DAC USB Audioquest Dragonfly Copper

The AudioQuest DragonFly Copper is a USB digital-to-analogue converter that also acts as a headphone amplifier and line preamplifier. The AudioQuest DragonFly Copper is the most recent and most sophisticated version of the famous DragonFly range. This USB DAC bypasses the audio circuitry of laptops, computers and smartphones to deliver remarkable audio performance.

AudioQuest DragonFly Copper: Technology

Featuring a high-performance 32-bit ESS Sabre DAC chip, a copper-plated casing that dissipates RF interference and output power twice that of any previous DragonFly, the Copper delivers unprecedented performance.

The AudioQuest DragonFly's LED changes colour to indicate playback status or sampling rate. A red LED means the device is on standby, while purple indicates MQA playback. The Copper plays every music file, from MP3 to MQA and Hi-Res. It is compatible with computers, tablets, streamers and mobile devices.

It offers true resolution up to 24-bit / 96 kHz thanks to the ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip, which integrates a slow-roll-off, minimum-phase filter for a more natural and nuanced sound. A Microchip PIC32MX274 microprocessor, more powerful than the previous generation, lowers current consumption and increases processing speed by 33% compared with the DragonFly Black and Red. New power-supply filtering was designed specifically to reduce the WiFi, Bluetooth and cellular-connection noise that affects mobile devices.

Like all previous DragonFly models, the Copper uses Gordon Rankin's reference StreamLength® asynchronous USB transfer code. In addition, with Gordon's monoClock® technology, a single ultra-low-jitter clock generated from the ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip handles the functions of the ESS chip as well as all the microcontroller functions. This clock allows the DragonFly to deliver greater resolution and clarity than DACs that rely on multiple clocks.

The Copper has a preamplifier stage equipped with Bit-Perfect Volume control combined with a 2.1-Volt output level, making it compatible with a wide range of headphones, including power-hungry and low-efficiency models.

The DragonFly Copper comes with the DragonTail USB-C extension cable, which uses the manufacturer's Carbon-level USB cable. Note that iOS mobile devices require an Apple Lightning-to-USB adapter.

AudioQuest DragonFly Copper: Sound

The Copper delivers a cleaner, clearer and more nuanced presentation than the previous generation. Its timbre quality is surprising, lending remarkable realism and a striking sense of immersion.

The Copper is also naturally expressive, favouring emotion and musicality over surgical definition. The result is very organic, lifelike listening. This balance between substance and transparency allows for long listening sessions, free of distortion and any listening fatigue.

Excellent value for money.

FAQ: Everything you need to know before buying the DragonFly Copper

What is the DragonFly Copper for?

The DragonFly Copper is a USB digital-to-analogue converter that plugs directly into a computer, laptop or smartphone. It bypasses the device's internal audio circuitry to process the signal itself and deliver a cleaner, clearer and more detailed sound. It also works as a headphone amplifier and line preamplifier, making it a complete solution for improving your everyday listening.

Is the DragonFly Copper compatible with my smartphone?

Yes. The DragonFly Copper works with both Android devices (via a USB connection) and iOS devices, the latter requiring an Apple Lightning-to-USB adapter. It is also compatible with computers running Windows 7 and later, as well as macOS 10.6.8 and later. Dedicated power-supply filtering reduces the WiFi, Bluetooth and cellular-connection noise common to mobile devices.

Can I connect my headphones directly to the DragonFly Copper?

Yes. The DragonFly Copper features a preamplifier stage with Bit-Perfect volume control and a 2.1-Volt output on a 3.5 mm mini-jack. This headroom lets it drive a wide range of headphones, including low-efficiency and power-hungry models, while keeping the sound detailed and free of listening fatigue.

Which formats and what audio quality does the DragonFly Copper support?

The DragonFly Copper plays every file, from MP3 to MQA and Hi-Res, with native resolution up to 24-bit / 96 kHz. Its ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip uses a slow-roll-off, minimum-phase filter for a more natural and nuanced presentation. An LED changes colour to indicate the playback status as well as the type of file being played.