Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Small size and portability
- Simple plug-and-play operation with computers
- Upgradable firmware via a desktop app
- Can improve the sound quality coming from a laptop or smartphone compared to the internal DAC
- Better DAC/AMP sections compared to the Black version, as well as a bit perfect volume controller included in the DAC chip itself
- An output of 2.1V compared to 1.2V on the Black, so it is a better pair with more power hungry headphones
Product Considerations
- Requires adapters for use with phones, specifically Apple's Lightning to USB Camera Adapter or similar
- Presents more detail, but it's also pretty compressed
- A very flat sounding device—the tonal balance is off because it lacks dynamics
- Bass gets a little muddy
- Volume control management on MacBooks can be cumbersome
- Some reviewers have experienced having to reboot their phones to get it to be recognized, or a sharp pop and sound muting
Takeaway: The AudioQuest DragonFly Red is a portable DAC/amp that improves sound quality and is easy to use with various devices. Its small size and convenience make it a great option for on-the-go listening.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
DragonFly Red
reviews
[{"title":"AudioQuest Dragonfly Red | Review | #dac #audioquest","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikpZU7rE9zo","source":"MagnoliaMo","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"Audioquest DragonFly Red - Worth It?","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DeDanbqoLwU","source":"MrAyrit","datePublished":"2022"},{"title":"Audioquest Dragonfly Red - USB DAC/amp - Review","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zla33uyY59I","source":"the Honest Audiophile","datePublished":"2020"},{"title":"AudioQuest DragonFly Red USB DAC Review","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kto5bRlpvCw","source":"Audio Advice","datePublished":"2021"},{"title":"AudioQuest Dragonfly Red Review – Worth A Purchase In 2024?","link":"https://homestudiobasics.com/audioquest-dragonfly-red-review","source":"Home Studio Basics ","datePublished":"2023"},{"title":"AudioQuest DragonFly Red & DragonFly Black Review","link":"https://audiophilestyle.com/ca/reviews/AudioQuest-DragonFly-Red-DragonFly-Black-Review","source":"Audiophile Style","datePublished":"2016"},{"title":"Audioquest Dragonfly Red – Review","link":"https://headmania.org/2016/10/05/audioquest-dragonfly-red-review","source":"HeadMania","datePublished":"2016"},{"title":"AudioQuest DragonFly Red and Black: A Review","link":"https://vaetr.com/2017/01/04/audioquest-dragonfly-red-black","source":"Vaetr Design","datePublished":"2017"},{"title":"AudioQuest DragonFly Red Review and It’s Awesome – 2023 Update","link":"https://audioish.com/audioquest-dragonfly-red-review","source":"Audioish Podcast","datePublished":"2020"},{"title":"AudioQuest DragonFly Red and DragonFly Black Amp/DACs Review","link":"https://www.soundandvision.com/content/audioquest-dragonfly-red-and-dragonfly-black-ampdacs-review","source":"Sound & Vision","datePublished":"2016"},{"title":"AudioQuest DragonFly Red & Black USB D/A headphone amplifiers","link":"https://www.stereophile.com/content/audioquest-dragonfly-red-black-usb-da-headphone-amplifiers","source":"Stereophile","datePublished":"2016"},{"title":"AudioQuest DragonFly Red USB DAC + Preamp + Headphone Amp Review – Still Lord Of The Flies?","link":"https://www.audioreviews.org/audioquest-dragonfly-red-review-jk","source":"AudioReviews ","datePublished":"2021"},{"title":"AudioQuest DragonFly Red review","link":"https://www.whathifi.com/audioquest/dragonfly-red/review","source":"What Hi-Fi?","datePublished":"2018"},{"title":"THE THREE BROTHERS AUDIOQUEST—THE DRAGONFLY RED REVIEW","link":"https://www.audiokeyreviews.com/the-reviews/the-three-brothers-audioquestthe-dragonfly-red","source":"AUDIOKEY REVIEWS","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"DragonFly Red Review","link":"https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/review-and-measurements-of-dacport-hd-and-dragonfly-red.5977/","source":"audiosciencereview.com","datePublished":""}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Output: 2.1 volts
- DAC Chip: ESS ES9016 with minimum-phase fast roll-off filter
- Volume Control: 64-Bit Bit-Perfect Digital Volume Control
- Desktop Compatibility: Windows 7 and later; Apple 10.6.8 and later; Linux (no tech support provided)
- Mobile Compatibility: Apple iOS 5 and later; Android 5.0 and later
Description
DragonFly Red is a USB DAC (digital-to-analog converter), preamplifier, and headphone amplifier. It bypasses the audio circuitry in laptops, computers, and smartphones to deliver cleaner, clearer, more naturally beautiful music to headphones, powered speakers, or complete audio systems.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- They focus on minimizing all types of noise in AC power, not just specific frequencies, across the entire system, including ground noise dissipation and transient power correction.
- AudioQuest emphasizes the importance of cable directionality and material purity in its power cables, with directionally controlled conductors designed to drain induced noise.
- The brand differentiates between source and amplifier power needs. Lower power outlets are heavily filtered for source components. High-current, low-impedance outlets are designed for amplifiers with dynamic peaks in mind, prioritizing a low impedance.
Select products
Select product comparisons
AudioQuest Rocket
- Positioning: Positioned as a mid-range option within the lineup, offering solid performance at a more accessible price point.
- Description: Uses solid-core construction and Perfect Surface Copper (PSC) rather than the more expensive Perfect Surface Copper+ (PSC+). These cables are ideal for users with a moderate budget who want to enhance their audio system's bass performance without the need for the advanced noise dissipation technologies found in higher-end models.
AudioQuest Robin Hood
- Positioning: Part of the Folk Hero lineup, offering advanced technologies at a step below the top-tier models.
- Description: Features ZERO technology, which minimizes impedance and enhances signal clarity. Compared to the Rocket series, offers improved separation and detail. While not as advanced as the William Tell, it provides a significant upgrade over older models like the Castle Rock.
AudioQuest William Tell
- Positioning: Part of the Folk Hero series, positioned just below the flagship Mythical Creatures series.
- Description: Incorporates ZERO technology and a 72V Dielectric-Bias System, offering superior noise dissipation and signal integrity. Compared to the Robin Hood, provides a more robust build. The use of Perfect Surface Copper+ (PSC+) further distinguishes it from lower-tier models.
AudioQuest Thunderbird
- Positioning: The entry-level model in the Mythical Creatures series, offering high-end features at a more accessible price than its siblings.
- Description: Uses high-purity Perfect Surface Copper+ (PSC+) and advanced noise dissipation technologies. While not as refined as the Firebird or Dragon, offers a balanced tonal quality and is suitable for users seeking high performance without the top-tier price.
AudioQuest Firebird
- Positioning: Sits between Thunderbird and Dragon in the Mythical Creatures series, offering a higher level of performance.
- Description: Features clarity and detail, with a clean and punchy bass that surpasses the Thunderbird. They are designed for audiophiles who demand superior sound quality.
AudioQuest Dragon
- Positioning: The flagship model in the Mythical Creatures series, representing the pinnacle of cable technology.
- Description: Offers exceptional transparency, with a vivid midrange and rich tonal color. Compared to the Firebird, provides an even darker background and more detailed sound.
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Avg. Product Price
$500
Used For Sale
0
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
154
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
134
Founding Year
1980
Our take on the brand
AudioQuest is known for its massive library of hifi audio cables and its DBS and ZERO technology to minimize distortion.
Look inside the brand
Brand Page
Our interview with the brand
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AudioQuest
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What competes at this price?
iFi
GO bar
329
/
Released
2022
The GO bar may be the size of a USB stick, but with powerful sound customisation and 10x the output power of your iPhone, it's your portable audio powerhouse - ready for any adventure.
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Comprehensive specifications, aiming to equal or improve upon existing portable DACs
- Features a balanced 4.4mm output and a single-ended 3.5mm headphone output
- High power output, described as the most powerful headphone amp of its size
- Includes XBass+ and XSpace analog processing for sound enhancement
- Supports PCM up to 384kHz, DSD up to 256, and DXD
Product Considerations
- The blue text on the blue chassis is hard to read in almost any lighting condition
- Can be considered chunky compared to other dongle DACs
- Can be noisy and produce audible hiss with sensitive IEMs, though IEMatch can help mitigate this
- High power consumption potentially impacts battery life of the source device
- The digital filters can be tricky to access, according to one review
Takeaway: The iFi Audio GO bar is a powerful and versatile portable DAC/amp that can drive most headphones, providing a clean and detailed sound. It is packed with features and offers good sound quality, making it a great option for enjoying high-resolution music on the go.
Video review
Our take on the brand
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
Product Page
Product Page
iFi
GO bar Kensei
449
/
Released
2024
Forged for masters of audio. Like a true Kensei, this GO bar is a skilful master of power and performance. Adorned with K2HD Technology and crafted from Japanese stainless steel, the Kensei represents the pinnacle of our refinement in the GO bar range.
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Detailed, organized, and spacious sound.
- Strong output power for a dongle.
- Premium build quality with tactile Japanese stainless steel.
- Feature-rich with exclusive sound-tuning options, like K2HD processing, XBass, XSpace, and digital filters.
- Improved clocking and circuitry contribute to less background noise, no jitter, and increased audio quality.
Product Considerations
- Treble can sound rather relentless—overstated, hard-edged, and thin.
- The device can get quite warm during use.
- High power draw can drain a mobile phone battery quickly.
- Stainless steel exterior is prone to collecting fingerprints and scratches.
- Controls can be difficult to understand at first, necessitating the manual.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Kensei offers slight improvements in clarity and bass accuracy compared to the original GO Bar, with less warmth in the lower mids.
Takeaway: The iFi GO Bar Kensei is a premium, well-built portable DAC/amp that delivers a detailed and powerful sound experience. It's packed with features and offers a noticeable upgrade for those serious about high-quality mobile hifi listening.
Video review
Our take on the brand
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
Product Page
Product Page
EarMen
Colibri
149
/
Released
2022
Everything you desired and everything you needed is now within reach. EarMen is setting new standards by introducing a specially designed, battery-powered, and fully balanced device that delivers a unique and unforgettable audio experience. Despite its compact size, the EarMen Colibri packs a powerful punch, redefining your music enjoyment.
EarMen is a European-manufactured hifi brand that draws from their decade of tube amplifier experience to create DACs and amplifiers with a neutral, natural sound signature. Their products feature fully balanced designs and are engineered to minimize signal interference from Bluetooth, WiFi, and mobile devices, while offering unique features like dual headphone outputs in their portable units.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Fully balanced 4.4mm output and a 3.5mm single-ended output
- Battery-powered, providing ultra-clean and stable DC current, avoiding noise-inducing RFI/EMI pollution and not draining the sound source battery
- Excellent build quality, often made from a CNC milled aluminum block with glass surfaces for durability and a premium look
- Neutral and transparent sound signature
- Has hardware controls
- Dead silent without EMI interference
Product Considerations
- Battery life is around 5 hours
- The size is larger than most dongle DACs due to the internal battery
- Stock USB cable may be too long and stiff for portable use
- Bass boost can muddy details
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to EarMen Sparrow, the Colibri has enhanced overall performance due to the internal battery, providing cleaner power, wider soundstage, and deeper detail retrieval, although both use the same DAC chip (ES9281 Pro)
- Compared to Cayin RU6, the Colibri has a slight edge in spacing as a result of less aliasing and its lower noise floor
- Compared to AudioQuest Dragonfly, the Colibri is a major step up
Takeaway: The EarMen Colibri offers high-fidelity sound in a portable package, making it a great choice for audiophiles on the go because it delivers clean, powerful audio without draining a device's battery, allowing for extended listening.
Video review
Our take on the brand
EarMen is a European-manufactured hifi brand that draws from their decade of tube amplifier experience to create DACs and amplifiers with a neutral, natural sound signature. Their products feature fully balanced designs and are engineered to minimize signal interference from Bluetooth, WiFi, and mobile devices, while offering unique features like dual headphone outputs in their portable units.
Product Page
Product Page
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aune
Yuki USB DAC
169
/
Released
2023
Aune Audio is a hifi brand known for its unique approach to DAC design, using custom-built clock generators and dual DAC chips to achieve exceptional transparency and natural sound. Their products, from the Yuki DAC to the S17 PRO headphone amplifier with its symmetrical Class A design and Twin JFET, deliver a tube-like sound signature that's easy to drive without high-end amplification.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Superb detail and resolution, providing a clean signature with excellent instrument separation
- Wide, three-dimensional soundstage, offering a natural sense of spaciousness
- Good transparency and imaging
- Beautiful and distinguished design, featuring a glass window to view the internal circuitry
- Supports UAC1.0 and UAC2.0 for increased device compatibility
Product Considerations
- Volume control buttons are small and may be difficult to use, especially with a protective case
- Draws quite a bit of power from the source
- Rear button placement was found to be not very practical for daily use
- SE output is not as good with more demanding IEM, even on hi gain
- Behavior of the sub-bass reveals subtle colouring with some IEMs with dynamic drivers or DD+BA hybrids
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Fosi Audio DS2, the Yuki provides a more extensive soundstage, improved layering, upgraded imaging accuracy, and a richer sound
- Compared to the Fiio KA17, the Aune delivers a warmer and richer sound, whereas the Fiio offers a slightly more airy and sweeter sound
Takeaway: The Aune Yuki is a beautiful and well-built dongle DAC/AMP that delivers a detailed, high-resolution sound with a wide soundstage. If the user wants great sound in a small package, the Yuki could be a great choice.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Aune Audio is a hifi brand known for its unique approach to DAC design, using custom-built clock generators and dual DAC chips to achieve exceptional transparency and natural sound. Their products, from the Yuki DAC to the S17 PRO headphone amplifier with its symmetrical Class A design and Twin JFET, deliver a tube-like sound signature that's easy to drive without high-end amplification.
Product Page
Product Page
aune
BU2 DAC
319
/
Released
2021
Aune Audio is a hifi brand known for its unique approach to DAC design, using custom-built clock generators and dual DAC chips to achieve exceptional transparency and natural sound. Their products, from the Yuki DAC to the S17 PRO headphone amplifier with its symmetrical Class A design and Twin JFET, deliver a tube-like sound signature that's easy to drive without high-end amplification.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Interesting functions and features enhance sound fidelity
- Clean presentation and controlled bass make it suitable for upscaling various earphones
- Highly-resolving sound, lots of high-frequency details, and sharp, precise edges, as well as a deep bassline with energy and control
Product Considerations
- The volume knob is recessed and protected by a metal plate, making volume adjustments difficult
- The mid-range may be a little on the thinner side—almost to the point of being a little bit analytical
- The 2.5mm balanced output may not be as future-proof as the increasingly common 4.4mm balanced output
- Bluetooth connectivity does not support LDAC, and the sound is softer with lower high-frequency details compared to a USB connection
- Pairing with overly bright and analytical earphones and headphones might result in excessive prominence of upper mid-range and highest frequencies
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Topping EX-5: BU2 offers higher fidelity and sounds airier and more open, especially with reasonably demanding headphones that do not need too much power
Takeaway: The Aune BU2 is a versatile portable DAC/amp that enhances the music experience and can drive a variety of headphones and earphones, making it a good solution for audiophiles seeking high-quality sound on the go. The robust build and feature set offer a comprehensive solution for both wired and wireless listening.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Aune Audio is a hifi brand known for its unique approach to DAC design, using custom-built clock generators and dual DAC chips to achieve exceptional transparency and natural sound. Their products, from the Yuki DAC to the S17 PRO headphone amplifier with its symmetrical Class A design and Twin JFET, deliver a tube-like sound signature that's easy to drive without high-end amplification.
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