AudioQuest Introduces DragonFly …

AudioQuest Introduces DragonFly USB Digital-Audio Converter
Irvine, Calif.  August 10th, 2012

Computers have become the hub that connects people to a vast universe of digital entertainment content, from iTunes, streaming music and podcasts to watching YouTube videos, TV shows or movies. Unfortunately, most computers are limited by budget constraints and therefore do not have internal circuitry (the “soundcard”) with the finesse to fully honor the fragile nature of both digital audio (the music file or stream) and analog audio (the output circuit). AudioQuest’s DragonFly USB stick ($249) is a smart and simple solution that makes great computer sound available to everyone, everywhere. 

Measuring just 19mm x 12mm x 46mm (60mm including the USB connector), DragonFly is a portable and easy to use Digital-Audio Converter (aka, “DAC”) that plugs into a USB jack on a Mac® or Windows® PC, allowing the computer to make beautiful sound … anywhere … through headphones, powered speakers, or a full-on audio rig.

DragonFly’s full 2-volt output drives headphones and ear buds directly, with ease and clarity. DragonFly’s versatility also means that it can drive powered desktop speakers or a power amplifier directly using its 64-position (computer-controlled) analog volume control. In ‘fixed’ output mode, DragonFly behaves like a traditional DAC or disc player, sending a line-level signal to a preamp or AV receiver. All that’s required is a low-distortion cable with a 3.5mm plug on the DragonFly end, and a 3.5mm plug or stereo RCAs at the receiving end.

How does DragonFly do it?

Maintaining subtle timing relationships is crucial in order to be able to reconstruct digital audio data back into the analog waveforms that we hear as dialog, sound effects or music. DragonFly employs a sophisticated asynchronous USB audio data transfer protocol that dramatically reduces digital timing errors. DragonFly’s dual clocks enable native resolution up to 24-bit/96kHz, and ensure that DragonFly doesn’t rely on imperfect mathematical approximations in the process of reconstructing the signal, resulting in better “tracking” and better sound.

DragonFly plays all music files, from reconstructed MP3s and CD-standard 16-bit/44.1kHz, all the way up to 24-bit/192kHz: 24-bit/176.4kHz and 24-bit/192kHz high-resolution files are neatly halved by the source computer and processed as appropriate by DragonFly at 24-bits/88.2kHz or 24-bit/96kHz. A smart 5-color LED behind the translucent DragonFly logo indicates the resolution of the incoming signal, and which of the internal clocks is being used.

Truly engaging audio has traditionally been restricted to home stereos and home entertainment systems. In addition to its capabilities to breathe fire into home and professional audio systems, DragonFly also lets great sound go out on the road, to the office, up in the air, to the beach, everywhere.

DragonFly is available and shipping now, $249.

For high-res images please go to: http://www.audioquest.com/resource_tools/

About AudioQuest
AudioQuest, based in Irvine, CA, manufactures and distributes premium-performance audio and video cable products, accessories, and solutions. The company currently sells to over 600 specialty audio/video dealers in the United States and Europe and to 45 independent distributors around the world. The company is privately owned. For more information or to find an AudioQuest dealer near you, visit www.audioquest.com

Contact:
Shane Buettner
VP, Communication
AudioQuest
+1-949-585-0111