AudioQuest reveals new DragonFly v.1.2 USB DAC

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The original DragonFly USB DAC blew our minds with the level of performance for the price and size, and the v1.2 model promises even better sound quality

AudioQuest DragonFly v1.2

AudioQuest has confirmed details of its new DragonFly v1.2 USB DAC, which claims to deliver even better sound performance than the original DragonFly DAC.

The original, you may recall, tore-up the DAC rulebook, delivering great sound from a USB-stick sized device that cost around £200.

Sure enough, a host of similar products emerged on the market, and the DragonFly found itself relegated to 'good' rather than 'great' status. The v1.2 model hopes to change that.

AudioQuest claims to have refined the circuitry between the DAC chip and the analogue output stage, as well as improving the power supply.

The DragonFly v1.2 costs £129 – and has been with dealers since November 12th, so if you've bought one after that date you should already have one.

How to tell the difference? AudioQuest says the two are nigh-on identical but the colour of the analogue output on the new model is a little lighter, being grey rather than black. The box will be clearly marked however, while once connected to your laptop it will also say v.1.2.

The DragonFly has an asynchronous USB connection, works with PC and Mac, and has a 3.5mm analogue output that can deliver a fixed or variable output. The DragonFly claims full support for high-res audio, too.

We have the new AudioQuest DragonFly in the building, so look out for our full review.

MORE: Best DACs 2013

by Joe Cox

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Joe Cox
Joe Cox
Content Director

Joe is the Content Director for What Hi-Fi? and Future’s Product Testing, having previously been the Global Editor-in-Chief of What Hi-Fi?. He has worked on What Hi-Fi? across the print magazine and website for almost 20 years, writing news, reviews and features on everything from turntables to TVs, headphones to hi-fi separates. He has covered product launch events across the world, from Apple to Technics, Sony and Samsung; reported from CES, the Bristol Show, and Munich High End for many years; and written for sites such as the BBC, Stuff, and the Guardian. In his spare time, he enjoys expanding his vinyl collection and cycling (not at the same time).