This is arguably the best audio upgrade you can make for under $100
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Instagram / @_audioquest_I love music, and while it would be nice to exclusively listen to my favorite songs through a nice stereo, most of my music listening happens at my desk at work.
If you're in the same situation, investing in a good pair of headphones should be your priority, but beyond that I recommend getting a DAC (Digital Analog Converter.)
I reviewed AudioQuest's Dragonfly Black last August, and it hasn't left my computer since.
Every digital audio device has a DAC inside; it's what turns files on your phone or computer into sounds you can hear. The reason I recommend and continue to use a dedicated DAC is straightforward: It makes my music sound better.
There are lots of dubious audiophile tips and tricks to improving audio quality, and some people will never be satisfied, but using AudioQuest's Dragonfly Black has made a difference to my ears.
It's not a "night and day" difference like the one you'd notice when stepping up to a great pair of headphones, but it's there. Instead, the DragonFly Black has helped me discover nuances in some of my favorite songs that I'd never heard before. As I said in my original review, I only appreciated the difference after getting used to the way music sounded through the DragonFly Black and then going back to my MacBook Air's headphone jack.
Most audio gear is big, bulky, and expensive, which is why I tend not to recommend it to most people. I've had great experiences using Apogee's Duet II and Nu-Force's headphone amps in the past, but they require a serious monetary investment.
The DragonFly Black looks like a flash drive. You plug your headphones into its one port, and that's it.
There's something to be said about simple, subtle audio gear, and hopefully other companies will begin to offer similar products. You can even use this DAC with your iPhone or Android phone with the right adapters, which is great news for audiophiles who travel often.
As it stands now, I've spent almost a year using AudioQuest's DragonFly Black and I don't plan on stopping. Anyone who enjoys music and wants to make the most out of listening to it at their desk should seriously consider trying one for themselves.