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Dragonfly 1.2 Feedback/Impressions ?

I'm beginning to play with computer based audio, looking for some feedback from others that might be using my DAC. I'm running a Macbook Pro with Audirvana, the Audioquest Dragonfly 1.2, Infinity Creshendo 3006 speakers, powered by a Fisher X100B amp.

I really like the Dragonfly with headphone listening. It's open, warm, and detailed. I tried running it into my Citation I/MC275/Bozak B302 main system and didn't seem too terribly impressed - my Rotel 1072 seemed much richer.

I am using 24/96 files from HD Tracks and ripped CD's. The quality of the recording seems to be much more important than the same resolution and sample rate so far. I have some 16 bit tracks that sound wonderful and frankly some of the 24/96 stuff from HD Tracks just doesn't measure up.

Is anyone running the Dragonfly in a mid sized or full sized system with impressive results, or is it just too much to ask for this device? 3.5mm to RCA cable recommendations? Other tips appreciated - I'm totally new to computer audio. I travel for work, and am completely sold on it's benefits and performance in that application. If I have to spend more $$$ I'm seriously considering the Schiit Bifrost Uber Analog unit based on everything I've read.
snpower
roscoeiii's avatar
roscoeiii
1,155 posts
 
iFi also has the recently released iDSD, again if you are OK with a larger sized DAC. Its list price is $189. Not sure about the iDAC, but the iDSD can even be used with an iPhone or certain Android phones with the proper adaptor.

But IIRC, the Dragonfly has the advantage of not needing a special driver for Windows/Linux, and it is soooo small. I need to get around to hearing the 1.2, seems to be getting very nice reviews that place it ahead of the 1.0 version (which itself got raves).
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
I've heard many of the plug in DACs. I like the Meridian ones best for the usb plugin types, however for just a bit more I got the Music Hall 25.3 DAC and it blows away the competition. I run it in balanced mode and not the tubed rca mode, however most rave about the tubed mode too. It's at that price point that is a spec more than the plug in DACS, but it's so much better. I have a fairly high end system (Ayre integrated and Proac Super towers with MIT MH770 speaker cable and AQ Niagara XLR from DAC to Ayre) and you can tell how good this DAC is. I replaced my Krell Stealth with it as it's warmer and more neutral and that's what I wanted (Krell is for sale ;)). The Shitt Dacs to me have been sterile and not as musical when I heard them in person. Just my ears though. I got a head ache from listening to it, but others swear by it. I wonder how many of those people have really listened to it or just read reviews. There seem to be a lot of good choices out there, but so many DACS test well, but most still aren't musical and that includes many of the 2k DACS also. I wasn't going to spend over 5 bills or so for a DAC when it's about to change to DSD audio I'm thinking. See what differences you hear in the Dragonfly vs the Meridian. If you feel the Meridian blows away the Dragonfly in ease and musicality, then your ear is probably similar to mine. Not sure if your computer based audio needs to be portable or not so that's why I mentioned the MH DAC.
jl35
3,977 posts
 
Halide DAC HD sounds great, and comes with attached cables...
snpower OP
1 posts
 
Good additional recommendations; whatever I get I'd like it to improve my main system too, so it has to best my Rotel 1072.
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
If you don't mind a full case, I have a Krell Stealth (one bit) that sounds awesome still, especially in the base, that I'm about to list. email if interested. Thanks.
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