[al2813]

It’s true that I listened to the Cobalt once and I almost bought it. Than I fell on a Topping NX4 on this forum sold unused at a third of the price of the Cobalt (new it’s about half the price) and honestly the NX4 kicks the Cobalt. More of just about everything!

 

[118900]

It’s true that I listened to the Cobalt once and I almost bought it. Than I fell on a Topping NX4 on this forum sold unused at a third of the price of the Cobalt (new it’s about half the price) and honestly the NX4 kicks the Cobalt. More of just about everything!

With all due respect surely you’re missing the whole point of the advantages of the DFC form factor. If the form factor is not an important factor to you, there’s boatloads of DACs that “kick” the cobalt.

 

[al2813]

Personally, and I repeat this is a personal opinion, the nx4 (as well as other DAC amps in the same size) is portable enough. From the moment you give up a certain level of comfort by going wired + DAC, i don’t see a massive difference between the two. If I really want to be portable (I.e I go with shorts and a t shirt and have no bag), I think Bluetooth is the only real option.

Just my opinion. And again if the cobalt was half the price or delivering an exceptional performance, I would have maybe a different opinion. In any case this is very personal.

 

[Father Schu]

When I originally asked Audioquest the question of rattle/wiggle after receiving my Cobalt they said it was ok if there was a 'little' play but that anything more was defective.

One of the previous emails said that Audioquest acknowledged a production issue and that it was being corrected.

I'm wondering if people are still buying these and getting stock with loose connectors? I would like to re-buy but not if current stock still has the issue.

 

[Tenashus1]

Been through 5 so far trying to get a wiggle-less one. The current one still has a slight wiggle on the headphone jack. Kept it. I just use mine at home. Treat it gently, so it's not an issue for me.

 

[118900]

When I originally asked Audioquest the question of rattle/wiggle after receiving my Cobalt they said it was ok if there was a 'little' play but that anything more was defective.

One of the previous emails said that Audioquest acknowledged a production issue and that it was being corrected.

I'm wondering if people are still buying these and getting stock with loose connectors? I would like to re-buy but not if current stock still has the issue.

The problem is that unless they have a recall of the thousands sold to retailers, you definitely risk buying one that is “old” stock and therefore at risk of the defect. Is it maybe worth asking audioquest whether they have issued a recall/replacement?

 

[Cynistrategus]

I walk around all the time with the Cobalt attached to my iPhone with a small, flexible USB - Lightning adapter that allows the Cobalt to sit behind or next to my phone in my front pants pocket. Once I get it setup and ready to go, there's minimal operational difference between Cobalt + wired headphones and wired headphones straight into a headphone jack. There's no need for a bag.

Personally, and I repeat this is a personal opinion, the nx4 (as well as other DAC amps in the same size) is portable enough. From the moment you give up a certain level of comfort by going wired + DAC, i don’t see a massive difference between the two. If I really want to be portable (I.e I go with shorts and a t shirt and have no bag), I think Bluetooth is the only real option.

Just my opinion. And again if the cobalt was half the price or delivering an exceptional performance, I would have maybe a different opinion. In any case this is very personal.

 

[Haden2866]

Not strictly on the topic of DFC vs... but I wanted to share my discovery that DFC turns out to drive my 300 Ohm German Maestro GMP 8.300D closed-back headphones with real authority, out of my iPhone 8plus. I'm really pleased - I thought I'd try them out but was expecting to need a headphone amp to get the best out of DFC with them - not so; this is a tremendous pairing. A couple of hours' use suggests that battery drain is well within acceptable range.
These are the headphones I shall be wearing after the apocalypse when all others have turned to dust.

Here's DJ JFB running his signature edition model over with a car in Brighton just because why not:

 

[Cynistrategus]

That's interesting. I tried a Sennheiser 650 in the store with the Cobalt and iPhone and I could max the volume and only be a little uncomfortable listening to it... my seat of the pants feel with that is it probably could use more power, and I see the HD 650 is rate at 300 ohms impedance.

Not strictly on the topic of DFC vs... but I wanted to share my discovery that DFC turns out to drive my 300 Ohm German Maestro GMP 8.300D closed-back headphones with real authority, out of my iPhone 8plus. I'm really pleased - I thought I'd try them out but was expecting to need a headphone amp to get the best out of DFC with them - not so; this is a tremendous pairing. A couple of hours' use suggests that battery drain is well within acceptable range.
These are the headphones I shall be wearing after the apocalypse when all others have turned to dust.

Here's DJ JFB running his signature edition model over with a car in Brighton just because why not:

 

[Haden2866]

That's interesting. I tried a Sennheiser 650 in the store with the Cobalt and iPhone and I could max the volume and only be a little uncomfortable listening to it... my seat of the pants feel with that is it probably could use more power, and I see the HD 650 is rate at 300 ohms impedance.

I'm listening again now - at 3/4 volume it's probably over my usual listening level. At max volume it's usable - not trouser-flappingly loud, as we used to say, but usable. YMMV, of course. Must be getting old.

 

[gooeyrich]

Newbie question, is this enough of an upgrade over products like Nuforce Udac5 and Audioengine D3 to justify the price difference?

 

[118900]

That's interesting. I tried a Sennheiser 650 in the store with the Cobalt and iPhone and I could max the volume and only be a little uncomfortable listening to it... my seat of the pants feel with that is it probably could use more power, and I see the HD 650 is rate at 300 ohms impedance.

Have you compared the respective sensitivities? subjective loudness acceptance levels for each person would also play their part

 

[KaiFi]

My experience with this thing is that it's very powerful. Even with my 150 ohm Sennheiser/Massdrop 58X, only four volume squares on my Mac. Any higher and it's blowing out my eardrums. I don't remember this with the Dragonfly Red.

I prefer the sound of the DFC to the unbalanced output of my Fiio Q5s (AM3E).

 

[AltoBajo]

Has anyone compared the Cobalt SQ with the Sony Nw1a DAP SQ? I'm trying to figure wether to get an iPad Pro paired with a Cobalt,or the Sony.I'll be using IEMs.I had the first two black Dragonflies when they were released hooked up with a MacBook.They were a revelation at the time,performance and form factor.Thanks!

 

[TK33]

When I originally asked Audioquest the question of rattle/wiggle after receiving my Cobalt they said it was ok if there was a 'little' play but that anything more was defective.

One of the previous emails said that Audioquest acknowledged a production issue and that it was being corrected.

I'm wondering if people are still buying these and getting stock with loose connectors? I would like to re-buy but not if current stock still has the issue.

I just picked one up in store at B&H. Immediately took it out to check in case I needed to exchange it but it seems sturdy with no rattle/wiggle. It is only a few hours old so only time will tell (fingers crossed/knock on wood).

Really enjoying it right now on my way home from work.