Help: How to adjust volume on Dragonfly Red / Cobalt

[Kouzelna]

Hey guys, here's my entry for the stupidest question of 2025.

I'm using a Beyerdynamic DT1990 and a standard Android phone, in this case my Xiaomi Note 9 Pro with USB-C port.

I assume you need a converter cable to go from the USB-C to the Dragonfly unit. Which type?

Once attached, is the Android now sending a true line-out signal to the Dragonfly? Does the Dragonfly thus have volume control buttons? If not, then how to adjust the volume? And if I'm adjusting it via my phone, then what exactly is the Dragonfly doing, other than increasing the volume overall?

In other words, if it's not a true line-out signal, then how is the Dragonfly improving the sound?

Thanks so much. I was right on the verge of buying the Cobalt, but then I thought... what exactly am I getting for the steep price?

 

[559938]

Hey guys, here's my entry for the stupidest question of 2025.

I'm using a Beyerdynamic DT1990 and a standard Android phone, in this case my Xiaomi Note 9 Pro with USB-C port.

I assume you need a converter cable to go from the USB-C to the Dragonfly unit. Which type?

Once attached, is the Android now sending a true line-out signal to the Dragonfly? Does the Dragonfly thus have volume control buttons? If not, then how to adjust the volume? And if I'm adjusting it via my phone, then what exactly is the Dragonfly doing, other than increasing the volume overall?

In other words, if it's not a true line-out signal, then how is the Dragonfly improving the sound?

Thanks so much. I was right on the verge of buying the Cobalt, but then I thought... what exactly am I getting for the steep price?

It’s doing DAC duties as well as amp. Your phone is sending data over USB to the Dragonfly, and your phone’s volume control is in charge. I believe there’s a USB C Dragontail available.

https://www.audioquest.com/products...0zsok7gSKuOPHDq48XCG7JVKTZ8GviY8HFaG_3b13-C_A

Cheers!

 

[Kouzelna]

It’s doing DAC duties as well as amp. Your phone is sending data over USB to the Dragonfly, and your phone’s volume control is in charge. I believe there’s a USB C Dragontail available.

https://www.audioquest.com/products...0zsok7gSKuOPHDq48XCG7JVKTZ8GviY8HFaG_3b13-C_A

Cheers!

Hey, thanks a lot! As it turns out, I got turned onto the Fiio Q11 because it's a powerful small DAC/Amp for 1/3rd the price of the Cobalt. Really excited about it, but then I learned that it needs a very special cable that neither Amazon nor Fiio have to offer as a replacement in case of breakage. Ugh.

So, I ended up buying the iFi Hip DAC 2, for a great price on Amazon "used but great condition." Not my first choice, but the community seems to feel it'll run the DT1990 well and works great with Android. The 2 has a dedicated C port for charging only, and an A port for data only, making it easy to replace cables.

Pity, I loved the size and look of the Q11 and it seemed to be a powerhouse as well.