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This is a buyer’s market for portable USB DACs, and US$100 is a strong deal on this one. It sits below the US$110 25th-percentile mark for comparable used listings, versus a US$126 median and US$167 75th percentile, so the price is firmly bargain territory rather than merely fair.
The Cobalt remains a particularly capable pocket DAC/headphone amp: compact, easy to use, compatible with computers and mobile devices, and equipped with a respectable 2.1 V output that suits a broad range of headphones. Its 24-bit/96kHz support, low-power operation, and improved filtering make it a refined step up from basic device outputs. Since condition is unknown, confirm that it enumerates properly, plays without dropouts, and includes the DragonTail adapter; at US$100, though, a working example is well worth pursuing.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Founded in 1980 by Bill Low in Irvine, California, AudioQuest traces its roots to 1978, when Low, a hi-fi store manager and avid enthusiast, began crafting superior audio cables to overcome the signal degradation he observed in existing products. Dissatisfied with subpar materials and construction, he prioritized advanced conductors like 6N copper, innovative insulation, and precise geometries, quickly earning acclaim after demos at events like the 1979 Summer CES. This passion-driven origin propelled AudioQuest from a cable innovator—first U.S. company to advance signal transmission in 1985—to a global force in high-performance audio.
While renowned for its expansive lineup of analog, digital, and AC power cables, including HDMI for video, AudioQuest has broadened into USB DACs and headphone amps, highlighted by the multi-award-winning DragonFly series launched in 2012. The brand also offers Niagara and PowerQuest power conditioners, alongside custom-install solutions, all engineered to maximize system fidelity without venturing into amplifiers, speakers, or turntables.
AudioQuest commands a premium position in the high-end market, supplying thousands of specialist retailers across 60 countries as the dominant cable provider for discerning audiophiles. Its relentless innovation, from conductor purity to dielectric design, delivers tangible performance gains, cementing a reputation for value and musicality that serious hi-fi buyers trust.
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