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Small red USB stick DAC with glossy finish

AudioQuest

AudioQuest DragonFly Red USB DAC Headphone Amplifier 24-bit 96kHz 32-bit 2.1v

SKU CH-XWMA-EERHE

A portable USB DAC and headphone amplifier delivering 2.1 V output and 32‑bit decoding up to 24‑bit/96 kHz for cleaner sound on any device

  • Product typeAmplifiers
  • 32-bit SABRE DAC delivers transparent, detailed sound
  • 1 V output drives virtually any headphone with authority
  • Plays every file from MP3 to 24-bit/96 kHz high-resolution audio
  • Works with Apple and Android devices using a simple adapter
  • Plug-and-play USB DAC, preamp and headphone amp improves any system

Portable USB DAC and headphone amplifier

The AudioQuest DragonFly Red is a compact, plug-and-play digital-to-analog converter, preamp, and headphone amplifier. It connects via USB Type A to laptops, tablets, and smartphones. The device supports native decoding up to 24-bit/96kHz and plays all file types from MP3 to high-resolution formats. It is designed for listeners who want improved audio quality from portable sources.

Upgrade from basic device audio outputs

This unit replaces the built-in headphone jack or standard USB audio interface found on most computers and mobile devices. The 32-bit SABRE DAC and 2.1v output drive a wide range of headphones directly, delivering greater detail, transparency, and tonal richness. The improvement is most noticeable when moving from compressed files or standard onboard audio to high-resolution tracks. Users needing balanced outputs or desktop-grade power supplies should consider other solutions.

Consistent performance during extended listening

The DragonFly Red draws power directly from the host USB port without requiring an external supply. Its efficient circuitry maintains stable output voltage during long sessions, avoiding the dynamic compression or noise floor rise that can occur with bus-powered devices under sustained load. The plug-and-play architecture requires no driver installation on supported platforms, ensuring reliable operation across Apple, Windows, iOS, and Android devices with the appropriate adapters.

How it compares

Measured against everything we stock in Pro Audio Equipment, at today’s prices. Recalculated every night.

Price $294.99
Pricier than about 84% of the 613 comparable items (median $56.99).

Specifications

Product
Product typeAmplifiers

Questions about this item

What USB connector does the DragonFly Red use and how much space does it need?

It has a USB Type A plug that inserts directly into a host port without any cable.

Which adapter is required to use it with an iPhone or Android phone?

Connect through an Apple Camera Adapter for iOS or a USB OTG adaptor labelled for Android.

Does the 32-bit SABRE DAC need firmware updates or calibration over time?

No firmware or calibration is required; the device is fully self-contained and maintenance-free.

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