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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
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.
planckscale
60 posts
 
I recently tried the Dragonfly DAC on my laptop connected to a pair of KRK 5 monitor speakers. It sounded nice, but I couldn't detect any sound quality difference compared to the regular laptop's audio jack.

I was using windows media player, so probably I was not by-passing the Windows kmix. Nevertheless, I should have heard a difference...I didn't.
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
I was in a store and heard the Dragonfly vs the Meridan and was blown away by the difference, but that was me. The person who came in to by the Dragonfly walked out with the Meridian as it was his favorite by far.

In rereading your post, you asked if the Dragonfly is good enough for a full system, I would say probably not. I recently heard my Krell Stealth vs the Dragonfly and it wasn't even close. granted I'm selling the Krell for around 475 or so, so it's a lot more than the AQ, but it wasn't even in the same ball park. Bass especially was so lacking in the Dragonfly as was any sense of soundstaging or imaging. It all sounded congested and collapsed with the Dragonfly. It's great for what it is,but it's nothing more than a portable device to my ears.
hitiforhit's avatar
hitiforhit
8 posts
 
I agree with Ctsonner, I have the Dragonfly and use it as a portable with the laptop and that is it. In my main system, I use a Arcam rDac that I have been happy with for an entry level DAC. The Dragonfly doesn't really compare to it. I think you can get them marked down now on some sites, it has sounded good for me. I run it through a Manley Shrimp and a McIntosh 2105 with Focal Profiles and use Amarra.
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