AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt as system DAC

ast2312

Well-known member
May 3, 2020
31
6
45
Visit site
Hi All,

Just wanted to get some views. Is it sensible and practical to use the AQ DragonFly Cobalt as a main system DAC?

I have a Mac mini and thinking about connecting to an analogue amp and looking for a solution that’s good in SQ and does not break the bank.

Just wanted to see if anyone has had experience or is using such a set-up.
 
D

Deleted member 116933

Guest
Hi All,

Just wanted to get some views. Is it sensible and practical to use the AQ DragonFly Cobalt as a main system DAC?

I have a Mac mini and thinking about connecting to an analogue amp and looking for a solution that’s good in SQ and does not break the bank.

Just wanted to see if anyone has had experience or is using such a set-up.

I use a red with headphones straight into my mac and if all you want to do is connect mac mini, its certainly a fine DAC which revival much more expensive DAC's and is a really tidy solution, Never listened to cobalt myself but many put it in the ballpark of a chord mojo.

But as stated above if you want more connectivity then it might be a problem. For more connectivity at a similar price point may be a Schitt Modi? or even a SH chord mojo, plenty about.
 

qduaty

Member
Dec 30, 2020
2
0
20
Visit site
I use it everyday as a "system" DAC. I switch it between computers: laptop, smartphone and stationary. To avoid unnecessary disconnecting of the amplifier (whose inputs are as safe as the ground connection) , I've built a headphone adapter with a switched socket (picture attached). The picture also shows a USB isolator because I have another DAC. For more inputs, for example to switch them from a remote, some sort of a Raspberry Pi is required. There are boards with SPDIF inputs that can help. The device is incompatible with FLIRC on the same hub (or most likely the other way, because I had some success with a DIY remote receiver). A remote is necessary because it has no buttons.

Resolution is limited to 96/24 and does not support DSD. However it has MQA, so some songs may sound better on Tidal.

The sound of ES9038+SABRE9601 is addictive and it's been a year since I first discovered the pleasure of listening with it and keep discovering it everyday. So, it's worth trying despite of the obvious drawbacks of a small device.
 

Attachments

  • adapter.jpg
    adapter.jpg
    73.6 KB · Views: 7
Last edited:

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts