AudioQuest DragonFly Red User manual

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EN
Instructions in English are available at the link below.
ES
Las instrucciones de instalación en el español se encuentran disponibles en el enlace que
se indica a continuación.
FR
Les instructions d’installation en français sont disponibles au lien suivant.
DE
Eine Anleitung in englischer Sprache ist unter dem unten stehenden Link verfügbar.
NL
Instructies in het Nederlands zijn beschikbaar via onderstaande link.
ZH
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JA
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RU
Инструкции по установке на русском языке можно найти по ссылке ниже.
IT
Le istruzioni per l’installazione in italiano sono disponibili nel link indicato in basso.
PT
Pode encontrar as instruções de instalação em português através do link em baixo.
PL
Instrukcja w języku polskim są dostępne w linku poniżej.
TH
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www.audioquest.com/DragonFlyRed/ight

OR
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Table of Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
What’s included? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Setting Up DragonFly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
For Use with Mac. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
For Use with Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
For Use with Apple Mobile Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
For Use with Android Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Desktop Device Manager Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Take DragonFly Higher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

DragonFly Red v1.0 – Flight Manual
DragonFly Red is a USB digital-to-analog converter (DAC) designed to deliver cleaner,
clearer, more naturally beautiful sound from any computer, smartphone, or tablet.
DragonFly Red’s unique design allows for playback of any le type regardless of
resolution. Natively, DragonFly Red is capable of decoding 24-bit/96kHz data. (For les
with higher sample rates, your computer or mobile device, in conjunction with its playback
software, will resample the data to a compatible resolution. For more details, see “Why is
‘Format’ Important.”)
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DragonFly Red represents the culmination of several new and exciting achievements.
Over the better part of three years, AudioQuest and acclaimed engineer Gordon
Rankin have been tirelessly developing sophisticated software solutions that have
allowed us to implement a new, high-performance class of USB microcontroller. We
have chosen to work with Microchip®, a leading provider of microcontroller and analog
semiconductors. With exceedingly low power consumption and extremely low-noise
power supplies, the Microchip microcontrollers achieve unprecedented levels of
eciency and signal-to-noise ratio, regardless of bit- or sample-rate.
While DragonFly versions 1.0 and 1.2 achieved new standards of performance and
portability in the high-delity audio world, many of our customers have longed for a
similar product that could be reliably used with their handheld mobile devices. Previously,
DragonFly’s power consumption limited its compatibility to Mac and Windows laptops
and PCs. Now, with our developments in the eld of microcontrollers, we are able to
improve DragonFly’s performance while also oering compatibility with handheld
Apple Mobile and Android devices. Improved performance and greater versatility!
DragonFly Red employs a unique clock system called a Hybrid-PLL. While not discrete,
the Hybrid-PLL performs equal to, or better than, many discrete clock systems, at a
fraction of their cost. This has allowed us to devote resources to more sophisticated
components elsewhere.
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Additionally, DragonFly Red is software upgradable. Our collaboration with Gordon Rankin
and Microchip has now resulted in products that allow consumers to download new
software if and when it ever becomes necessary. While we can’t reliably predict any
necessary software changes, AudioQuest feels that it is important to provide long-term
support for our customers and their investments in audio.
Finally, we simply cannot overstate the signicance of Gordon Rankin’s contributions
to AudioQuest. DragonFly Red represents many of Gordon’s most innovative, creative,
and elegant solutions to date.
We encourage you to spend a few minutes reading through the Flight Manual and then
sit back, relax, and get high on your favorite music!
AudioQuest
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What’s Included?
DragonFly Red v1.0 Asynchronous USB DAC
Travel Pouch
Flight Manual
Supported Operating Systems
Apple OS X®
Apple iOS®
Microsoft Windows® (7, 8.1, 10)
Android™
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Setting Up DragonFly
DragonFly Red is designed to be “plug and play” with all major desktop and mobile
devices and operating systems, such as Android, Apple, and Microsoft. No additional
drivers are required for DragonFly Red to operate with any of these systems.
Additionally, DragonFly Red is equipped with a 64-step, 64-bit, bit-perfect digital
volume control. With DragonFly Red connected to a PC or mobile device, adjusting the
host’s system volume control will, through proxy, control the DragonFly Red’s onboard
volume. This ensures maximum resolution and the highest sound quality, regardless of
volume setting.
For Use with Apple OS X®
(For Windows setup, skip to page 13; for Apple Mobile device setup, skip to page 17, for
Android setup, skip to page 18.)
DragonFly Red is compatible with Mac OS X, versions 10.6.8 and later. OS X menus may
appear slightly dierent from the screenshots shown below. Some have changed over
the life of OS X, but their functionality has remained the same.
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Setup for USB
Using“System Preferences”to send audio to DragonFly Red, while keeping alerts and
sound eects on the computer’s speakers:
1. Insert DragonFly Red into your
computer’s USB port.
2. Open“System Preferences”from the
Dock or from the Apple® dropdown
menu (top left).
3. Click on the“Sound”icon.
4. In the Sound panel, click on the
“Output”tab. Select “AudioQuest
DragonFly Red 1.0.”
5. Click on the Sound panel’s“Sound
Eects”tab.
6. In the“Play sound eects through”
menu, select“Internal Speakers.”
7. Close the window.
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4
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Setting up the“Audio MIDI Setup”so computer audio plays through DragonFly Red:
1. Open the “Applications” folder, and
then the “Utilities” folder.
2. Within Utilities, double-click to open
“Audio MIDI Setup.”
3. Within the“Audio Devices” panel, click
on “AudioQuest DragonFly Red 1.0.”
4. Select, “Use this device for
sound output”
5. Use the “Format” dropdown menu to
choose a sample rate—most likely
44100.0 Hz. (See “Why is ‘Format’
important,” right.)
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4
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Why is “Format” Important?
CDs operate at a sampling frequency of 44100.0 Hz. Compressed MP3 and AAC music
les and audio streams are typically encoded at three dierent quality levels—128kbps,
256kbps (iTunes Plus), and 320kbps—and are most often reconstructed as 44100.0 Hz
les. Similarly, many music downloads and CDs ripped as Apple Lossless or FLAC les
are reconstructed to 44100.0 Hz. If you have higher resolution les, it is important to
choose the correct higher sample rate in order to maximize the benet of those les.
For the best performance with sampling rates above DragonFly Red’s 96kHz ceiling,
les should be played at a rate mathematically related to their native resolution. For
instance, a 192kHz le should be played at 96kHz (i.e., 2 x 96000.0 = 192000.0).
Some programs (such as NPR) use 48000.0 Hz. These 24-bit/48000.0 Hz les can sound
amazingly close to higher sample-rate les. Some “high-res” les use 88200.0 Hz
because it is a multiple of the CD standard sample rate (i.e., 2 x 44100.0 = 88200.0).
Some“high-res”les use 96000.0 Hz because it is a multiple of the sample rates used on
DVDs, Blu-rays, and in the computer world (i.e., 2 x 48000.0 = 96000.0).
DragonFly Red’s LED lights up in dierent colors to indicate status or sample rate:
Red: Standby Green: 44100.0 Hz Blue: 48000.0 Hz
Amber: 88200.0 Hz Magenta: 96000.0 Hz
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Apple OS X – continued
Making certain that sound eects are routed to the computer’s speakers and not to
DragonFly Red:
1. In the already open“Audio Devices”
window, click rst to highlight
“Built-In Output.”
2. Click on the gear icon drop-down
menu.
3. Check that “Play alerts and sound
eects through this device” is
grayed out.
4. If it is not, click to select it so the
now appears next to “Built-In Output.”
Plug in earbuds, headphones, or use a cable to connect DragonFly Red to your pow ered
speakers or amplier, and you are ready to listen!
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3
2
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For Use with Windows® 7, 8.1, and 10
Setup for USB
Using “Control Panel”“Sound” settings to send audio to DragonFly Red, while keeping
alerts and sound eects on the computer’s speakers:
1. Insert DragonFly Red into your
computer’s USB port.
2. Go to Start menu and launch
“Control Panel.”
3. Open “Hardware and Sound” panel.
4. Select “Sound.”
5. For USB: The AudioQuest DragonFly
Red is added as “Speakers.” Ensure it is
the “Default Device.” Select “Speakers.”
6. Click “Properties” button for more
setup options.
a. Click “Advanced” tab. Use the
dropdown menu to choose the
sample rate—most likely
24-bit/44100.0 Hz.
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2
5
6
6a
6b
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(See “Why is ‘Format’ Important,”
right.)
b. For “Exclusive Mode,” check both
options, then click “OK.”
7. For Windows 8.1: Click“Enhancements”
button.
a. Select“Disable All Enhancements.”
8. For Windows 7: Setting chimes and
alerts to play through the computer’s
speakers and not DragonFly Red:
a. Select “Sounds” tab.
b. For “Sounds Scheme,” select “No
Sounds.”This prevents chimes and
computer alerts from playing back
through DragonFly Red.
c. Enter “DragonFly Red 1.0”as your
“Sound Scheme”(optional). Click
“OK.” Close window.
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7a
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Why is “Format” Important?
CDs operate at a sample frequency of 44100 Hz. Compressed MP3 and AAC music les
and audio streams are typically encoded at three dierent quality levels—128kbps,
256kbps (iTunes Plus), and 320kbps—and are most often reconstructed as 44100.0 Hz
les. Similarly, many music downloads and CDs ripped as Apple Lossless or FLAC les
are reconstructed to 44100 Hz. If you have higher resolution les, it is important to
choose the correct higher sample rate in order to maximize the benet of those les.
For the best performance with sampling rates above DragonFly Red 1.0’s 96kHz ceiling,
les should be played at a rate mathematically related to their native resolution. For
instance, a 192kHz le should be played at 96kHz (i.e., 2 x 96000.0 = 192000.0).
Some programs (such as NPR) use 48000 Hz. These 24-bit/48000 Hz les can sound
amazingly close to higher sample-rate les. Some “high-res” les use 88200 Hz, but
Windows 7 is not currently compatible with this sample rate. To play 88200 Hz music
les, Windows 7 users must select 44100 Hz, 48000 Hz, or 96000 Hz, with 44100
recommended as optimal because it is a direct multiple of the native sample rate (i.e.,
2 x 44100.0 = 88200.0). Windows 8 will play all sample rates. Windows-compatible
third-party music players, such as JRiver and foobar2000 will play 88200 Hz les at
their native sample rate. For support or more information about these music players,
please visit jriver.com or foobar2000.org. Some “high-res” les use 96000 Hz because
it is a multiple of the sample rates used on DVDs, Blu-rays and in the computer world
(i.e., 2 x 48000.0 = 96000.0).
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DragonFly Red 1.0’s LED lights up in dierent colors to indicate status or sample rate:
Red: Standby Green: 44100 Hz Blue: 48000 Hz
Amber: 88200 Hz Magenta: 96000 Hz
Plug in earbuds, headphones, or use a cable to connect DragonFly Red to your powered
speakers or amplier, and you are ready to listen!
16

For use with Apple Mobile devices
DragonFly Red will work with Apple’s mobile handheld devices. In order to connect
DragonFly Red to an iPhone or iPad and play music, an Apple Lightning-to-USB
Camera Adapter or Camera Connection Kit is required. For more info, visit http://www.
apple.com/shop.
1. Plug the Camera Adapter/Connector into your Apple mobile device.
2. Plug DragonFly Red into the Camera Adaptor/Connector’s USB port.
3. Turn down the volume on your mobile device to at least 50%.
4. Select your desired music/media app, and then select your desired song or stream.
5. Adjust volume to desired level.
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For Use with Android™Devices
DragonFly Red will work with most Android devices running on Lollipop OS (and
some Android devices running on KitKat), provided that the device manufacturer has
adhered to the USB specication and implementation, and supports audio over USB. To
verify that your Android device complies with isochronous USB audio, download and
run USB Host Check: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.tauruslabs.
usbhostcheck.
In our early pre-production testing, we found that some Android devices (4.1 OS and
newer) do not provide native support for audio over USB. If you nd that your Android
device (4.1 or newer) does not support audio over USB, we ask that you please contact
the manufacturer of your device. To determine whether your device supports audio over
USB, consult the user manual or visit the manufacturer’s website.
For a reliable media player that has its own built-in USB device driver, ensuring reliable
connectivity to all USB DACs, we suggest the following application: http://www.
extreamsd.com/index.php/2015-07-22-12-01-14/usb-audio-driver. This application
is compatible with various audio formats and will manage music on both the Android’s
internal memory and inserted SD cards. Additionally, with the phone connected to the
Wi-Fi network, this application can nd and connect to DLNA servers/libraries. Version
2.2.5 USB Pro Player now supports playback for Tidal Streaming.
In order to connect your Android device to DragonFly Red:
1. Android devices use a USB format known as “OTG” (On the Go). OTG USB ports

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require a unique 5-pin USB Micro to 4-pin USB A (Female) adaptor. In order to
connect an Android device in USB Host Mode to a DAC, an OTG adaptor must be
used. See www.audioquest.com/dragontailOTG
2. Select the appropriate cable for your Android device. AudioQuest oers a wide
range of high-performance USB cables, with connectors suitable for Android
devices (such as USB Micro and USB Mini). For more information, go to the USB
Cables section at http://www.audioquest.com/digital-interconnects/. In some
rare cases, a proprietary connection or adaptor will be required to transmit audio
over USB. (Consult your device’s user manual or visit the manufacturer’s website.)
3. Turn down the volume on your Android device to at least 50%.
4. Select your desired music/media app, and then select your desired song or stream.
5. Adjust volume to desired level.

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Desktop Device Manager Application
Available for Mac OS X and Windows 7, 8.1, and 10
The AudioQuest Desktop Device Manager Application allows you to identify your
DragonFly’s serial number and software version to ensure that the device is up to date.
In Order to install the AudioQuest Desktop Device Manager Application:
1. Go to: http://www.audioquest.com/dragony/app and download the latest
Device Manager available for your operating system.
2. Double-click the installer icon and follow the onscreen instructions until complete.
The application’s icon will appear on your desktop.
3. To run the Device Manager Application, double-click the application’s icon.
4. A window will appear, asking you to
connect a DragonFly Red device to
your computer.
5. The Device Manager Application will
automatically check for available
software updates. However, if you’d like
to manually check for updates, you can
do so whenever you wish by clicking the
“Check for Updates”button. If an update
is available, the “Update Now” button
will be enabled. Click this button to start
the update process.
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