I continue to be really impressed by this device. I've been playing it and comparing to the iBasso D12, cheaper but more flexible inputs and self-powered, and even to the Burson 160D. I've been driving JH16 and Shure 540 IEM's, HD650s and a modified Fostex T50rp. Even with the IEM's, low level tracking was excellent, no problems at any level I would normally listen at, and no hint of noise or hiss. Even the less efficient low impedance T50's just sung, never a sense of strain at any rational volume, and a strong sense of clarity and control. Integration into the Mac was transparent and simple, and interaction with Pure Music has been flawless.
The T50's are really clean and have almost no grain, anywhere, so the first thing I can hear with an amp is how much grain is in it. I usually hear it most readily in voices, where how 'gritty' the voice sounds is affected by the amp. My benchmark is the Burson. The DACPort holds up very well. There is a very minormidrange coloration, but I mean minor. I'm only hearing it on some tracks, and I have to cross check with the Burson to be sure. That's really good for a device barely bigger than the 1/4 inch jack (btw, just the choice of jack-size should hint that this little fella was not meant to drive Apple buds...).
In fact, looking at the specs, this actually pushes more class A output than the Burson. Whoa. Class A no less. That's obviously why the amp sounds so effortless, even driving the more power-hungry T50s. With Class A, the amp is always on full power, and will actually run COOLER the louder you play the music and the less efficient the phones are.
For acoustic materials, space was well defined, but not etched. It felt very at home reproducing large and small venues, without a sense of "pin point" imaging that is artificially point-ish (when did you even here a "point" sized piano?). Acoustic and electric guitar really conveyed the percussive nature of the strumming and picking, voices and harmonies were clean, clear and lush, and bass was solid, with a pleasing tightness. Listening to "Mighty Trucks of Midnight" by Bruce Cockburn, the drums sound fantastic; the bass drum in particular really sounds very naturally percussive, in a way that really creates a well balanced, tightly integrated floor. Bruce's vocals come through clearly and cleanly, with a tiny bit of grain not present in the Burson. The top end is clean and extended, but not sizzly and sharp. Like the Burson, there's a bit of "tube" clarity, but no sense of coloration or being too-warm and plush.
This is a wonderful little amp. It really just resolves more detail, more cleanly and with less grain than the D12. With the D12 I feel like I'm listening to a great portable rig, but with the DACPort I simply feel like I'm listening to great music, especially when paired with the orthos. It's definitely not as detailed and lively as the Burson, but it's not $1000 and 15 lbs, either. If I had to have only one portable I would pick the D12, not because it sounds better, but because it's self-powered and has more inputs, including line-level. But there's no question which I'd pick for listening if I wanted best quality or could afford two portables, which fortunately I can.
This is a ridiculously good product for the money, it's made in the USA, they have been very prompt and helpful (no problems, just technical questions). It's not a Burson, but for a tiny, sub-$400 portable device, it's huge power, super clean and detailed, and a real joy to listen to. Rock on CEntrance, this is a great product. More inputs, and you'd have a totally awesome premium entry in the porta-sphere.
