AudioQuest have been busy for years making this new generation of DragonFlys possible. AudioQuest worked alongside Microchip Technology to develop a new high-performance, full-speed USB microcontroller (a DAC’s input processor) that delivers improved signal-to-noise ratio and significantly lower power consumption. Drawing 77% less current than the DragonFly v1.2’s microcontroller, the new Microchip MX microcontroller enables true compatibility with Apple and Android smartphones and tablets. For use with Apple iOS devices, Apple’s Lightning-to-USB Camera Adaptor is required; for use with Android devices, a Made for Android (OTG) adaptor, such as there DragonTail USB Adaptor For Android Devices, is required.
They hesitate to brag about specific electronic parts in the DragonFlys because the implementation of those parts is as crucial as their quality. Please don’t make the mistake of thinking that DACs with the same microcontroller or primary processor all sound alike! Depending on the circuit design, control of noise, power supply regulation, quality of the many passive parts, etc., a supposedly “lesser” DAC chip can easily outperform a “better” DAC chip in a different DAC.
The new DragonFly models also incorporate improved 32-bit ESS Sabre DAC chips the 9010 in Black and the higher-performance 9016 in Red both of which employ minimum-phase filtering for naturally detailed, more authentic sound. While DragonFly Black uses the same high-quality headphone amp and analog volume control found in the DragonFly 1.2, DragonFly Red includes the latest ESS headphone amp and a bit-perfect digital volume control that resides on the 9016 DAC chip itself a sophisticated implementation that ensures maximum fidelity, dynamic contrast, and signal to-noise ratio.
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