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The timing matters only in that this is an older, 24-bit/96kHz USB DAC rather than a modern high-resolution dongle, but the DragonFly Black remains a capable, compact design. At £42, it lands exactly on the £42 median from 19 recent comparable listings—fair market value, not a bargain, but certainly not ambitious; £32 or below would be the stronger-buy territory.
Its appeal is straightforward: plug-and-play operation, a clean ESS 9010-based DAC, useful analogue volume control, and a headphone stage that suits IEMs and reasonably efficient headphones. It can make a laptop or phone sound noticeably better and doubles as a fixed-output source for a powered system. Check that the USB plug and 3.5mm socket are sound, and remember that phone use may require a separate adapter; otherwise, at this price, a working example is an easy recommendation.
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.
