D1P 32 Bit Portable Headphone Amplifier & DAC (Open Box)

Table of Contents: 

• Introduction 
• Main Differences Between Audioengine D1P and AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt 
• Key Specifications 
• Key Features 
• Overall Design 
• Playback Capabilities 
• Other Noteworthy Features 
• Reliability 
• Pros and Cons 

Introduction 

In the world of high-quality audio playback, digital-to-analog converters (DACs) play a crucial role in transforming digital audio signals into a format that can be appreciated by audiophiles and casual listeners alike. Audioengine's D1P and AudioQuest's DragonFly Cobalt are two standout DACs that offer unique features and capabilities. This analysis will delve into a detailed comparison of these two devices, highlighting their strengths and differences. 

Audioengine D1P and AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt 

The Audioengine D1P builds on the legacy of its predecessor, the D1, offering a lightweight and compact form factor with enhanced audio performance thanks to its ESS Sabre DAC chip. It is designed for versatility with a convenient toggle switch to easily swap between your headphones and speakers. 

Conversely, the DragonFly Cobalt by AudioQuest focuses on portability and compatibility, featuring a high-performance ESS Sabre digital-to-analog conversion chip and a variety of connectivity options for mobile and desktop devices. 

Key Specifications 

Audioengine D1P Digital to Analog Converter: 

• ESS Sabre ES9219C 32-bit/384kHz DAC chip 
• Supported sample rates: PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz, DSD up to 11.2 MHz 
• Connectivity: USB-C, Optical, 3.5mm output, RCA output 
• No battery required; powered by USB 
• Dimensions: 3"W x 1"H x 2-1/2"D; Weight: 0.85 lbs. 

AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt: 

• 32-bit ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M DAC chip 
• Supported sample rates: PCM up to 96kHz 
• Connectivity: USB, 3.5mm output 
• Powered by USB connection 
• Dimensions: 3/4"W x 1/2"H x 2-1/4"D 

Key Features 

• Audioengine D1P: Offers a wide range of audio format support, including AAC, FLAC, and MQA, with a variety of connectivity options for flexibility in setup. It also includes an onboard volume knob and a sampling rate indicator. 
• AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt: Known for its compatibility with a wide array of devices, including Windows and Mac computers, iPhones, iPads, and some Android devices. It offers a compact and durable design, with a simple plug-and-play operation. 

Overall Design 

The D1P continues Audioengine's tradition of high-quality, aesthetically pleasing designs with its compact and lightweight form factor. It is designed to be the perfect audio companion for both office and home environments. 

The DragonFly Cobalt features a durable metal construction with a blue hardshell finish, emphasizing portability and durability for on-the-go use. 

Playback Capabilities 

Both DACs excel in their playback capabilities, with the D1P leveraging the power of the ESS Sabre DAC chip for detailed and nuanced sound across all types of headphones. The DragonFly Cobalt, with its ESS Sabre digital-to-analog conversion chip and high-performance headphone amplifier, offers dynamic and nuanced sound quality. 

Other Noteworthy Features 

• Audioengine D1P: Supports hi-fi quality audio rendering, including MQA and FLAC, a USB-C and Lightning adapter for universal phone connectivity, optical digital input for TV and home theater connections, and an industry-leading 3-year warranty. 
• AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt: Offers increased processing speed and efficiency, rendering for MQA audio files, and comes with a variety of adapters for connectivity with different devices. 

Reliability 

• Audioengine D1P: Known for its durability and backed by a 3-year warranty, offering peace of mind for consumers. 
• AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt: Comes with a 1-year warranty and is praised for its build quality and reliable performance. 

Pros and Cons 

Audioengine D1P: 

• Pros: Supports a wide range of audio formats with bitrates up to 32bit, inclduing MQA, FLAC and AAC, versatile connectivity, durable proven design based on the Audioengine D1, 3-year warranty.

AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt: 

• Pros: Compact and portable, compatible with many devices, easy plug-and-play operation. 
• Cons: Limited to 96kHz PCM, requires additional adapters for some connections. 

Why Digital Audio Quality Matters 

Understanding the essence of high-quality components in a DAC reveals why Audioengine's D1P excels. It's not just about hearing music; it's about experiencing it in its fullest, with every note and nuance captured exactly as created in the studio. Visit our blog about digital and analog audio to learn more. 

The Company Behind the Sound 

Audioengine, founded in 2005, stands as a testament to American innovation in audio technology. With a focus on customer satisfaction, they provide US-based phone support, and a commitment to quality that's hard to beat. 

Why Audioengine D1P Stands Out 

With its hi-fi audio quality and robust 3-year warranty, the D1P not only meets but exceeds expectations. It represents the culmination of Audioengine's dedication to creating products that deliver music the way it was meant to be heard. 

As an American company with deep roots in innovation, Audioengine ensures each customer feels valued with US-based support.

In conclusion, while the AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt offers a pathway to enhanced audio, the Audioengine D1P leads to the destination of audio perfection. It's more than a DAC; it's a gateway to experiencing music in its purest form, making it the clear choice for audiophiles and casual listeners alike seeking the ultimate sound experience. 

DAC Chip:

SA9312+ES9219C

Input bit depth:

Up to 32 bits

Input sample rate (USB):

PCM Max. 32bit 384KHz, Max 24bit 192KHz

DSD Support:

DSD 64, 128 (DOP), DSD 256 (Native)

MQA Rerender:

8X

USB device class:

UAC 2.0

Inputs:

USB Type-C

S/PDIF Optical (Max 24bit 192KHz)

Toggle Switch for input selection

Outputs:

Standard 3.5mm headphone port for headphones and headsets

RCA

SPDIF

Full-scale output level:

Max. 2.05Vrms @ 10K default

Output impedance:

<0.5R @ Headphone, 47R @ RCA

Recommended headphone impedance range:

10 Ohms ~ 600 Ohms

Frequency Response:

20Hz-40KHz +/-0.1dB

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR):

121dB (10K）

Power Requirement:

USB 5V DC

Consumption:

~102mA (normal), ~121mA (with pink noise at 50% volume, 32bit 384Khz)

Indicators:

• White: power/connected
• Green: PCM 88.2-192kHz / DSD64
• Blue: PCM 352.8-384kHz / DSD128
• Purple: MQA
• Green: Optical

Product dimensions

3.0" (7.62 cm) x 2.5" (6.35 cm) x 1" (2.5 cm)

Shipping weight
13.7 oz (0.39kg)

Environmental
Operating Temperature: 32 to 95 degrees F
Non-operating Temp: -4 to 113 degrees F
Relative Humidity: 5% to 95% non-condensing

Included Accessories:

• USB-C cable
• Lighning Cable
• Setup guide
• Microfiber bag

No external power is required. The D1P has a minimal power draw and can be powered directly by your mobile device or computer, ensuring efficient operation without significant power consumption. If you do not have a computer close by and are using the optical, any 5v DC USB power supply will work.

The D1P supports a wide range of headphones, from 10-600 Ohms, accommodating nearly all audiophile-grade headphones.

The D1P gives priority to the optical input over USB when dual connected.

Ensure the toggle switch is set to the headphone output and not the line out. This common step is overlooked and is crucial for directing audio correctly.

Key components include a Savitech SA9312 USB, an ESS ES9219C DAC for superior audio decoding, and a Cirrus Logic CS8416 for optical input, ensuring premium performance and sound quality.

The Toslink digital optical input allows the D1P to accept PCM stereo streams from any optical source, like TVs, computers, and media servers, providing flexible and high-quality audio connectivity.

The D1P processes PCM digital audio up to 32 bits and a maximum sample rate of 384kHz. It also supports DSD playback up to DSD128, allowing for high-resolution audio playback.

Yes, the D1P has built-in MQA hardware to complete the final unfold of an MQA audio file, offering a crystal clear listening experience.

The D1P supports MQA, FLAC, PCM, and DSD formats, ensuring it can handle a wide range of high-quality audio files for your listening pleasure.

By bypassing your computer’s internal DAC or sound card, the D1P with its advanced DAC technology and custom audiophile-grade connectors delivers a more expansive and detailed soundstage, enhancing your listening experience across platforms like iTunes, TIDAL, Spotify, and Pandora.

The D1P accepts both USB-C and S/PDIF optical input from any device with a TOSLINK digital optical, for your digital audio sources.

It is powered by your devices through a USB-C connection, with no need for an additional/external power source. This ensures convenient and versatile use across all your digital devices on-the-go, or from your home.

Absolutely, the D1P is engineered to power audiophile-grade headphones effortlessly. Its robust yet portable 32-bit headphone amplifier ensures superior sound quality from even the most demanding headphones.

The D1P works with iOS, Android, MacOS, and Windows devices, supporting any device with a USB or digital audio output, including phones, laptops, and computers.

Audio formats and bitrates are shown by the color of the indicator light on the D1P

White   PCM 32-48kHz

Green   PCM 88.2-192kHz, DSD64, Optical

Blue      PCM 352.8-384kHz, DSD128

Purple  MQA Rendering

*When connected to a Mac or PC, the indicator light reflects what your system sound audio output quality is set to, not the bitrate of the specific track you’re playing.