1 5

AudioQuest DragonFly Red Digital To Analog Converter

AudioQuest DragonFly Red Digital To Analog Converter

AudioQuest

$100.00 USD
$100.00 USD
Sale Sold out

Best DAC Of 2021 Award – What Hi-Fi? Magazine

An "Excellent Portable DAC"

DragonFly Red is an ultra-compact DACs with built-in headphone amps and fixed output for preamps or AV receiver. It is one of the best sounding DragonFly that AudioQuest has ever built, and that's saying a lot, since previous-model DragonFlys have appeared on numerous audiophile magazine "Best Of" lists.

The high output (2.1 volts) DragonFly Red drives almost all headphones, including power-hungry models, and features a 32-bit ESS 9016 DAC with minimum-phase filter and stunning bit-perfect digital volume control. It plays all music files from MP3 to high-res. And even though DragonFly Red delivers much better sound than any other DragonFly ever made, yet it's priced way below the original DragonFly (v1.0).

In a February 2021 online article, "Best DACs of 2021," What Hi-Fi? magazine terms the DragonFly Red an "excellent portable DAC." According to What Hi-Fi?, "Use it instead of the headphone output on your computer and you'll notice improved weight and texture to your tunes, combined with a natural and subtle sound. All told, it's a supremely compact and convenient device that can be taken anywhere for an immediate musical boost."

"Amazing Sound Quality"

With the DragonFly, AudioQuest has created a simple and affordable path into the high end for a new generation of listeners, as well as the perfect product for an audiophile’s personal audio system," reports Robert Harley in The Absolute Sound, High-End Audio Buyer’s Guide 2017.

"Amazing sound quality for the price," raves reviewer Basshead Paul at head-fi.org. "This little DAC produces better sound quality than products costing two to three times as much. It's almost like having a desktop audio system shrunk down to a tiny Gizmo that fits in your pocket."

"Compact, pretty to look at, works with everything, sounds great, and can even drive higher-impedance, lower-sensitivity headphones," reports Stephen Dawson at av.hub.au.

Hard to believe! It's been almost four years since the original DragonFly (v1.0) changed the world's concept of what a DAC could and should be. At only $249, but with expensive component-quality performance, DragonFly was hailed around the world as the perfect introduction to the pleasures of high-performance audio.

A year and half later, DragonFly rocked the audio world again when AudioQuest introduced the updated v1.2 for only $149. The sound was simply a little cleaner, a little better controlled, more relaxed, and unequivocally better overall. And, the new price helped bring better-sounding music to even more people.

Two Smartphone-Compatible DragonFly Models

Now AudioQuest is truly pleased to introduce two dramatic steps forward with two new DragonFlys that offer unprecedented audio quality and even higher performance-to-cost ratios. And (drum roll, please) they work with Apple and Android phones!

Yes, that last point is a biggie. From the day that the original DragonFly came out, AudioQuest received requests for a DragonFly-quality DAC to use with smartphones. Finally, thanks to newly available parts, the power draw is now well within what any phone will authorize.

AudioQuest has been busy for years making this new generation of DragonFlys possible. The company worked alongside Microchip Technology to develop a new high-performance, full-speed USB microcontroller (a DAC's input processor) that delivers improved signal-to-noise ratio and significantly lower power consumption. Drawing 77% less current than the DragonFly v1.2's microcontroller, the new Microchip MX microcontroller enables true compatibility with Apple and Android smart- phones and tablets. For use with Apple iOS devices, Apple's Lightning-to-USB Camera Adaptor is required; for use with Android devices, a Made for Android (OTG) adaptor, such as our DragonTail USB Adaptor For Android Devices, is required.

Superior Design And Implementation

AudioQuest hesitates to brag about specific electronic parts in the DragonFlys because the implementation of those parts is as crucial as their quality. Please don't make the mistake of thinking that DACs with the same microcontroller or primary processor all sound alike! Depending on the circuit design, control of noise, power supply regulation, quality of the many passive parts, etc., a supposedly 'lesser' DAC chip can easily outperform a 'better' DAC chip in a different DAC.

Also, as with cameras and their previous race to have more pixels than the other guy, playing the numbers game can distract and deceive. While the DAC chips in both the Black and Red DragonFlys have great capability, AudioQuest chose to limit DragonFly Red and Black processing to 24-bit/96kHz. This makes using the DragonFlys as simple as it's always been, fully compatible with PCs, etc., without having to download and install new drivers. Though maybe more importantly, faster processing can mean more noise, so while playing 24/192 files with some of the best component DACs does offer sonic advantages, many DACs actually sound better when the computer down-samples a 24/192 file to 24/96 before sending the data to the DAC.

The point is that AudioQuest plays a music-quality game first and foremost. DragonFlys are designed to be the-best-they-can-be Emotional Transpor- tation for your music, whether Spotify, YouTube videos, Tidal, ripped CDs, or state-of-the-art Hi-Res files.

Back To Bragging About Internals

The new DragonFly models incorporate improved 32-bit ESS Sabre DAC chips. DragonFly Black uses the 9010. DragonFly Red uses the higher-performance 9016. Both chips employ minimum-phase filtering for naturally detailed, more authentic sound.

While DragonFly Black offers the same high-quality headphone amp and analog volume control found in the DragonFly 1.2, DragonFly Red includes the latest ESS headphone amp and a bit-perfect digital volume control that resides on the 9016 DAC chip itself. This sophisticated implementation ensures maximum fidelity, dynamic contrast, and signal-to-noise ratio.

Those of you who remember how AudioQuest boasted about the DragonFly v1.0 and v1.2 having an analog volume control might now be going "huh?" Good question! It's a matter of capabilities. The earlier DragonFlys and the Black feature an analog volume control because that's a better-sounding approach than most digital volume controls, which cut off bits in order to reduce the volume. However, when a digital volume control, as in the new DragonFly Red, doesn't compromise the signal, doesn't reduce finesse and subtlety and low-level detail, then a bit-perfect digital volume control is superior. Once more, it's not about a particular part or sample rate or buzz word; it's about honoring the quality of the resulting sound above all else.

MQA Playback

Tidal Masters (MQA) playback is now available with DragonFly Red and Black on iPhones and Android smartphones. MQA’s technology folds high-resolution files into smaller files that can be streamed on the go. The MQA decoder in the Tidal app recovers all the direct music-related information. As an MQA Renderer, DragonFly completes the unfolding process, allowing listeners to enjoy a wider selection of high-res music. For more information, click here.

Different Models, Different Output Power

DragonFly Black outputs 1.2 volts, which is enough power to capably drive all preamplifier input circuits and all reasonably efficient headphones. Meanwhile, with its higher 2.1-volt output, DragonFly Red is compatible with an even wider range of headphones, including power-hungry, low-efficiency models. For reference, DragonFly 1.0 and 1.2 featured 1.8-volt output.

Red's higher output is an important advantage with some of the more inefficient headphones on the market. However, the difference in sound quality between the two new models is always meaningful, and it is important whether feeding headphones or the Aux input of an audio system.

At the same volume, Red has much more "torque," "grip," and "muscle" than Black. Red simply sounds cleaner and clearer overall, enabling a larger soundstage with each instrument or voice more nearly in its own space. But Black is still a revelation, and you will not be disappointed with its huge performance for the price.

More Good News

The new DragonFlys are software upgradeable through complementary Windows and OS X desktop applications. As new developments arise in music player applications, streaming protocols, or other associated software, DragonFly users will be able to incorporate those updates into their existing devices.

In summation, DragonFly Black offers better sound than any previous DragonFly for less money than any previous DragonFly. DragonFly Red delivers much better sound at an unbelievably low price that's way below the price tag of the original DragonFly (v1.0). Both models are compatible with smartphones. How much good news can you stand!

 

Product Features

DragonFly Red Features

  • High output (2.1 volts) drives almost all headphones, including power-hungry models
  • 32-bit ESS 9016 DAC with minimum-phase filter
  • Bit-perfect digital volume control

DragonFly Black and Red Features

  • New version DragonFly DAC and headphone amp
  • Play all music files: MP3 to high-res
  • TIDAL Masters MQA playback, including with iPhones and Android smartphones
  • Compatible with Apple and Windows PCs, as well as iOS and Android devices (requires Apple Camera Adapter or Made for Android/OTG adaptor)
  • Asynchronous Class 1 USB data transfer using the Streamlength™ protocol
  • Fixed output feeds preamp or AV receiver

Out of stock

There’s something undeniably magnetic about vintage audio gear. The tactile weight of milled aluminum knobs, the warm glow of dial lamps, and—above all—the rich, analog sound that today’s sterile streaming boxes can’t quite replicate. But time is merciless: capacitors dry out, switches oxidize, and those gorgeous walnut cabinets lose their sheen. That’s where the art (and science) of our vintage audio refurbishment comes in.

Why Vintage Audio Still Matters

In the golden era of hi-fi—roughly the mid-1960s through the early 1980s—companies like Marantz, McIntosh, Pioneer, Sansui, and Technics were engaged in an arms race of build quality. This was before cost-cutting plastics and disposable designs; amplifiers were over-engineered, receivers were works of art, and turntables were precision instruments.

Owning one wasn’t just about sound; it was about status and permanence. These machines were built to last a lifetime—or two. The irony? Decades later, they often do, provided they’re given the care they deserve.

The Philosophy of Refurbishment

Refurbishment is not just about fixing; it’s about preserving authenticity while ensuring reliability. The goal is to keep that lush, analog character alive without compromising safety or sound quality.

Some enthusiasts chase museum-level originality—keeping every factory component in place. Others opt for sympathetic modernization, upgrading parts that never existed in the ’70s to improve performance. Both approaches can be valid; it depends on your vision.

The Turntable Store refurbishing process.. step by step

Step 1: The Initial Encounter

When we first meet a 40-year-old amplifier, we resist the urge to plug it in right away. That dusty Marantz 2270 might look gorgeous, but old electrolytics and brittle insulation can short instantly under full voltage.

Instead:

  • We inspect for corrosion, burnt resistors, and leaking capacitors.
  • We use a Variac (variable transformer) to bring up voltage slowly, reforming capacitors rather than shocking them back to life.
  • We check fuses—not just for continuity but for correct ratings.

Tip: A faint musty smell? That’s often the scent of old phenolic boards, not trouble. But a burnt smell? That’s trouble.


Step 2: Deep Cleaning & Control Detox

Dust is the enemy of good sound, that is why we clean the interior carefully with compressed air and a soft brush.

The real magic comes with switches and potentiometers. Over decades, oxidation builds up, causing scratchy controls and dropouts. A deep contact clean in each pot and switch, followed by vigorous cycling, often restores silky-smooth operation.

Step 3: Electrical Resurrection

This is where science meets art:

  • Capacitors: Electrolytic caps often need some attention. We replace out-of-spec caps with high-quality modern equivalents (Nichicon, Panasonic), avoiding over-capacitance unless the power supply can handle it.
  • Resistors: Carbon comp resistors drift over decades. Measure and replace out-of-spec parts.
  • Transistors: Certain vintage transistors (e.g., 2SC458) are notorious for noise. We do swap defective ones for modern low-noise equivalents.
  • Relays & Lamps: Speaker relays oxidize; replace or clean contacts. Dial lamps? Upgrade to warm LEDs for a factory glow without the heat.


Step 4: Cosmetic Glory

Refinishing the walnut cabinet can transform a unit. We do use real wood oil or Danish oil, not polyurethane. We clean the glass dial carefully; those silkscreened letters are fragile.

Knobs? We polish with metal cleaner, but never use abrasives on anodized aluminum.

Faceplate lettering? We avoid harsh chemicals—just mild soap and a microfiber cloth.


Step 5: Calibration & Sonic Check

After the repair and cleaning, it’s time to dial in the performance:

  • We do adjust bias and DC offset on amplifiers for stable operation.
  • On turntables, we re-lube bearings, replace belts, and check speed accuracy.
  • On Cassette Decks and Reel to Reels, we replace belts ( if needed ), we clean and demagnetize the heads before the alignment process ( a must ! ) 

When done right, the result is astonishing: a sound that breathes—liquid mids, velvet highs, and bass with a tactile presence that modern gear rarely matches.


Our promise for Audiophile-Level Results

  • We Avoid Cheap Parts: That $5 eBay capacitor kit? Hard pass. We use reputable brands.
  • We Don’t Over-Polish: Patina is part of the charm. We aim for “well-loved,” not “plastic surgery.”
  • We Upgrade Discreetly: If we must modernize (like adding gold-plated RCA jacks), we keep it tasteful and reversible.


Why It’s Worth It

The payoff isn’t just sonic—it’s emotional. Restoring a 1970s Marantz or Sansui is like bringing a classic car back to life. Every glowing dial lamp, every smooth rotation of a volume knob, connects you to an era when music mattered enough to build machines like this.

And when you drop the needle on your favorite record and hear that warm, enveloping sound, you’ll know: this wasn’t just a repair. It was a resurrection.

We have a 14-day return policy, which means you have 14 days after receiving your item to request a return. 

To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unworn or unused, with tags, and in its original packaging. You’ll also need the receipt or proof of purchase.

To start a return, you can contact us at theturntablestore@gmail.com. Please note that returns will need to be sent to the following address: 

The Turntable Store
45 Market Square
Manheim PA 17545

If your return is accepted, we’ll send you a return shipping label, as well as instructions on how and where to send your package. Items sent back to us without first requesting a return will not be accepted.

You can always contact us for any return question at theturntablestore@gmail.com.


Damages and issues
Please inspect your order upon reception and contact us immediately if the item is defective, damaged or if you receive the wrong item, so that we can evaluate the issue and make it right.

Exceptions / non-returnable items
Certain types of items cannot be returned, like turntable needles and custom products (such as special orders or personalized items). We also do not accept returns for hazardous materials, flammable liquids, or gases. Please get in touch if you have questions or concerns about your specific item. 

Unfortunately, we cannot accept returns on sale items or gift cards.

Exchanges
The fastest way to ensure you get what you want is to return the item you have, and once the return is accepted, make a separate purchase for the new item.

European Union 14 day cooling off period
Notwithstanding the above, if the merchandise is being shipped into the European Union, you have the right to cancel or return your order within 14 days, for any reason and without a justification. As above, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unworn or unused, with tags, and in its original packaging. You’ll also need the receipt or proof of purchase.

Refunds
We will notify you once we’ve received and inspected your return, and let you know if the refund was approved or not. If approved, you’ll be automatically refunded on your original payment method within 10 business days. Please remember it can take some time for your bank or credit card company to process and post the refund too.
If more than 15 business days have passed since we’ve approved your return, please contact us at theturntablestore@gmail.com.
View full details

We strive to provide the best quality customer experience

We ensure our customers have the best shopping experience

Fully Serviced

All items are meticulously serviced and restored to meet factory specifications

Well Cared Shipping

We pack with precision and ship in brand new, appropriately sized, boxes.

Information flow

Be in the know with timely notifications on your order, starting from acceptance to tracking numbers, allowing you to stay connected with your purchase