AudioQuest DragonFly USB Digital-Audio Converter and Sydney Interconnect Sweepstakes

Register to win an AudioQuest DragonFly USB Digital-Audio Converter and Sydney Interconnect (MSRP $478) we are giving away.

According to AudioQuest:

Beautiful Sound ... From Any Computer: DragonFly is an affordable and easy-to-use device that delivers far superior sound by bypassing the poor quality sound card that is built into your computer. DragonFly is a sleek, flash drive sized Digital-Audio Converter that connects to a USB jack on a Mac or Windows PC, turning any computer into a true high- fidelity music source.

Whether you’re on the go or at home, listening on ear buds or connecting your computer to a stereo system, DragonFly reveals all the emotional expression and nuance that makes your favorite music, or movies, so enjoyable. However you connect it, DragonFly simply and easily makes any computer sound better.

Features:
Plays All Music Files: MP3 to 24-bit/192kHz
Drives Headphones Directly
Variable Output Drives Powered Speakers or Power Amp
Fixed Output Feeds Preamp or Receiver
Asynchronous Transfer Ensures Digital Timing Integrity
Two Clocks Enable Native Resolution Up To 24-bit/96kHz

For this special sweepstakes, included with DragonFly is a low-distortion AudioQuest Sydney analog interconnect cable with a 3.5mm "mini" plug at the DragonFly end and stereo RCAs at the other end. From AQ's Bridges & Falls series, Sydney is all that's required to connect DragonFly to a full-blown audio rig just like a traditional DAC or disc player, or directly to a power amplifier. Sydney employs superior materials and design, including solid Perfect-Surface Copper+ conductors, air-tube insulation, and AudioQuest's 3-layer Noise-Dissipation System for low distortion and high performance.

Click here for more info from Audioquest.

To enter the sweepstakes, all you need is an account on this website. If you don't already have one, click on the link labeled "register" at the bottom of this announcement or "Create new account" in the right column (under the ads). Then, enter a username and a valid e-mail address, and click on the "Create new account" button. A message will be automatically sent to the e-mail address you specified, which will include a link to activate the account.

You can enter once on www.analogplanet.com, audiostream.com, hometheater.com, innerfidelity.com and/or stereophile.com. No more than one entry allowed per website.

The final step (and only step for those who already have an account) is to log in and leave a comment right here on this announcement—any comment will do, as long as it's not profane or spam. Then, when the sweepstakes closes, a lucky commenter will be chosen at random to receive the prize. So post a comment, and good luck!

For complete sweepstakes rules, click here.

[This Sweepstakes is now closed.]

COMMENTS
kdl6769's picture

Would love one.

batman44's picture

   This thing looks sweet!

aleneverest's picture

I ripped my 800+ CD collection about 2 years ago. I used Exact Audio Copy, converted everything to FLAC and spent many, many hours sorting out the meta tagging.  Finally, job done. Or so I thought... 

I have a reasonable system; all Linn front end (Linn LP12, Lingo, Mimik CD) with a modest amp and speakers and no means to playback my newly minted digital archive.  I spent 2 years reviewing DACs and streamers and the like. Finally I arrived at the conclusion that the best digital audio player is a laptop - reason? Because it is possible to select from a range of specialist media player software that can be fine tuned and updated.  This in contrast to a streaming device where you pretty much get what you get. In addition, a laptop can work equally as well as a streamer from a NAS.  So I'm looking at a new laptop + JRiver.  In the meantime I've been suffering with a circa 2004 Lenovo pentium laptop, Win XP. Not a pleasant sound.

About a month ago I took the plunge and purchased a Dragonfly. My biggest concern was that the aging Lenovo would not have the firepower to drive the DAC without pops and clicks and under runs - no such problems.  In fact playback is so good, I've delayed the purchase of the new laptop.  I'm streaming using Logitech Media Server and Squeeze play Beta.  The sound quality is beyond expectations.

In AB testing against my Linn CD player the Dragonfly equipped laptop has the edge on clarity, it allows me to peer deeper into the sound-scape and presents the music a few rows further forward.  The overall effect is a clearer picture with slightly better detailed high frequency reproduction. Midrange performance is on a par with the aging Linn CD player - which has a very neutral presentation - female jazz vocals are very present. Laura Fygi's vocals on her 1991 'introducing album are mellifluous and contoured. By contrast, Leonard Cohen's sometimes nasal presentation is superbly reproduced on 'Everybody Knows'.  What about the bass? William Orbit's 'Strange cargo III' is resplendent with deep, rich bass that can sound somewhat monotone on lesser systems. On both the Linn and the Dragonfly the base was musical and exciting with it's own musicality and texture.

Overall, I would give the Dragonfly the edge over the Linn by a short nose.  However I would expect that the performance could be further improved with better media-player software and better interconnects - I'm currently using a 3.5mm to RCA after-market Apple product.

If you're sitting on the fence over this product, you're just wasting precious time that you could be spending listening to your music.  I now need a second Dragonfly for my office system!  Pick me please.

Sinny's picture

Heard great things about this DAC would love to win it

Dave WV's picture

Sign me up.  Mucho gracias.

Miner42's picture

Would love to see what all the hype is about this 'thing'.

SoundTeck's picture

Would love to have one of these to go with my electric drumset.

thomoz's picture

I am dying to hear the dragonfly, & I hope I get the chance to!  Thanks for the contest!

midfiguy's picture

Can't listen to vinyl all the time.

audiot's picture

I'm listening to my flacs via usb from my old Vaio laptop. I really need an external usb DAC!

homersoddishe's picture

Thank you, sir.

ZombieFish's picture

and pick me as the winner!

peterspencer10's picture

I'll take it!

peterspencer10's picture

I'll take it!

2_channel_ears's picture

Dragonfly Fly By My Window
Dragonfly Don't Keep Me Waiting
Dragonfly You've Been Away Too Long
Dragonfly The Years Ahead Will Show
The Lonely Nights, Come On Home
And Make It Right

srmc's picture

Count me in!

Flying Goat's picture

I'm in.

BillyBoy's picture

What is this.. how do you say it? ...DragonFly? Fly by my window.... I'm waiting, can't you see me?, I'm waiting.

gregjb's picture

Great compliment for the MacPro and Pure Music.

RTruax's picture

It's not analog...but sweet none the less. Thanks ya'll.

brrgrr's picture

Thanks AnalogPlanet for the opportunity.

craw787's picture

Please

StonedBeatles1's picture

This would work quite well..

Vinylfan2012's picture

I'm in!

 

thanks

Numanoid's picture

This looks really cool!

Spwill's picture

Cool, need to upgrade my computer sound.

J.Z.'s picture

Thank you for the opportunity.

natecsd's picture

Thanks!

bbfrid's picture

One of the Stereophile recommended products of the year!

Brother John's picture

Dear Mikey,

     Just want you to know that when It comes to vinyl reviews you are on the money almost 100% of the time as far as sound quality is concerened. Audiophile Vinyl is not cheap so you've really helped me to make the best purchasing decisons over the years. 

My Ears Than you for This as well as my wallet!

Lane_E's picture

This would be a great way to get my daughter to listen to music through something other than laptop speakers.

hoangtt1989's picture

hi

freejazz's picture

might be the trick for portable audio

mwcad47's picture

...of a good DAC

TinoC's picture

This would make a great addition to my laptop. Please pick me!!!!

sculptor's picture

Every "bit" of me is hoping this entry will 'Fly'. 

clg1977's picture

I would love to add one of these to my hifi!

homersoddishe's picture

I can't remember, so I'd better post now, just in case I didn't before.  Oh, brain. 

Hackmartian's picture

My official entry!

willdao's picture

...for the opportunity.  My laptop really NEEDS something like this!

Downforce's picture

Dragonfly... now that is a great Frank Marino and Mahogany Rush tune.

Newman's picture

I've been interested in this.

scotto's picture

I'm in it to win it!

 

scotto

Stevieray's picture

This is probably one of the most innovative products I've ever seen.  I want one!

Wcwc's picture

I could really use this.

mtbikemusic's picture

I'm itching to pull the trigger on something that sounds better than my Airport Express.

DLKG's picture

I would love to win.

dleonard's picture

Hope I'm lucky enough to win.   :)

ejk's picture

Thanks

Chuck Martin's picture

Dragonfly sounds like a great product from recent reviews!

Bartleby's picture

Next year: the Dick Tracey 2-way wrist TV ships.

lithium's picture

I have heard this is an excellent and portable product.

thatbobfella's picture

...what are they thinking? 

 

Bob

niten's picture

Exciting to see a giveaway on this site.

As always, slimmest of shots to win, but "what if..."

gerald harrington's picture

cool device

rudirudi's picture

Thank You!

John M Roberts's picture

Could use a new-free- DAC. Now back to the Beatles box and MF's reviews.

gringostarr's picture

Hoping for the best news!

lawn_wrangler's picture

a huge improvement.

holdenc19's picture

I would bet.

jimhb's picture

yea... this is amaing.. and I have been wanting it for some time!

jhwalker's picture

n/t

rpm's picture

Sooo much love too's........

mfant's picture

Looks great! Would love to get a chance to use them in my home and office with my Grado Sr 60i's

hrlaser's picture

I haven't won anything for 203942039482309481 years.. this sounds impressive.. uhh.. I mean, I haven't heard what it sounds like, yet, but it reads impressive.. ugh.. grammar! bad!.. AudioQuest makes good stuff.. I'd love to cozy up to this prize.. please make it so.. Thank you, and have a Happy Merry.. anyone sick of "Black Friday" and "Cyber Monday" yet?.. hey! look! a mattress sale!.. is there ever NOT a mattress sale?..

Meanwhile, I hope you find this useful::

 

How to Give a Cat or a Dog a Pill



1. Pick up cat and cradle it in the crook of your left arm as if holding a baby.Position right forefinger and thumb on either side of cat's mouth and gently apply pressure to cheeks while holding

pill in right hand As cat opens mouth, pop pill into mouth.

Allow cat to close mouth and swallow.



2. Retrieve pill from floor and cat from behind sofa.

Cradle cat in left arm and repeat process.



3. Retrieve cat from bedroom, and throw soggy pill away.



4. Take new pill from foil wrap, cradle cat in left arm, holding rear paws tightly with left hand.Force jaws open and push pill to back of mouth with right forefinger. Hold mouth shut for a count of ten.



5. Retrieve pill from goldfish bowl and cat from top of wardrobe.

Call spouse in from the garden.



6. Kneel on floor with cat wedged firmly between knees, hold front and rear paws. Ignore low growls emitted by cat. Get spouse to hold head firmly with one hand while forcing wooden ruler into mouth. Drop pill down ruler and rub cat's throat vigorously.



7. Retrieve cat from curtain rail. Get another pill from foil wrap. Make note to buy new ruler and repair curtains. Carefully sweep shattered figurines and vases from hearth and set to one side for gluing later.



8. Wrap cat in large towel and get spouse to lie on cat with

head just visible from below armpit.Put pill in end of drinking straw, force mouth open with pencil and blow down drinking straw



9. Check label to make sure pill not harmful to humans and drink one beer to take taste away. Apply band-aid to spouse's forearm and remove blood from carpet with cold water and soap.



10. Retrieve cat from neighbor's shed.

Get another pill. Open another beer. Place cat in cupboard,

and close door onto neck, to leave head showing. Force mouth open with dessert spoon. Flick pill down throat with elastic band.



11. Fetch screwdriver from garage and put cupboard door back on

hinges. Drink beer. Fetch bottle of scotch. Pour shot, drink.

Apply cold compress to cheek and check records for date of last

tetanus shot. Apply whiskey compress to cheek to disinfect.

Toss back another shot. Throw tee-shirt away and fetch new

one from bedroom.



12. Call fire department to retrieve the #$%^&* cat from the top of the tree across the road. Apologize to neighbor who crashed into

fence while swerving to avoid cat.Take last pill from foil wrap.



13. Using heavy-duty pruning gloves from shed, tie the little

*&#%^'s front paws to rear paws with garden twine and bind

tightly to leg of dining table. Push pill into mouth followed by

large piece of filet steak. Be rough about it. Hold head vertically

and pour two pints of water down throat to wash pill down.



14. Consume remainder of scotch. Get spouse to drive you to the

emergency room. Sit quietly while doctor stitches fingers and

forearm and removes pill remnants from right eye. Call furniture shop

on way home to order new table.



15. Arrange for SPCA to collect mutant cat from hell and call

local pet shop to see if they have any hamsters.



How To Give A Dog A Pill

1. Wrap it in bacon.

2. Toss it in the air.

3. All done!

Jody's picture

thanks!

nogan's picture

It's not vinyl related.

dcalder's picture

nick4670's picture

I do not have a computer audio system.  I would like to hear what the Dragonfly provides.  Reviews are all positive,

rmarston's picture

enter me in the contest please!

martinjohnbutler's picture

I saw this on the Stereophile front page and thought it looked cool, and after seeing the glowing reviews, I'd love to have one.

SWC's picture

Great for road trips!

om05964's picture

I really need one of these, thank you.

calmaronmusic's picture

yes

projectc's picture

This would be alot nicer than my cheap $30 sound card.

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