Watch it Wednesday: AudioQuest Dragonfly MQA

Disclaimer: The AudioQuest Dragonfly units were sent to us free of charge in exchange for a review, we’re reusing them here for MQA. The review was published In 2016 already.

 

AudioQuest DragonFly & MQA – Episode 11

When AudioQuest launched the Dragonfly series they said there would be a tool to easily update the DF’s to a new firmware, and as promised AudioQuest a few months ago  released this tool and a firmware update. Now with the latest FW update your DragonFly RED and Black are able to stream Master files in MQA from Tidal. As the DragonFly review is still one of our most read articles and we keep getting questions about it, we decided to make you this straight to point video on how to update your DF and how to set up tidal for the MQA streaming (Master). If you have no idea what a DragonFly Red/Black is, you better check this out first: https://www.headfonia.com/review-audioquest-dragonfly-red-black/

Enjoy the video!

TIDAL / MQA

As I have one DragonFly Red with MQA and another without MQA, it’s fairly easy to hear the differences between both. With the latest update and the correct settings, you get an even higher level of detail with better extension and the delivery is more relaxed. This results in a very rich and non-fatiguing sound and once you’ve heard it, it’s hard to go back to the “old way”. If you already have a DF Red/Black and a Tidal subscription that allows you to stream Master quality files, then I don’t see any reason why not to upgrade.

GiveAway

As I mentioned in the vid, we do have a little surprise for you guys. Together with AudioQuest, we’ll give away two Dragonfly Red and a Black unit. This giveaway/contest is open worldwide and the latest possible entry date is January 28. In order to be able to win you need to do the following:

  1. Like the AudioQuest Facebook Page if you haven’t so already
  2. Like the Headfonia Facebook Page. If you haven’t already: shame on you 🙂
  3. Subscribe to our Headfonia Youtube Channel if you can
  4. Leave a comment on this article why you think you deserve a free DragonFly unit.
  5. If you’re a lucky winner, you have to write a mini review about how you think the DragonFly sounds, and we’ll add these impressions to this article.

The winners will chosen by HFN and AudioQuest. The lucky ones will have completed all the above steps, they will be contacted by email after the contest has ended. Make sure we can link your name (and email) to your Facebook account to check if you followed the required steps.

[contesthopper contest=”34346″]

You can of course also share the contest using the buttons in the app (you’ll get extra chances!) To share it on Facebook, don’t forget to copy your unique ID/link manually!

Don’t forget to comment why you should win, be original. Good luck!

We’ll be back next week with another video. What about? Not AudioQuest of course, it will be something completely different. What? We have no idea yet , but it will yet again be exciting 😉

The winners of the Headfonia & AudioQuest DragonFly giveaway can be found on the next page

4.2/5 - (62 votes)
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Lieven is living in Europe and he's the leader of the gang. He's running Headfonia as a side project next to his full time day job in Digital Marketing & Consultancy. He's a big fan of tube amps and custom inear monitors and has published hundreds of product reviews over the years.

170 Comments

  • Reply January 10, 2018

    Michael

    I love music and wanted to try DragonFly for a while.
    With my constant travel, it should be a great tool for listening “on a go”.

    • Reply January 10, 2018

      Heiko

      I think I desearve a Dragonfly, because it’s a tiny little miracle.
      And I believe in miracles…

  • Reply January 10, 2018

    Imran Munshi

    I have been craving to get a SABRE based MQA enabled DAC for quite some time now because I have loved what MQA software decoding can do and now I can’t wait to try out MQA hardware decoding and on top of that I love, just absolutely freaking love the SABRE DAC. Even on my V20, though not transparent enough, still just blows away with the texture and layering it can reproduce. That is what I crave for, SABRE + MQA = Audio Bliss.

    And yeah, I can be very critical and detailed in reviewing anything, so consider that too.

  • Reply January 10, 2018

    Pascal B

    The quest to successfully finish my degree in accounting could very well use some audio to accompany the studying. If I get to fly a dragon all at the same time too, all the better.

  • Reply January 10, 2018

    Hong Rui

    I love good audio on the go, but am getting a bit weary of carrying a bulky DAP along with a phone. I’ve tried both the Dragonfly Black and Red, and have to say that the difference in sound that it provides compared to the amp of my phone is starkly different. Would definitely love to win the Dragonfly Black to go along with my sensitive as hell IEMs! 😛

    • Reply January 10, 2018

      dale thorn

      I would not. The DF Black is *much* more sensitive than the DF Red, and with sensitive IEMs it could make the background noise worse.

  • Reply January 10, 2018

    Chris S

    I never had the opportunity to try Dragonfly and also i want to try MQA and see if i can hear that for hifi community talks about.
    I can make some comparison with my other gear.

  • Reply January 10, 2018

    David Adler

    I am a Tidal Master customer and I’ve been looking for something to be able to enjoy the complete sound experience, maybe dragonfly is the way to go

  • Reply January 10, 2018

    James Voos

    I would love the Dragonfly since I used to own the Oppo portable DAC and it was stolen and would be interested in this based on all the great reviews. Could compare to my desktop DAC’s and amplifiers.

  • Reply January 10, 2018

    Bry

    I’ve always been curious to how does top tier dac sound like, atm, I’ve only have ipod nano, my old iphone 3G and my low spec laptop with 5 years old encore enma usb dac as my audio source/player. Living far away from cities limit me in trying other dap/dac so I just end up reading reviews, I always often see a positive review about Audioquest Dragonfly and I said to myself, I want 1, but sadly, can not save funds to buy 1. Having 1 would breath a new sound to my ears and life to my old devices

    • Reply January 12, 2018

      dale thorn

      I tried the DF Black and DF Red with an older iPod Touch that has the 30-pin port, and I used the 30-pin Apple Camera Adapter (no longer available BTW), and it worked perfectly.

  • Reply January 10, 2018

    Martin

    I need new Dragonfly Red because my current Red has developed a major play and local dealer refuses to accept is as warranty claim.

  • Reply January 10, 2018

    Andreas

    I need a Dragonfly Red because I love music and my Hegel Super broke and with two small kids I dont really have the money to buy one atm. And I have auditioned it and I think it would really suit my needs.

  • Reply January 10, 2018

    gordon johnson

    Wow!! Great device that lives up to the hype. this would do wonders for my tidal Acct. Looking forward to giving an unbiased review.

  • Reply January 10, 2018

    Alessio T

    I’m pretty new to the Hi Fi world and I would love to have the Dragonfly, it would be the perfect companion to listen everyday between my daily commute and my work time! Plus I really like Audioquest products since the Jitterbug is feeding my home listening DAC!

  • Reply January 10, 2018

    Lyle Alvarez

    Im always fascinated on how the red dragonfly sing. Want to experience one!

  • Reply January 10, 2018

    Rezaul Laskar

    Sabre + MQA on Tidal + portable + free = audio nirvana. I’m a bit of a cheapskate thanks to my rather substantial home mortgage, so any free goodies that add to my enjoyment of music are most welcome.

  • Reply January 10, 2018

    Ethan

    In China, a dragonfly is a sign of prosperity and good luck. Maybe they will be for me as well…

  • Reply January 10, 2018

    Spencer Burt

    I am a college student and I am in love with music. Since I am in school a dac like that is a huge purchase. I would be forever great ful for the chance to improve my music experience! Thank you. Also I’d love to write a review for you guys and go in depth as possible.

  • Reply January 10, 2018

    Chase

    I’ve upgraded my phone to the iPhone X so now I don’t have a headphone jack anymore, and the Apple lightning to headphone adaptor just isn’t cutting it with the Andromedas :/

    • Reply January 12, 2018

      dale thorn

      What is not working with the Apple Lightning to headphone adapter?

  • Reply January 10, 2018

    Artem

    I’ve never experienced a headphone amp sound (yes, really), so AudioQuest DragonFly could be my first love.

  • Reply January 10, 2018

    Scott March

    I am new to portable DAC and basically the whole audiophile hobby. This sounds like a good piece of kit with which to begin my new hobby.

  • Reply January 10, 2018

    Gavin Devereux

    I have single handedly, completely unsupervised, got one other person to buy a dragonfly. He has asked me to tell you that i should be given a dac as a thank you for bringing so much aural sunshine into his life. And probably saving his marriage.

  • Reply January 10, 2018

    Blake Cantrell

    I am a Best Buy employee that has been selling AudioQuest products for years now. Everyone who knows me, knows there is not a brand out there I love more than AudioQuest. I personally own several Chocolate cable, Cinnamon, and Forrest cables. I would love to own the Dragonfly! It would be an amazing to have phenomenal audio with this product!

  • Reply January 10, 2018

    Lars Christensen

    I’m ready to go all in on hi-res audio and the Dragonfly would be a great tool to listen on the go via my iPhone. Would love to try either version. Greetings from Denmark ????????

  • Reply January 10, 2018

    Robin Matsunaga

    I need a Dragonfly Red because my headphones sound blah straight out of my iphone. I’ve heard that the DFR is a great match for my phones

  • Reply January 10, 2018

    Christian M

    Another MQA DAC would give me another HIFI hideaway from my three noisy kids.

  • Reply January 10, 2018

    J. Green

    Music gets me through the day!

  • Reply January 10, 2018

    Leary Forehand

    Despite my best efforts, my teenage kids consistently listen to music through, in my opinion, the worst signal paths. Examples are streaming thru their phones into ear buds or worse….Beats! I’ve been successful in getting them to appreciate the (real) music of my youth, and I’m bound an determined to get them to appreciate music thru decent sources and equipment as well. Not sure I deserve a Dragonfly, but I’ll commit to having each of my kids write their own little mini-review (along with mine) if we’re lucky enough.

  • Reply January 10, 2018

    Rob Wagener

    AudioQuest Dragonfly magic for my Hi Res files and MQA on Tidal. Nirvana pardon the pun

  • Reply January 10, 2018

    Sveinung Rindal

    I really already love Dragonfly and If I win this time, I’d like to give it forward to a good friend of mine. I would love to share this joy of sound. I personally use TIDAL HiFi and have full effect of the MQA Masters.

  • Reply January 10, 2018

    Nick Obeso

    I’ve worked in Audio/Video for 5+ years and for the last five years have considered myself an audiophile and an Audioquest fan. I have sold and recommended Audioquest products to numerous customers throughout the years, I’ve gotten clients to switch sides (once had a guy replace all of his monsters with AQ chocolates), and have even turned some non believers into believers. I’ve gone to Audioquest trainings in Irvine and have even gotten to see how the cables are made in the lab. Not to mention, I even own a few cables myself, which has helped me speak on the quality from first hand experience. However, I have not had a chance to experience either of the Dragonfly DAC’s. I would love to hear for myself the difference a dragonfly can make in one’s audio experience. Also, the chance to share and speak on behalf of the device would help me tremendously with sales as it has done so in the past. They’d also go great with my V-Moda Crossfades!

  • Reply January 10, 2018

    francesco barbara

    This is great. i love my dragonfly black. I would love to try the RED.

  • Reply January 10, 2018

    Steve Pilgrim

    Eager to develop a digital source for serving a Google Chromecast Audio connected to my audio system. Seems a logical next step with a premium DAC like the Dragonfly.

  • Reply January 10, 2018

    Pat Vaudo

    Old analog guy here but for digital I believe quality DACs make a real difference, the difference being clearly audible between my different CD players. I’ve been researching mini-DACs for home and on the go and keep coming back to the DragonFly Black/Red. Problem is I don’t know which to choose.. you can help! Thanks.

    • Reply January 12, 2018

      dale thorn

      The DF Black is very efficient with my iPhone – so efficient that it plays significantly louder than the phone by itself, even though it gets its power from the phone (figure that out). But the DF Red is much less efficient than the DF Black, and the DF Red plays about as loud as my phone or slightly less, so depending on which source you use (home or portable) and which headphone you drive (ex: low or high impedance) can make all the difference.

  • Reply January 10, 2018

    Jeff Cannon

    Music helps inspire me as an artist. I already use Audioquest cables in my studio system with great satisfaction. I think the DragonFly Black would be the perfect addition to help me listen to more music with more enjoyment when I travel, gathering more images for my paintings. The world needs more original art ! And the DragonFly series of DACs are true originals.

  • Reply January 11, 2018

    Steve

    Great little Dac that would enhance my system

  • Reply January 11, 2018

    Christopher Gray

    I would like to have one to test out if DAC make a difference and to test some Hi-Res music.

  • Reply January 11, 2018

    Steve Jones

    Would love a chance for omen father else units as I do not have anything like it. Would be a great opportunity to enter this world and experience music at much greater quality.

    • Reply January 11, 2018

      Steve Jones

      Forgive the typos. Would love a chance for one of these units!!

  • Reply January 11, 2018

    John Crossett

    Would love a top quality portable DAC to use with my iPhone.

  • Reply January 11, 2018

    Heri

    I used to have a black version . And it is difficult to get new one here

  • Reply January 11, 2018

    Mark

    I spent most of 2017 with the M40x paired with my Dragonfly 1.2. I treated myself to the HD650 for the holidays and would love to really push them closer to their potential with a Dragonfly Red.

    • Reply January 12, 2018

      dale thorn

      I wouldn’t expect a lot with the DF Red driving a HD650, if the source were a phone or iPod etc. But if the source had more power it might work. The HD650’s impedance spike in the bass could drive the DF Red to clipping.

  • Reply January 11, 2018

    Aaron Vocalan

    Power and perfection in the palm of your hands.

  • Reply January 11, 2018

    Lucas Oliveira

    The Dragonfly Red would be a great upgrade from my Fiio E17.

  • Reply January 11, 2018

    Lidson Mendes

    I need a dragonfly because my notebook output is noisy and worse stopped working, at the moment I have not and always wanted to have a dragonfly. This is my chance to win and be able to listen to music on my notebook again.

  • Reply January 11, 2018

    Isaac Alves Melo

    I deserve to win because as a Brazilian i pay 3 times more on headphones making 5 times less money than americans and still need an amp, otherwise i’ll be stuck on easy to drive headphones

  • Reply January 11, 2018

    Paulo Guapo

    I’m a Tidal user already and am very curious about how it sounds with MQA enabled! Let me try it and I will be happy to tell you my impressions!

  • Reply January 11, 2018

    Hugo

    I started in this audiophile medium a short time and I am slowly venturing either because of the lack of opportunity or the difficulty of obtaining this type of product where I live. I would be happy to receive a Dragonfly and have more new experiences that would help me in the future to find out what my definitive system will actually be.

    • Reply January 12, 2018

      Imran Munshi

      Lol, Hugo wants a DFR 😛 , in that case Hugo should be mine 😀

      • Reply January 12, 2018

        Hugo

        Hahahaha Chord electronics … it would be nice to have one! I hear lots of praise from Hugo.

  • Reply January 11, 2018

    Felipe Goffi de Oliveira

    Why I need audioquest dragonfly? Look at it size! It’s 1/3 of the size of the competitors even with better quality! This is how things in future should be. Portable and a tremendous quality!

  • Reply January 11, 2018

    Guilherme

    I’m dealing with on-board DAC/AMP for a long time, where I live is hard and VERY expensive to buy an DAC/AMP. The Dragonfly, as I’ve already read (everywhere) online, is going to solve all of my interference and low-fi problems.

  • Reply January 11, 2018

    Kevin Rei Furukawa

    Why do I need the dragonfly? I need and want one, because until today I suffer from my horrible audio card, and nothing better than the best of the current DAC / AMP market.

  • Reply January 11, 2018

    Scott

    I think I’m a good choice because my dac is a desktop model that I have no chance to ever use because I have a 5 year old and I don’t have a desk job! A portable dac would be an amazing upgrade over my iPhone 7’s crappy lightning headphone adaptor.

  • I deserve to win because I’m an audiophile, owner of a peripherals blog. I’m really into new (and good) listening experiences. Judging by the review of the DragonFly I believe they can provide me with an excellent audio quality, and I can provide the community an excellent review of them since I’ve already do reviews. Thanks for the attention.

  • Reply January 11, 2018

    Alexandre Nishikawa

    On-the-go Sabre DAC with MQA for Tidal?? Best USB DAC to use with my laptop!

  • Reply January 11, 2018

    Wilian Abray Costa

    Wow!
    I’d like to win this DAC so much!!!

  • Reply January 11, 2018

    Yugou

    I deserve to win because I’m going to be an audiophile , and I need it to start with an good DAC

  • Reply January 12, 2018

    Rennel Enriquez

    Heard a lot of good feedback from audiophiles with dragonfly’s good sounding dac all over the internet. Been using CD’s and streaming music via Spotify by selecting high quality audio in the setting. I wanna try and compare the music quality between music coming from a CD, spotify and dragonfly.

  • Reply January 12, 2018

    Derik Ling

    I have another portable DAC and was always curious how the Dragonfly performs.

  • Reply January 12, 2018

    Matty

    I’m not sure I ‘deserve’ it any more than these other fine people, but I sure do ‘need’ something like this right now. Sydney is experiencing a public transport crisis – there’s terrible overcrowding and delays on our train system – being able to enjoy my own music, bit perfect out of my mobile while being able to drive my headphones to amazing levels sure would make the struggle feel a *little* bit better!

  • Reply January 12, 2018

    rizqi angga

    Why i should win?

    Nah,,, i’m not thinking about that, i just love this blog

    just happy to join this GA hahahaa

  • Reply January 12, 2018

    Andi Kartono

    I always listen my music with my smartphone or laptop, and i think it should be enough. I am experienced with music since i play bass guitar with my friends. I don’t have any external dac or amp, and if i win this Dragonfly, this will be my first external dac/amp.
    Many people in audiophile forum says, an external dac/amp is necessary if you want to listen your music better, shiny, or anything that make you think your music is not a TRUE MUSIC if you don’t have the dac/amp.
    I’m planning to buy a high impedance headphone(my current headphone is ath m40x), i’m curious how this USB stick will change(improve) my music or not since many people say this dac/amp(Audioquest Dragonfly Red/Black) is a big improvement for someone(me) who use his smartphone or laptop to listen a music.

    • Reply January 12, 2018

      dale thorn

      A high impedance headphone with a tiny DAC that has no power of its own might not work too good. Sennheiser HD650 is my high-z reference, and I would not use a DF Red with the 650 if my source is a phone or ipod.

  • Reply January 12, 2018

    Jayrold Delmundo

    I am new to the audio world and my gears are pretty “budget-fi/entry-level” as some people say. I always see this in audiophile groups, recommending them that leads me to curiosity of how this change the details and overall sound quality since I never gotten my hands to any type of portable dac other than my phone. I’m an audiophile on a budget, so acquiring them will take me some time but if ever got lucky to have one would be awesome.

  • Reply January 12, 2018

    Mont

    DALE THORN
    A high impedance headphone with a tiny DAC that has no power of its own might not work too good. Sennheiser HD650 is my high-z reference, and I would not use a DF Red with the 650 if my source is a phone or ipod.

    What if the source is a computer?

    (PC + DFR + 650)

    • Reply January 13, 2018

      dale thorn

      If the source is a computer, it’s promising. Just make sure the DF gets airflow around it and make sure it doesn’t get too warm. Mine never gets warm.

  • Reply January 12, 2018

    Cassiana Franco

    I really need a new DAC/AMP,

  • Reply January 12, 2018

    Musikverein

    You can stay calm and in the flow with Senns like for instance the new HD660s which I listened to with DF Red, among other DACs and amps.
    It drives it competently and transparent, there is nothing to be missed based on a realistic expectation level. It has enough headroom left as well for dynamic peaks. Btw even a HD800s can be driven with this red dongle devil if you just go for acoustic, chamber, small scale etc.

    • Reply January 13, 2018

      dale thorn

      That’s the problem with those “IF’s”. Almost certain disappointment.

      • Reply January 13, 2018

        Musikverein

        Okay, then let’s stick with the HD660s 150Ohm load example and I can tell you I didn’t miss anything, based on my rather balanced, may I say so, expectations.
        Next step up imho is an IFi Idsd BL if you are into a Burr Brown sound signature. And then the next thing on the horizon is the new Fiio Q5 with the upgrade amp module and then next step up is …
        Hence, all of that for at least twice the recent street price of DF Red.

  • Reply January 13, 2018

    LEONARDO AZEVEDO

    Why should i win? I’m dapless right now and bought an LG G6 thinking it would come with the quad-dac but discovered after that the only g6 with the dacs are the Korean… Sad… So it would be a perfect companion to my phone 🙂

  • Reply January 13, 2018

    jack

    After watching your youtube video, I will definitely try dragonfly. It looks amazing.

  • Reply January 13, 2018

    Pablo Albino Pereira

    I would like to be able to compare the Dragonfly against my Audioengine D3. I’ve heard a lot of nice things about the Dragonfly and I’d love to try it!

  • Reply January 13, 2018

    Pablo Albino Pereira

    I would like to be able to compare the Dragonfly against my Audioengine D3. I’ve heard a lot of nice things about the Dragonfly and I’d love to try it!

    • Reply January 13, 2018

      dale thorn

      The D3 is excellent, and if you want to hear the very slight difference with the improved DF, you would need to listen in a very quiet place. Most portable listening has enough background noise, even with closed headphones, that the very small details are mostly obscured.

  • Reply January 13, 2018

    Roland

    I am still using a Geek Out 720 from way back. Curious on the MQA functions with Tidal is why I would love to win this.

  • Reply January 13, 2018

    Luke Telling

    I have 2 x Audiofly Black, so red would be a nice addition 😉

  • Reply January 13, 2018

    andres gonzalez

    well I like music a lot and when I sit to listen I like to enjoy led zeppelin and pink floyd’s albums among others of course I also like alternative rock and sit to enjoy though the only way for me to enjoy is through the integrated audio in my motherboard which is not very good so a dac for me would be a very welcome device

  • Reply January 13, 2018

    Surat

    I love music since I was a child as my dad once work as a clerk at cd store around 40 years ago and really love music( especially Carpenters and Teresa Teng) and but he’s too busy for music these days but I still listen to his fav songs, I also grow to listen to wider range of genres than my dad and spent more than 4 hours a day just listening to music as it’s my hobbies and relaxing myself in harsh college life. Thus, I want to listen to the song I love in the different sound that’s closer to the true sound that the artist visioned.
    //my english is bad sry for that I’m Thai

    • Reply January 13, 2018

      dale thorn

      I only wish there were CDs 40 years ago.

  • Reply January 13, 2018

    Lattapon

    I use Tidal for few months and just know about MQA and dragonfly red&black supported it. I wanna have a chance to try it out.

  • Reply January 13, 2018

    Palash Shil

    I am starting as a music lover to be an audiophile and in this course I found that whenever you search for a Top 10 DAC and Amp combo, Audioquest Dragonfly comes top of the chart. Black one as a beginning to Red one as a game changer. I think the most important part of Audioquest Dragonfly to be the top of chart for it’s simplicity. Simple a thumb drive size device with utmost portability and top notch sound quality. That’s it. Now I think Audioquest symbolizes it’s stand for QUALITY. Why I should win?…. May be I love to hear my music and watching dragonflies flying around the valley.

  • Reply January 13, 2018

    Eu Kit

    If there was one gear that works make my music FLY, it would be the Audioquest Dragonfly!

  • Reply January 13, 2018

    Michael Hartley

    I have been unable to listen to music whilst traveling with my laptop due to a possible small bug crawling into my headphone socket and getting stuck dropping it from working. Very sad times indeed, maybe this little dragon fly bug could solve this issue? Here’s me hoping so!

  • Reply January 13, 2018

    Sergio Liberman

    The AudioQuest DragonFly will provide the hi-res and MQA audio upgrade to my Mac mini.

  • Reply January 13, 2018

    Luis Armstrong

    Huh, I don’t really deserve to win, but I’d really like to…

  • Reply January 13, 2018

    Violet

    I have been an audio enthusiast for awhile but don’t really have a lot of money to buy nice amps or DACs for my headphones! It’d be super nice to be able to have something that’d really let me open up my HD5xx!

  • Reply January 13, 2018

    Gerhard Mitterboeck

    Have heard a lot about the Dragonfly and would be terribly happy to own one

  • Reply January 13, 2018

    Robb MacIntosh

    I have heard lots about them and would love to find out if they are simply the best value in digital audio on the planet.

  • Reply January 14, 2018

    Marlowe A. Aguda

    I heard lot of good reviews of Audioquest Dragonfly Red. Thinking of purchasing it. But its kinda toooo expensive here in the Philippines. When I read about these article and giving away Audioquest Dragonfly Red. I think it is my chance to own one for free.

  • Reply January 14, 2018

    Bianca

    I am a music lover and heard lots of good things about the audioquest dragonfly. Winning this will definitely get me to ‘explore the dark side’!

  • Reply January 14, 2018

    Ryan

    Im music lover i want to try dragon fly….

  • Reply January 14, 2018

    Juan Manuel Liwag

    Music has always been part of my life and my day isn’t complete without listening to music in one way or another. Started to notice how good audio has started to lose it’s shimmer against so-called innovations especially in laptops or smartphones. An Audioquest Dragonfly Red would be perfect to get our gadgets back on track and give me high quality sound with my curret gadgets. I’d deserve one since this will be perfect means to upgrade my audio filled day!

  • Reply January 14, 2018

    Jim Strange

    I would love to try the Audioquest Red in my system. I still use my second generation dragonfly on my computer and love it.

  • Reply January 14, 2018

    Jeff

    Would love to listen to my music using one of these DACs. The built-in headphone out on my laptop is terrible!

  • Reply January 14, 2018

    Dave Heron

    I would love to upgrade my listening experience to audiophile standards with an Audioquest Dragonfly Red. It would be the upgrade my music deserves!

  • Reply January 14, 2018

    James Duncan

    I am deserving of a Dragonfly DAC because I would appreciate it and use it daily. I use my laptop for work and listen with a variety of headphones including Hifiman 400, AKG8xx, and others.

  • Reply January 14, 2018

    Pavel Gurchin

    hi-fi on the go, yammy

  • Reply January 14, 2018

    E. G.

    I have an older Dragonfly and thought it was very useful. As a Tidal user, I would love to get my hands on one of these newer ones and see what this MQA stuff is all about!

  • Reply January 15, 2018

    Eduardo M

    I’ve been following the Headphone for a long time, and besides great and honest Reviews, they have a great affection and care for their readers, always answering the comments and helping with the settings. And it was with the help of Headfonia that in the middle of last year I started my quest to upgrade my Sennheiser HD461G to a more superior headphone, and after many conversations and clarifications with you for the reviews of headphone and amplifier reviews, I decided and I was able to buy the King HD650. I’ve been with 650 for less than a month and I’m very satisfied. I’m using the 650 connected to my HP laptop, and even the output of the computer being of poor quality I’m already very impressed with the sound of the 650.

    It would be a great upgrade Dragonfly in amplification and in his well-known DAC with my headphones 650 and with my old 461G. I use my computer in several places in the house, besides using it outside the house too, and with this portable amp / dac would be great. The Dragonfly is so small that I can enjoy professional-quality sound anywhere in the house and on the move too, not to mention that my wife would not notice this small amplifier in the room next to the headphones.

    It would be great to win this DF, but honestly what I would like and would be the greatest honor would be to have my sincere review in Headfonia.

    • Reply January 15, 2018

      dale thorn

      For best sound with a HD650, you should have an amp that has some power. The DF Red may work with some music tracks, but when power is needed for dynamics – especially in the bass where the 650’s impedance is extra high, it will come up short.

      • Reply January 16, 2018

        Eduardo M

        Thanks for helping! I do not know when I will be able to invest in an amplifier, but the more I look for the more I have the doubts about what price and amplifier it would take to make the HD650 really sing. I have some on my Headfonia approved list with HD650, it would be among the amplifiers: Beyerdynamic A20, G109S (I heard it’s a lot like V100) or bottlehead Crack, I do not know which one has the best synergy, and I’m looking for a amplifier that does not change the romantic signature of the 650. Which of these would combine best with the 650 and with a possible DFR?

        • Reply January 16, 2018

          dale thorn

          I would favor bottlehead crack.

          • Reply January 16, 2018

            Eduardo M

            What would be the difference in sound quality of this tube amp for the A20, is it considerable?

            I know the HD650 needs power to play well, but when you’re in a place other than where your desktop amplifier is, the DFR is a great portable amp / dac, so you can take it anywhere in the house and on the street. I like the idea of AudioQuest not to put cables or buttons in the DF, in addition to being better, because it would connect directly to the USB output of the Computer, without having to worry about cables and their qualities and also I find quite pleasing the DF volume option be directly from the computer, instead of calibrating the volume on the device and computer and still on the music player, as most other brands have opted for. DF is also better to carry in the bag, for being a unique piece. All this and at a fair price makes the person want to have one of these. And even for those who have or will buy a desktop amplifier, I would like to use the excellent DAC DFR.

            • Reply January 16, 2018

              dale thorn

              Two thoughts for you:

              One, the difference in sound would boil down to how much sharp detail you like compared to how smooth you like. I know that doesn’t sound very scientific, but it’s true – in the end more detail could lead to more harshness without bringing greater resolution.

              Two, the portability of the DF Red can create a compromise or even a conflict for loudness, because there are going to be music tracks that play OK at home with a HD650, but not OK away from home in some circumstances. Most people don’t realize how much audible detail can be lost when they’re not fully relaxed at home, late at night or when it’s very quiet, compared to being on the road, even in a hotel room. As long as you know that you can get maximum quietness when you’re listening, you might be OK.

              • Reply January 17, 2018

                Eduardo M

                This doubt in the choice of the amplifier is because I do not want to pay dearly for an amplifier that focuses more on offering a more analytical sound and that does not have power to drive a HD650. The question is to know the average in the market of how much it costs one with the necessary and to know that the ones that cost more would be paying for more details and for being more analytical.

                Would an amplifier such as JDS Labs OBJECTIVE2 cost around € 100 would have the necessary to drive the 650 and deliver a musical sound without asking for strength in the low frequencies or really only meets this with € 300 as the BHC?

                • Reply January 17, 2018

                  dale thorn

                  Personally, if you do not already have a good DAC, I would look at the Objective2-plus-ODAC. If you already have a good DAC, then the O2 should be good for driving a HD650. I recommend buying the O2 from a well-respected dealer – don’t take a chance on a possible inferior unit.

                  But again, reading the headfonia reviews and amp recommendations is the best thing to do.

                  • Reply January 17, 2018

                    Eduardo M

                    Thank you for your opinion. I do not have a DAC yet.
                    And if it were to buy, it would be directly from JDS Labs

  • Reply January 15, 2018

    Musikverein

    Quidem itaque HD660s.
    Impedance is much less as well as current load.
    Heard it with a new Fiio Q1 from a friend as well, same thing here.
    DF Red can deal with 150Ohm fine and, interestingly enough, smoothed the (more or less fictive) graininess of HD660s.

    • Reply January 15, 2018

      dale thorn

      What would this have to do with someone who spent a lot on the 650, and cannot dump the 650 for a 660?

  • Reply January 15, 2018

    Armin

    I’m new to HiFi audio and making my first build. I’m driving my Wharfedale Diamond 220s with Onkyo AVR and somehow it seems that the internal DAC doesn’t do any justice to the signal. Would love to win and try the Dragonfly to see if there is a true benefit to the sound quality.

  • Reply January 15, 2018

    Lili

    I would like to win Dragonfly to get better signal to my headphones since my laptop sound card is too weak to drive them.

  • Reply January 16, 2018

    Musikverein

    Oh, I see. 🙂
    I would like to win a Dragonfly Red cause it matched so fine with the new HD660s as listened with a friend.

  • Reply January 17, 2018

    yiannis

    never ending story. why I want it. because it sounds different.

  • Reply January 19, 2018

    Ro Atkinson

    I have gradually become more and more obsessed with good sound. Ever since I began realising the headphones my friends raved about actually sounded terrible I have been seeking the best value high quality sound I could find. At present I carry around an old Panasonic portable CD player that I found for £5 in a charity shop, which I combine with the best value Sennheiser headphones I could get my hands on. Because of this I listen to how ever many CDs can fit in my pocket at anyone time, (not many, I can barely get the CD player into a pocket.
    I had never heard of a separate DAC until a couple of years ago at Gadget Show Live where I got the chance to listen to one and it blew me away. It was the closest thing, quality wise, I had ever heard to listening to an orchestra in a concert hall. Suddenly I realised why it was that people could spend tens of thousands of pounds on speakers and amps. There are diminishing returns the more you spend, but more is never enough until the day you have to have your own orchestra.
    I started looking for my own DAC, and after doing a huge amount of research there were a few that I could imagine might be within my price range if I could save the money. Of those, the name dragonfly stood out. Not only was it memorable, but it got universally good reviews. With a name like dragonfly I couldn’t forget it, and now, two years after I first discovered DACs, I am still listening to my little CD player, I still haven’t saved the money, but that name stuck with me, and that is the whole reason why I clicked on this page and found this competition. I just felt that fate was calling to me, and that is why I decided to enter.

  • Reply January 20, 2018

    Randy

    I love the Dragonfly Red so much that I already have one, and I’d wish to give another to my my loved ones (I’m not willing to give up mine 🙂

  • Reply January 20, 2018

    Mark Kenny Williams

    Listening to high quality music takes my mind off of reality and Dragonfly red does just that

  • Reply January 20, 2018

    Marcelo Aguilar

    Because I am the Audiophile guy…there is no more

  • Reply January 21, 2018

    Pavlo Zolotykh

    I’d like to try to use USB DAC with my car Android head unit. Now, with built-in DAC, it sounds far away from OK.

  • Reply January 22, 2018

    Nguyen Dinh Duong

    My combo is currently Dita truth with Oppa Ha2, I’m curious how the Dragonfly can alter the sound. I have heard many positive reviews but never got a chance to test it 🙂

    • Reply January 23, 2018

      dale thorn

      I have the HA-2 and DF Red, and I usually use the DF Red because I don’t need the extra features of the HA-2, and it’s smaller and more convenient. They sound a little different, but no big deal.

      What I would really like to know, if I wanted to spend the $300, is the difference between the DF Red and the newer HA-2.

  • Reply January 22, 2018

    Danilo Tadic

    Because I am an AudioQuestphile.????

  • Reply January 23, 2018

    Mike Shellard

    I’m just starting my audiophile quest, and it would be amazing to have a super portable solution to making the sound leaving my laptop, top notch! I’ve heard great things about these Dragonfly devices, and would love to confirm them in person, and then subsequently, writing about my experiences with others in the audiophile community!

  • Reply January 23, 2018

    Amadej

    I would like win dragonfly so I can upgrade sound from my integraded soundcard on my PC

  • Reply January 23, 2018

    Lea

    My PC output is too weak to drive my headphones and I would like to win Dragonfly to resolve my problem.

  • Reply January 23, 2018

    Vesel

    Dragonfly DAC would be a perfect solution for my pc hifi headphones.

  • Reply January 23, 2018

    Peter Invan

    Would love to try out the Deagonfly Red with my Tidal MASTER favourites.

  • Reply January 24, 2018

    Nic

    Would be interested to try out the Red or Black Dragonfly. I own a variety of headphones, and would really enjoy doing a comparison (planars and dynamics).

  • Reply January 24, 2018

    Argi

    I just purchased sennheiser 598sr and i need a good dac to drive them 🙂
    df red will be perfect!!!

  • Reply January 25, 2018

    Arda Sesbes

    Hello I love music since I was a child. Music is my passion. In my country, Dragonfly devices are very expensive. 1 euro equals to 4,5 Turkish Lira and there are lots of taxes that’s why Dragonfly is 4 times more expensive. I was planning to save my money in the long run, but by chance I found this site. I hope that I will chosen. Thank you for giving us this chance.

  • Reply January 26, 2018

    Beka Walker

    I’ve been stuck to choosing phones based on their internal DAC for a few years now (i.e., the Samsung devices that used a Wolfson DAC.) But that’s been really restrictive, and I just got a new phone that doesn’t have a good internal DAC. The music just hasn’t been the same ever since. A Dragonfly would bring the music back, better than ever!

  • Reply January 26, 2018

    Joe Leech

    I’m a new Dad and listening to music on my headphones is the perfect way to relax after a rough night of wake ups!

  • Reply January 26, 2018

    chris

    I used to have two but Zaphod Beeblebrox nicked them…

  • Reply January 27, 2018

    Irwin

    It will work well with my computer, I have been trying to get these since they were released with latest firmware. They look nice and are very easy to use.

  • Reply January 27, 2018

    Dan V

    When I listen to music I really believe I can fly. I mean Dragonfly 🙂

  • I am starting a new hobby and I found myself struck to the audiophile community in the Philippines. I thought at first that earphones come in the same sound signatures. Depends on how clean/dirty your ear was (loljk). But hey, I was shocked that there are catalysts that make these earphones stand out over others. I think I was enlightened. Winning the AQ Dragonfly MQA would help me with this new hobby of mine since I enjoy music alot and I am a singer.

  • Reply January 27, 2018

    Hamza Kuvawala

    Got a Dita Answer truth edition but didn’t budget for a dac/amp and I’m getting terrible noise off my phone. If I get this I won’t have to save for another year to get a decent dac/amp.

  • Reply January 27, 2018

    Chito Limson

    I have a lot of music on my Mac, smartphones and DAP. I’m certain the AQ Dragonfly can reasonably integrate all these sources into a coherent system. I wish I can win this!

  • Reply January 27, 2018

    Nuttapon

    Hope the sound good more than size.

  • Reply January 27, 2018

    Csirach Elchen Rosario Cruz

    In the audio groups that I am a member of, I see Dragonfly’s name being mentioned at least once a day. I hope I win so that I can at least give my opinions of these items on a newbie’s point of view. I hope as well that with the review I would have written, I could be able to invite/entice others to enter the world of audio hobbyists/enthusiasts.

  • Reply January 27, 2018

    Charle Magne Santos

    I’m seriously interested in Hifi and these Dragonfly. I’m curious how it will change my game of being a beginner audiophile. Btw, I’m only using my phone as audio source that’s why I want to win one so bad.

  • Reply January 27, 2018

    Chris Baldwin Teves

    I love listening to music. This will help me enjoy HQ music more.

  • Reply January 27, 2018

    Denis

    I am from Montenegro, and there isnt so much hifi lovers here 🙁 I really love AudioQuest i would like to have RED version, and i would enjoy it entirely!

  • Reply January 27, 2018

    Vincent

    The portability and quality of dragonfly without sacrificing the sound quality is really amazing! This will definitely rock my world.

  • Reply January 27, 2018

    Paul Anthony Zapanta

    Im new to this hobby and recently i bought a sennheiser hd650 just to found out my phone couldt drive it. I bought a cheap amp to drive it however the interference level is really bothering and its not handy at all. As an ios user the dragonfly red would be perfect for my hd 650 and lessen the interferance since this is a dac instead of an amp. I would be an honor to win the dragon fly red and i would glady review it if ill be given a chance.

    • Reply January 27, 2018

      dale thorn

      I can’t play my DragonFly Red with my iPhone 7 because there’s too much interference, so I play it with the iPad or iPod Touch with WiFi and Bluetooth turned off, so there’s no communication to interfere with the music.

  • Reply January 27, 2018

    Tom Kutschinski

    The DragonFly Black and Red are some really nice portable DAC/AMPs perfectly suited for anything on the go. The Red is also capable of driving power hungry cans. They would make a great addition to my Setup!

    • Reply January 27, 2018

      dale thorn

      The DragonFly Red plays music from Apple devices about 6 db lower than the DragonFly Black. That’s a fact. If you have a headphone with very high impedance at some frequencies (i.e. HD650 at ~100 hz), then low-volume music tracks might not play loud enough.

  • Reply January 27, 2018

    Renz Ryan Reyes

    Everyone deserves that ❤️ But i think i cant buy one.????
    If im the lucky winner i will thankful to all of you. So i can have a very special dragonfy dac ????

  • Reply January 27, 2018

    Renz Ryan Reyes

    Everyone deserves that ❤️ But i think i cant buy one.????
    If im the lucky winner i will thankful to all of you. So i can have a very special dragonfy dac ????

  • Reply January 27, 2018

    Michael Manalang

    Why do i deserve to win a dragonfly? Simply because i’m kinda a newbie to this hobby and if given a chance to own an awesome DAC like the Dragonfly that would be awesome for my ears which have been secretly longing for quality music. Plus i’m just one of those who are unfortunate in life that makes me hard to buy something like Dragon. They are kinda expensive to me.

  • Reply January 27, 2018

    MOHAMAD AMIN

    I am waiting for hiby r6. If I am lucky to get dragonfly red, then
    I will compare the quality of sound with hiby r6 that got very good review.
    If r6 is not very superior than dfr, or at least I like the signature dfr, then
    I will sell r6 and will buy a portable amplifier “THE VORZAMPDUO II BY VORZUGE” or “THE CLASS A NHB POCKET AMP BY XRK AUDIO”.
    example dedicated portable amplifier with expensive price in my opinion.
    So my setup will be iphone + dragonflyred + superior portable amp + 1more quad driver / AKG K553.

    I’m testing the theory, the special is better than the complex.
    DAP is more complex, you must provide bill of material outside the required DAC or amplifier.
    If I’m in need of a good sound now, why invest on screen, wifi connection, bluetooth, snapdragon chip, or RAM.
    Hopefully Headfonia and Audioquest help me answer that theory 🙂

  • Reply January 27, 2018

    Roman

    I need one, because i have 6 pairs of headphones. 🙂

  • Reply January 27, 2018

    Roman_d

    I really want to review the thing.

  • Reply January 27, 2018

    Ivan

    Everyone deserves this and I don’t think I am more deserving than the others for this very reason: I just want to go back to listening to high-quality music (sold my audio equipments prior to this giveaway).

    Hoping to win this!

  • Reply January 27, 2018

    Francis Paul de Guzman

    The dragonfly red is by far the best dac amp i’ve ever had.i wish i didn’t let it go.i think i deserve a 2nd chance. This time i’m never letting go.

  • Reply January 27, 2018

    Arvin James Fernandez

    I wanted to try this

  • Reply January 27, 2018

    Justin

    This would be a great oppurtunity for me to differentiate the types of audio quality and to appreciate what every artist wants us to hear and have them spread towards the society

  • Reply January 28, 2018

    Harold Nathan Tan

    Excited with the versatility and portability of the dragonfly red! Awesome product 🙂

  • Reply January 28, 2018

    Gary McDonnell Thomas

    Because AUSTERITY ! ( if you live in the u.k times are harder money wise than they used to be, so free stuff would be soooooo greatfully recieved )

  • Reply January 28, 2018

    Rudy Santoso

    I really want this USB DAC, absolutely curious about the sound.

  • Reply January 28, 2018

    Todd Strawser

    I love listening to high quality music on my Oppo PM3’s. I’d love to see what the MQA capable Dragonfly Red can do to improve the sound of my headphones, not only in trying out MQA sourced music but also to allow me to experience better sound with all my other music titles.

  • Reply January 28, 2018

    Lucas Matias Ayala

    I have been wanting to hear an audioquest product. Hope to win.

  • Reply January 31, 2018

    Jeff Nourse

    After watching your youtube video i ll definitely purchase butterfly.

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