What To Know
- The DragonFly Cobalt, on the other hand, adopts a more minimalist design, featuring a lightweight plastic body and a USB-A connector that protrudes directly from the device.
- The iFi Zen DAC V2 comes with a plethora of features, including a selectable digital filter, a bass boost switch, and a variable headphone output.
- The iFi Zen DAC V2, on the other hand, provides a warmer and more spacious soundstage, along with a more powerful headphone amplifier and a wider range of features.
In the realm of portable DACs (digital-to-analog converters), two titans stand tall: the iFi Zen DAC V2 and the AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt. Both devices have earned accolades for their exceptional sound quality and compact designs, making them ideal companions for audiophiles on the go. But how do they compare head-to-head? In this in-depth analysis, we delve into the intricacies of these DACs to determine which one emerges victorious.
Design and Build Quality
The iFi Zen DAC V2 boasts a sleek and compact aluminum chassis, weighing just 140g. Its brushed finish exudes a premium feel, while the rounded edges ensure comfortable handling. The DragonFly Cobalt, on the other hand, adopts a more minimalist design, featuring a lightweight plastic body and a USB-A connector that protrudes directly from the device. Despite its smaller size (52g), the DragonFly Cobalt feels sturdy and well-made.
Connectivity and Compatibility
Both the iFi Zen DAC V2 and the DragonFly Cobalt offer a wide range of connectivity options, including coaxial and optical inputs for connecting to external sources. However, the Zen DAC V2 has the advantage of a USB-C input, which allows for direct connection to smartphones and tablets without the need for adapters. The DragonFly Cobalt, on the other hand, supports only USB-A connections.
In terms of compatibility, the iFi Zen DAC V2 is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems, while the DragonFly Cobalt is compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices.
Sound Quality
This is where the true battle lies. Both the iFi Zen DAC V2 and the DragonFly Cobalt deliver exceptional sound quality, but with subtle differences.
The Zen DAC V2 is known for its warm and spacious soundstage, with a rich and detailed midrange. The bass is deep and well-controlled, providing a solid foundation for the music. The treble is clear and extended, without any harshness or sibilance.
The DragonFly Cobalt, on the other hand, offers a more neutral and analytical sound profile. The bass is tighter and more defined, while the midrange is slightly recessed. The treble is crisp and airy, providing excellent detail and resolution.
Power Output and Headphone Amplification
The iFi Zen DAC V2 packs a powerful headphone amplifier capable of driving even high-impedance headphones with ease. It can output up to 160mW into 32 ohms, which is more than sufficient for most headphones. The DragonFly Cobalt, on the other hand, has a lower power output of 1.2V RMS into 32 ohms, which may limit its ability to drive demanding headphones.
Features and Functionality
The iFi Zen DAC V2 comes with a plethora of features, including a selectable digital filter, a bass boost switch, and a variable headphone output. The digital filter allows users to tailor the sound to their preferences, while the bass boost switch adds extra warmth and depth to the low end. The variable headphone output enables precise volume adjustment for different headphones.
The DragonFly Cobalt has a more minimalistic feature set, with only a single LED indicator to indicate the input source and sample rate. It also lacks a headphone output volume control, which means volume must be adjusted through the connected device.
Portability and Convenience
Both the iFi Zen DAC V2 and the DragonFly Cobalt are highly portable, thanks to their compact size and weight. The Zen DAC V2 is slightly larger and heavier, but its USB-C input allows for convenient connection to smartphones and tablets. The DragonFly Cobalt’s smaller size and USB-A connection make it even more portable, but it may not be as compatible with all devices.
Price and Value
The iFi Zen DAC V2 retails for around $169, while the AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt costs around $299. While the DragonFly Cobalt is more expensive, it offers a more neutral and analytical sound profile and a wider range of compatibility. The iFi Zen DAC V2, on the other hand, provides a warmer and more spacious soundstage, along with a more powerful headphone amplifier and a wider range of features.
The Verdict
Choosing between the iFi Zen DAC V2 and the AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt ultimately depends on your individual preferences and needs. If you prioritize a warm and spacious soundstage, powerful headphone amplification, and a wide range of features, the iFi Zen DAC V2 is the better choice. However, if you prefer a neutral and analytical sound profile, wider compatibility, and extreme portability, the AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt is the way to go.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: Which DAC has a more powerful headphone amplifier?
A: The iFi Zen DAC V2 has a more powerful headphone amplifier than the AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt.
Q: Which DAC is more portable?
A: The AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt is slightly more portable than the iFi Zen DAC V2, due to its smaller size and weight.
Q: Which DAC has a wider range of features?
A: The iFi Zen DAC V2 has a wider range of features, including a selectable digital filter, a bass boost switch, and a variable headphone output.
Q: Which DAC is better for listening to classical music?
A: Both DACs are excellent for listening to classical music, but the iFi Zen DAC V2’s warmer and more spacious soundstage may be more suitable for this genre.
Q: Which DAC is better for use with high-impedance headphones?
A: The iFi Zen DAC V2 has a more powerful headphone amplifier and is better suited for driving high-impedance headphones.