Designed in the
USA
1 Year of
Warranty
Ideal for
Audiophiles
Best Suited for
Portable Use
ESS Sabre 9016
DAC Chip
2.1 Volts
Power Output
Pair with Laptop
via USB
Super Lightweight
Design
DESCRIPTION
THE ULTIMATE PORTABLE DAC/AMP
The AudioQuest DragonFly Red has been developed in partnership with Gordon Rankin and Microchip Technologies. It has a better signal to noise ratio and consumes 77% lesser power than the original DragonFly thanks to the new Microchip PIC32MX microcontroller. Streamlength™ asynchronous USB code ensures low jitter, low resource load, minimal packet errors, world-class audio playback and reliable connectivity between the Dragonfly Red and any computing device with a USB output.

BIT PERFECT VOLUME CONTROLS TO ENHANCE THE ESS SABRE DAC CHIP
The AudioQuest DragonFly Red comes with a 32-bit 9016 ESS Sabre DAC chip that employs minimum-phase filtering for a naturally detailed, more authentic sound that can process up to 24-bit/96kHz audio. It employs a 64-bit, bit-perfect digital volume control that resides inside the DAC chip itself—an elegant and sophisticated implementation that ensures maximum fidelity, dynamic contrast, and low signal-to-noise ratio. You can use the source device’s volume controls to adjust the DragonFly Red’s volume.



COMPATIBLE WITH A WIDE RANGE OF HEADPHONE AND SOURCE DEVICES
This tiny DAC/AMP is compatible with a wide range of headphones, including power-hungry, low-efficiency models thanks to its ESS Sabre 9601 Amp. They’re compatible with PCs, without needing any additional drivers. You can also use them with your smartphone and enjoy music from your favourite streaming app like Tidal, Spotify, SoundCloud, YouTube and more. The DragonFly Red’s software can be upgraded with the free Windows or Mac desktop app.


SUPPORTS MQA FOR MASTER-QUALITY SOUND
The Dragonfly Red supports Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) playback. This is an award-winning audio technology that’s meant to deliver the sound of the original master recording. MQA files are tiny and can easily be streamed using Tidal. 


SPECS
| STATUS/SAMPLE RATES SUPPORTED (LED INDICATOR COLOR CODE) | Standby (Red), 44.1kHz (Green), 48kHz (Blue), 88.2kHz (Amber), 96kHz (Magenta), MQA (Purple) |
| VOLUME CONTROL | 64-position, 64-bit, bit-perfect |
| OUTPUT VOLTAGE | 2.1 |
| HEADPHONE AMP | ESS Sabre 9601 |
| DAC CHIP | 32-bit ESS 9016 with minimum-phase fast roll-off filter |
| MICROCONTROLLER | Microchip PIC32MX |
| DIMENSIONS | 12mm H x 19mm W x 62mm L |
| SUPPORTED INPUTS | 3.5mm Stereo Jack |
| HEADPHONE IMPEDANCE | 10 Ohms & Higher |
| WEIGHT | 22g |
| BOX CONTENTS |
1. AudioQuest DragonFly Red USB DAC |
| 2. Travel Pouch | |
| 3. Flight Manual |
COMPARISONS
Audioquest – Dragonfly Red ₹ 17,999/- ₹ 21,000/-
| ifi Audio – Nano iDSD BL ₹ 16,999/-
| iFi Audio – Zen DAC ₹ 11,999/- ₹ 13,999/-
| Schiit – Fulla 3 ₹ 10,999/-
| |
| Warranty | ||||
| Ideal For | Smartphone & Desktop | Smartphone & Desktop | Desktop | Desktop |
| Weight | 22g | 139g | 800g | 255g |
| DAC Chip | ESS Sabre 9601 | Burr Brown | Burr Brown | AKM AK4490 |
| Sample Rate | 24-bit / 96kHz | 32/384 kHz | 32-bit/384kHz | 16/44.1kHz |
| Inbuilt Battery | ||||
| Battery Life | 10 Hours | |||
| Balanced Outputs | ||||
| Outputs | 3.5mm | Lineout, SPDIF & 3.5mm | 4.4mm, 3.5mm, RCA | 3.5mm & RCA |
| Digital Inputs | USB 2.0 | USB3.0 B | Mirco USB | |
| Output level | 2.1Vrms | 285mW @ 30 Ohm | 4.4mm 330mW@32 Ohm S-BAL 230mW@32 Ohm; | 250mW@32ohm |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | 116dB | 105dB | ||
| MQA Support | ||||
| Volume Control | ||||
| Expert Verdict | “If Headfonia would hand out medals, the DFR would surely get one it’s that nice.I seriously doubt there are better DAC/Amp combinations in this price category and especially in such a small package.” Headfonia | “A practical, portable, feature-full DAC with an happily open and balanced sound. Open, detailed and tonally balanced sound with good battery life, Versatile.” What Hi-Fi | “The iFi Zen Dac is one of the best entry-level DACs you can buy. It sounds great, has a ton of features, and can grow with your system as your tastes evolve.” Tech Radar | |
FAQS
Buying Guide
Best Amp/DACs for your Headphones for Beginner Audiophiles
Read More
DOWNLOADS
Warranty & Media Reviews
1 Year Warranty
Don’t sweat it, this AudioQuest DragonFly Red comes with a 1 year warranty from AudioQuest that covers manufacturing defects. All products featured on Headphone Zone are backed by an original manufacturer’s warranty.
Read more about AudioQuest’s warranty in India.

PRODUCT DESIGN WINNER
The Absolute Sound
Mar, 2020

RECOMMENDED COMPONENTS
Stereophile
Mar, 2019

PRODUCT DESIGN WINNER
The Absolute Sound
Mar, 2018

EDITOR’S CHOICE AWARD
Sound & Vision
Dec, 2016
“If Headfonia would hand out medals, the DFR would surely get one it’s that nice.I seriously doubt there are better DAC/Amp combinations in this price category and especially in such a small package.”
Read More
“The DFR is a brilliant little DAC that can drive almost any headphone with awesome sound quality. The sound-signature is very natural and smooth with amazing soundstage depth and detail retrival.”
Read More
“A serious headphone enthusiasts should go out of their way to try the AudioQuest DragonFly Red—a still-affordable product that combines superb sound with equally superb musicality”
Read More
“If you’re unconcerned by that slightly flaky finish (and who buys a USB stick-styled DAC for its aesthetic properties?), you can consider the DragonFly Red a pretty perfect computer music upgrade.”
Read More
“In my experience, there are few things in hi-fi that are as simple to use, sound as good and cost as little as the USB-powered Dragonfly Red DAC.”
Read More
“AudioQuest’s current pair of DragonFly models is the third generation of the critically acclaimed DragonFly series, with its big change being higher efficiency allowing for smartphone compatibility.”
Read More
“Dragonfly Red are astoundingly portable, and enhance the sound off of your phone or computer. In their price points, both offer grip and clarity. “
Read More





















Reviews
There are no reviews yet.