AudioQuest DragonFly 24/96 Asynchronous USB DAC / Headphone Amp

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To those who has it (I'm waiting for mine to arrive), how's the headphones amp?

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The half step volume adjustment on Mac by Option & Shift should be nice with this DAC.

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Why would the volume be on full by default? Could someone post a screen shot of the settings for Mac?

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Gordon, was headphones performance high on the priority list in the design? What's the impedence range one can use?

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Here's my unboxing. I'll embed it when I get to my Mac. Can't do it from my iPhone.

 

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Gordon, why is it limited to 96k? Why not go up to 192k?

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Why don't the DF to sit flush? Is there a way to make it flush? The cable weights down the DF.

 

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Do you have anything positive to say about it?

 

I do like the sound and build quality.

 

My WD hard drive cable and other USB thumb drives sits flush so I was just wondering why the DF doesn't.

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Maybe it's just my OCD that wants everything to fit nicely. Maybe the DragonTail will fill my OCD needs.

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Anyone know how much the DragonTail will be and when will it hit the streets? Will I degrade the sound if I use a generic USB cable like the DragonTail?

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Like this one?

 

http://www.icablelink.com/system_dntb/products/03152012/4320.jpg

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I got this to fix my OCD.

 

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Why do the DF to sit flush?

 

I think that's how it should fit on the MacBook, but it doesn't so the generic USB cable does the job.

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I don't know if there are any audible negative effects with the short cable. Perhaps Gordon can chime in?

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That cheap cable is just temporary till the DragonTail hits the streets. I hope the delay was due to AQ making sure the DragonTail doesn't degrade the sound.

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The sound is very fast and clean. Bass is tight. It's the BEST sounding portable dec/amp I own and tried. Sound wise, it's worth the money, but not features.

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I like a little more balls from the headphones out.

 

Anyone has news on the DragonTail?

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Anyone know how many mW the headphones amp outputs?

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Can Gordon or some please chime in on this?

 

My OCD tells me I will wear out the output jack if I plug and unplug the jack frequently. Since the DF can not be disassembled with screws to replace the jack, Is this a real concern?

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Thank you Gordon for easing my concerns. I guess my experiences with lessor quality connectors that had channel balance & static noise issues fed my OCD.

 

Does Audioquest offer repairs on the DF if ever needed?

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Belkin makes one. I found it quite by accident at Fry's in Anaheim.

 

which one?

 

Belkin : Cables : Computer: USB

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I got to see the DragonTail in person today. I am surprised that the fit between the DF and DT is not completely together. You can see the metal from the USB connector. It makes the two look like it doesn't go together or an after thought. Am I being too picky on a $30 1/2ft. USB cable? Please tell me if I am out of line.

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I don't think so when you can buy a gold-plated 6" USB extension for $5 shipped from Amazon:

 

6" USB Extender

 

The DragonTail looks like that but with Audioquest logo on the ends. The cable itself doesn't have any fancy jacket on it like other AQ products.

 

Does that extension cable you linked fit the DF securely? Does the metal on the USB connector show at the joint? The cheapo I got from eBay is a tight fit and covers the entire metal part of the DF. The only issue is it's white and it's 3ft. long.

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My mistake, the DragonTail sells for $16.95 on Amazon.

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Thanks for your help Junker. I'm gonna order it now. I may still order the DT from Amazon to compare the two. I'll return the one I don't want.