AudioQuest DragonFly Copper – the dongle DAC, reborn

The DragonFly Copper is the first all-new model in AudioQuest's iconic DragonFly line since 2019. It revives the name that started the dongle-DAC movement, now built around a redesigned, high-conductivity copper-plated chassis. The plating is more than cosmetic: it drains RF noise away from the signal, an idea borrowed from the RF-draining barrels of AudioQuest's Mythical Creatures interconnects.

Inside sits a 32-bit ESS Sabre ES9218 DAC and headphone-amplifier stage, paired with a new Microchip microprocessor that cuts current draw by 25% while delivering twice the output power of any previous DragonFly — Cobalt included. The result is a pocket-sized USB stick that drives demanding headphones and feeds preamps, integrated amps and powered speakers straight from a phone, tablet or computer, available at Soundium.

Key Features

• ESS Sabre ES9218 DAC: 32-bit DAC and headphone amplifier combined in a single chip.
• 2.1 V output: Double the power of any earlier DragonFly, Cobalt included.
• Copper-plated case: High-conductivity plating drains RF noise away from the signal.
• Efficient new microprocessor: Draws 25% less current for a lighter load on phones.
• Bit-perfect volume: 64-step, 64-bit digital volume control keeps detail at every level.
• Plug-and-play: USB Audio Class operation with no drivers on Apple, Windows, iOS or Android.
• DragonTail adaptor included: USB-A plug with a form-fitting USB-C adaptor in the box.

Customer Benefits

If your headphones sound thin straight out of a laptop or phone, the DragonFly Copper is the upgrade that fixes it without a bag full of gear. It slots into a USB port, drives harder-to-power headphones with real authority, and cleans up the hiss and glare that come from a noisy computer or phone output. Because it doubles as a preamp, the same stick can feed an integrated amp or powered speakers — one small device for headphones at your desk and a hi-fi feed in the living room.

Quick Specs

• DAC: 32-bit ESS Sabre ES9218
• Max output: 2.1 V
• Resolution: Up to 24-bit / 96 kHz PCM
• Sample rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2 and 96 kHz
• Volume control: 64-step, 64-bit bit-perfect digital
• Headphone output: 3.5 mm
• Connection: USB-A, with USB-C via the included DragonTail
• Power: USB bus powered
• Dimensions: 57 × 19 × 12 mm

In the Box

• AudioQuest DragonFly Copper USB DAC
• DragonTail USB-A to USB-C adaptor

Ideal For

• Mobile listening from a phone, tablet or laptop
• Driving demanding headphones away from a desktop amp
• Adding a clean preamp feed to powered speakers or an integrated amp

Compatibility

Compatible with Apple and Windows computers plus iOS and Android devices. USB Audio Class plug-and-play means there are no drivers to install; use the included DragonTail adaptor for USB-C ports.

Pros & Cons

✅ Pros:

• Twice the output of earlier DragonFlys — drives tougher headphones
• Copper RF-draining case lowers noise from phones and laptops
• Works as DAC, headphone amp and preamp in one stick
• True plug-and-play across Apple, Windows, iOS and Android

⚠️ Cons:

• Tops out at 24-bit / 96 kHz — no native DSD or hi-res above 96 kHz
• Single 3.5 mm output — no balanced connection

The DragonFly Copper proves the original dongle DAC still has room to grow: more power, less noise, the same plug-and-play simplicity. If you want better sound from every device you own, find the AudioQuest DragonFly Copper at Soundium.