I would not get both Red and Cobalt. I’d buy the Apogee Groove instead…which I actually did.

https://www.audioreviews.org/?s=apogee+groove

But caution: needs a lot of current and does not work with iPhone and multi drivers. It is designed for big headphones.

The DragonFly Red is the best you can get for $200…as it is the most natural sounding dongle in its class. I recommend adding the JitterBug FMJ, which adds some depth. Then you don’t need the Cobalt at all.

I love both but am very happy with the Red.

There is always the problem with current draw/battery consumption: the DragonFly Red minimizes battery consumption, but it comes at a cost: power!
The Chinese competition such as Hidisz S9 Pro or Shanling UA2 are more powerful but they drain your phone’s battery fast.

I will be posting a general blog article on dongles in the next few days.

Depends on your budget. You already get good sound in the $85 Shanling UA2. The Red is more refined, particularly in the mids, and the Cobalt is smoother at the top end. I use the Cobalt more for demanding classical and jazzy tunes. The Red is the punchiest of all such dongles I have tested.
You cut the top end a bit with the JitterBug, but I don’t think this is necessary for rock.

I think the Red would fit your needs.

Next, do you need it for on the go…then the Red would be a good choice. If you need it for your computer only, the Apogee Groove would be better with the 650…more powerful…but it does not work with a phone as it draws too much current. Sennheiser often pair the Apogee Groove with the 650s.

I wonder if you can help me decide as you say the Red is more suitable for rock (which is what I hear, rock/indie/pop/alternative/etc.)
But, I really dislike excessive treble, that’s why one of my favorite headset are the hd650

What do you think I should buy? for someone who has never own a DAC?
I did owned ak120ii which I loved

Thanks,
Eli

Originally when I came up with Black 1.5, we didn’t consider making Red. But the lower output voltage, the team at AudioQuest felt that maybe something with higher output voltage would work better with headphones (and HiFI systems) that required more voltage and less current (planar types). So Red was born.

I know a lot of customers are asking for higher and higher sample and bit rates. AudioQuest vision is for sound quality and not just numbers. This is what drives the product development for the DragonFly line.

We did look seriously at balanced offering for Cobalt. The big problem other than size was uniform connector technology for these products. We really felt that a wide number of adapters would be required (and lost) and it would frustrate the customer.

Thanks again,
Gordon