AudioQuest Dragonfly Black was introduced as an upgrade to the original AudioQuest DragonFly and is currently the most affordable USB DAC model in AudioQuest’s Dragonfly series.

Thanks to improvements in compatibility, upgraded sound quality, and lower production costs than the old version, AudioQuest DragonFly Black won the “Product of the Year 2016” award by the prestigious Whathifi audio magazine vote credit. This article will learn together the cheapest USB DAC / AMP model in this legendary DragonFly series.

QUALITY FINISHING AND DESIGN

AudioQuest Dragonfly Black has the same legendary design as a classic USB storage device. The entire chassis of the machine is made of metal and covered with a smooth matte rubber. Although this design is nothing special from the outside when you hold it in your hand, you will feel the high level of the product; the dress is very sturdy.

The front of the AudioQuest DragonFly Black is the legendary dragonfly logo. This logo will change color depending on the quality of the music file being played.

Standby (Red)

44.1kHz (Green)

48kHz (Blue)

88.2kHz (Yellow)

96kHz (Dark Red)

MQA (Purple)

The AudioQuest Dragonfly Black’s USB connector is quite thickly gold-plated. The feeling of this plug exudes durability and certainty in every plug.

Accessories included with AudioQuest DragonFly Black are very limited. To connect with other devices, you need to buy an additional adapter to connect to the phone.

SPECIFICATIONS

DAC chip: 32-bit ESS ES9010 with phase filter to minimize roll-off.

AMP chip: TPA6130

Sampling Frequency: 24-bit / 96kHz

Output power: 1.2 V

Information of 3 rings: 12mm (h) x 19mm (w) x 62mm (l)

where can you get a AudioQuest DragonFly Black online

AudioQuest DragonFly Black v1.5 Plug-in USB DAC + Preamp + Headphone Amp: Buy it now

Audioquest: Dragonfly Black USB DAC + Dragontail Extender: Buy it now

AudioQuest Dragonfly Black v1.5 USB DAC and Jitterbug USB Data and Power Noise Filter Package with DragonTail USB 2.0 Extender: Buy it now

AudioQuest DragonFly Black v1.5 Plug-in USB DAC + Preamp + Headphone Amp Bundle with iFi Ear Buddy Audio Attenuator Cable for 3.5mm Headphones & IEMs, Blucoil USB-A Mini Hub and 3′ USB Extension Cable: Buy it now

SOUND QUALITY

AudioQuest Dragonfly Black’s background sound is quite clean. It shouldn’t be a problem with headphones with impedances of 32Ohms or more, but with highly sensitive IEM headphones like the Campfire Solaris, you’ll hear a bit of background boiling mixed. You can remedy this by using the AudioQuest Dragonfly Black with a removable USB filter or simply upgrading to the AudioQuest Dragonfly RED version.

AudioQuest Dragonfly Black’s sound is lively, neutral, and smooth.

Bass range: When paired with well-balanced headphones, AudioQuest Dragonfly Black produces solid bass, tight texture, and fullness. It’s not a superficial flat sound but full of energy and vitality.

Mid-range: Smooth, clear, and very natural. The singer’s voice sounds a bit analog. The ability to separate instruments in complex music is demonstrated. The detail of the instrument is also well represented with a bit of smoothness.

Treble range: Treble on AudioQuest Dragonfly Black is fresh, but the control is not good. In many pieces of music, the sound of musical instruments such as cymbals is a bit cold, making the sound somewhat inconsistent.

Dynamic and speed: This factor is greatly influenced by the headphones you choose to pair. With a headset with the right sensitivity and impedance, the AudioQuest Dragonfly Black shows good dynamics, quick response, and weight. However, when paired with too many headphones, the sound will be rough, sharp, and dynamic is reduced.

COMPARISON WITH OTHER MOBILE DAC/AMPS

In terms of sound, this “Black Dragonfly” is still something that all other portable DACs / AMPs in the same price range have to be wary of; the smoothness and sweetness is a very interesting experience on this portable DAC/AMP. However, it also depends on your music taste; if you listen to vocals a lot, this “Black Dragonfly” is very reasonable. AudioQuest Dragonfly Black’s ability to pull headphones is still extremely respectable, even compared to older portable DACs/AMPs with more terrible parameters. In addition, AudioQuest Dragonfly Black still supports trendy MQA music decoding. You can still listen to TIDAL Master on AudioQuest Dragonfly Black in complete stability.

In terms of functionality, with the strong development of mobile devices today, this AudioQuest Dragonfly Black is quite weak compared to many devices in the same price range. Compatibility, accessories, and control keys are things that this DAC / AMP does not have much; even the Dragonfly Red is similar. At the same time, most devices in the same price range are fully equipped, even with Bluetooth connectivity. Typically, with the xDuoo Link 2, you can change the bass range or the width of the soundstage if you want; the Bluetooth DAC / AMP Qudelix-5K has Bluetooth connectivity with many ports like 2.5mm, kit if you don’t want to use Bluetooth. So you need to put it on the scale if you intend to buy or use it as a preliminary DAC / AMP.

EPILOGUE

AudioQuest Dragonfly Black has been out for a long time, but the values ​​that this USB DAC / AMP brings are still worth the money at the moment. If you want a music solution that meets the “Fast – Stable – Good Sound” factors, then the AudioQuest Dragonfly Black is an extremely safe choice for those who are just starting on the audio path. If you want a more advanced audio experience, check out the AudioQuest Dragonfly Red version – an upgraded version of the AudioQuest Dragonfly Black.