We're big fans of AudioQuest's DragonFly range of DACs / headphone amps, so a new model is cause for celebration. The DragonFly Copper claims to be AudioQuest's most powerful and efficient DAC yet, and builds on the Award-winning Red and Cobalt models.
We're promised "gradual refinements" through better parts and materials. But these refinements should add up to some sizeable gains – the new 32-bit ESS Sabre DAC / headphone amp promises twice the output power of any previous model, while the new Microchip Technology Microprocessor reduces the current draw by 25 per cent and improves supply-chain efficiency.
It also promises lower noise and distortion, and has a high-conductivity copper-plated case for improved RF-noise drainage.
The case is "informed and inspired by" the RF-draining barrels of AudioQuest's Mythical Creatures interconnects. We had a first look at the Copper at High End Vienna 2026, and as before, the USB-shaped DAC has a USB type A connection at one end, with a 3.5mm headphone/audio output at the other. A USB-C adapter is also included.
The tiny DAC offers a lot of what made its predecessors so well regarded, including compatibility with digital files from hi-res to the lowly MP3, the ability to work with iOS and Android devices and Apple and Windows computers, and the capability to drive headphones and feed preamps, amps and powered speakers.
We love the now-retired DragonFly Cobalt, noting in our review that it "does wonders in cleaning up our laptop’s performance, no matter what kind of file we feed it... It is such an incredibly precise rendering that we almost feel duty-bound to play our highest-resolution recordings through it."
The AudioQuest DragonFly Copper goes on sale in September for £230 / $250 (around AU$430). We'll bring you a full review as soon as we can.
MORE:
Read our AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt review
And our AudioQuest DragonFly Red review
The best DACs to improve your sound
