AudioQuest launches DragonFly Copper USB DAC amp

AudioQuest introduced DragonFly Copper on 4 June 2026 as a portable USB DAC, preamplifier and headphone amplifier. The new DragonFly model uses a 32-bit ESS Sabre ES9218 DAC chip and is scheduled to ship worldwide in September 2026. Announced pricing is $250, CAD $345, €249.95 and £229.95.

Georg S. Kuklick

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Jun 4, 2026

AudioQuest has introduced DragonFly Copper, a portable USB DAC, preamplifier and headphone amplifier. The new DragonFly model uses a 32-bit ESS Sabre ES9218 DAC chip and is scheduled to ship worldwide in September 2026. Announced prices are $250, CAD $345, €249.95 and £229.95.

The Copper design uses a copper-plated case for RF-noise drainage. It also uses a Microchip Technology microprocessor that reduces current draw by 25 percent compared with previous DragonFly models. AudioQuest rates DragonFly Copper at twice the output power of any previous DragonFly.

Output is specified at 2.1 volts. DragonFly Copper supports playback up to 24-bit/96kHz. The product continues the DragonFly plug-in USB DAC format for computers, phones and tablets.

Compatibility covers Apple computers, Windows computers, Apple iOS devices and Android devices. DragonFly Copper includes a DragonTail USB-A to USB-C adaptor. The unit measures 0.47 x 0.75 x 2.24 inches.

DragonFly Copper debuted at High End Vienna 2026. AudioQuest is scheduling worldwide shipping for September 2026.

Key specifications

Product type	Portable USB DAC, preamplifier and headphone amplifier
DAC chip	32-bit ESS Sabre ES9218
Output	2.1 volts
Current draw	25% lower than previous DragonFly models
Output power	Twice the output power of any previous DragonFly
Playback support	Up to 24-bit/96kHz
Desktop compatibility	Windows; Apple; Linux (no technical support provided)
Mobile compatibility	Apple iOS; Android
Volume control	Phone, tablet, or computer controls the output level
Included adaptor	DragonTail A to C Adaptor
Case	High-conductivity copper-plated case for improved RF-noise drainage
Dimensions	0.47 x 0.75 x 2.24 inches (HWD)

Predecessor: AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt — $199.95 current AudioQuest product-page price; Darko identifies it as the previous new DragonFly model from 2019
Rung below: AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt / DragonFly Red / DragonFly Black — Cobalt $199.95, Red $249.95 and Black $129.95 on AudioQuest product pages; Twittering Machines describes Copper as the new flagship above Black, Red and Cobalt