Featured item
Audioquest DragonFly Cobalt
it’s been a few years since Audioquest first introduced the first DragonFly miniature DAC/headphone amp. Since then , there have been a few changes and new models added to the lineup. The latest is the new flagship model, the DragonFly Cobalt.
Like all previous DragonFly models, Cobalt uses Gordon Rankin's precedent-setting StreamLength asynchronous-transfer USB code. Further, in Gordon's monoClock technology, a single ultra-low-jitter clock generated from the ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip runs the ESS chip functions as well as all microcontroller functions. This superior clock enables DragonFly Cobalt to provide greater resolution and clarity than DACs with multiple clocks.
Cobalt features the ESS Sabre 9601 headphone amp and bit-perfect volume control that give it its unique combination of power and grip over the music. This solution ensures maximum fidelity, thrilling dynamic contrast, and excellent signal-to-noise ratio. The 2.1-volt output makes Cobalt compatible with a wide range of headphones, including power-hungry, low-efficiency models.
All this is packed into a sleek case that measures just 2.26" x 0.73" x 0.47", making the latest DragonFly 10% smaller and even a bit more pocket-friendly.
Finally, to easily accommodate the increasing number of electronic devices that feature USB-C ports, DragonFly Cobalt comes with AudioQuest's USB-A to USB-C adaptor.
Currently in stock, the Audioquest DragonFly Cobalt sells for just $299. Stop by and check it out today!
Tips & techniques
Balanced cables
It’s been around for decades, but usually only found on high end or professional gear - the balanced connector. Most customers will be familiar with the ubiquitous unbalanced RCA connector, but maybe not the balanced XLR connector. So, what is the difference between an unbalanced RCA cable and a balanced XLR? Read on…
The typical unbalanced cables that get used for home stereo systems is comprised of two wires, one for the signal, the other offers an electrical ground. (Note: the ground wire is often just the metal shield within the outer jacket)
Any wire will act like an antenna and pick up RFI and EMI (radio frequency interference and electro-magnetic interference, respectively). Given the short lengths used in most home systems, this doesn’t present a problem.
However, when running longer lengths of cable, it starts to make a lot of sense to use a balanced cable.
Balanced cables have three conductors, two for the signal, and one for ground (again, the ground is usually the metal shield). The two signal wires actually carry the same signal, except that one of the wires has the polarity flipped. So, we can think of it as one wire is positive, the other negative.
Here’s where things get interesting…
The length of cable is still prone to interference and both the positive and negative wires get subjected to the same amount of noise. However, once the signals reach their destination, the receiving unit flips the polarity on the negative signal and combines it with the positive. This has two effects – the first is that the signal strength is greater. The other effect is that the noise that was on the wire is also flipped during the process. So, while the two signals are now both positive, the “positive noise” is now combined with the “negative noise” and cancels out. Simple!
As stated earlier, standard RCA cables usually work fine in home audio systems, but if you are looking for the best performance possible, by all means try switching to balanced cables if your gear has the option!
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