RADAR is a price search engine. We link to the original listing — we never sell direct. Transactions happen on the source site.
This is a strong deal at US$110: it sits right at the lower end of the observed market and matches the 25th-percentile price, versus a US$126 median and US$167 75th percentile. For a working unit, that is bargain territory rather than merely fair.
The Cobalt remains a very capable pocket DAC/headphone amp, with a clean 2.1 V output, bit-perfect digital volume control, and enough drive for many portable and moderately demanding headphones. Its ESS ES9038Q2M DAC and improved power filtering make it a worthwhile step up from basic laptop or phone audio, while the 3.5mm output also works into powered speakers or a line input. Check that the USB connector functions reliably and confirm the DragonTail adapter is included, but at US$110 those are sensible checks—not reasons to pass.
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.
See all AudioQuest listings on RADAR.
