moedawg140
Grand Master Moe "G"….Don't crossface me, bro!
Ping Pong Champ: SF Meet (2016,2017), CanJams (London 2016, RMAF 2016, NYC 2017, SoCal 2017, RMAF 2017)
Review: CEntrance DACport Slim DAC/Amp Combo
I would like to thank Massdrop for the CEntance DACport Slim DAC/amp combo in exchange for my opinion. Here’s the link to the drop page on Massdrop: https://www.massdrop.com/buy/centrance-dacport-slim-amp-dac-combo?mode=guest_open.
Here is the list of audio equipment used in the review:
DAC/amp
CEntrance DACport Slim: $99 shipped in United States
Sources
Surface Pro 2 64GB: $899.99
Custom Windows 7 Ultimate PC: > $2,000
Headphone
HIFIMAN HE1000: $2.999
IEM
Shure SE846: $1,000
Sensaphonics Custom Sleeves: $150 (used with Shure SE846)
Software applications used
TIDAL HiFi – Lossless
Sound Level Analyzer: $4.99
Mentioned products
Master & Dynamic MH30: $349
Master & Dynamic MH40: $399
Questyle Audio QP1R: $899
Challenge – accepted!
Is the CEntrance DACport Slim worthy of excelling with regards to triple duties: powering moderately difficult to drive headphones, powering very sensitive IEMs, and sound wonderfully superb as well? Let’s take a look and find out…
Here are a few features of the DACport Slim:
Basic features:
- 24 bit/192 khz
- Low and high gain for maximum 450 mw power (should handle everything from the Shure SE846 to full size headphone)
- Cap-free signal path (well-regarded Cavalli designs use similar implementation)
- Async USB done via XMOS controller
- The HIGH GAIN setting is also appropriate when using the output as a line level output. Turn the volume knob to the max and leave the gain switch at HIGH. This will configure the 3.5mm output for line level.
- Aluminum housing
- Tactile volume control scroll wheel (upper-right corner is a volume control wheel)
- Compatible with larger android devices (tablets generally, some phones, needs power and small or old devices generally can't deliver enough)
Power in a small package
DACport Slim next to a quarter
Authenticity and versatility are two words that come to mind when I think about my experience with the DACport Slim. Furthermore, the DACport Slim conveys a slight hint of comforting warmth. There is ample power to drive most headphones to very loud levels. Also, no clipping at higher volumes was observed. A triple threat and more, for sure!
Compatibility
Left view - headphone port
The product is listed as being compatible with PC/OSX/Linux. You can also try to test the DACport Slim with higher-powered Android devices via micro USB to micro USB cable (it was tested with a Samsung Galaxy S5), but you mileage may vary, since the DACport Slim is designed to be compatible with computer products. I purchased a CCK lightning cable for my iPhone 6 and micro USB charge and sync cable for the Questyle Audio QP1R just to test if the DACport Slim would run, but to no avail.
So I've been listening to the DACport Silm with easier to drive headphones such as the Master & Dynamic MH30, MH40, and HE1000, and the amp is seriously pretty dang good! I feel that using the DACport Slim with easy on up to harder to drive headphones there isn’t necessarily a need for a more expensive amp unless you want a more colored sound, or pay a lot more for a slightly increase in higher auditory fidelity in my opinion.
Can it drive difficult to synergize IEMs well?
DACport Slim and SE846 + Sensaphonics Custom Sleeves
I wanted to find out if the difficult to synergize SE846 would be a sufficient match for the DACport Silm, and I am relieved to say that it was driven splendidly. The presentation was smooth, warm, but detailed as well.
Can it power moderately difficult to drive headphones well?
DACport Slim and HE1000
Top view - Low and High gain settings
I was eager to try the miniscule DAC/amp to find out if it could drive my headphones. The sensitive MH30 and MH40 was a breeze to power with a great deal of headroom, but I seriously thought that the HE1000 would be a test for the DACport Slim. No, not at all. The DACport Slim passed the amplification portion of the test (and DAC portion as well) with supreme flying colors. I am listening to the HE1000, DACport Slim and Tidal HiFi – Lossless right now as I type this, and I have not wanted to press "next" to any track because everything, even songs that I normally wouldn’t want to listen to – sound very detailed, with defined bass, a robust midrange, and a sublime treble that makes me want to be lost in the music, or dance, depending on what is playing. The results are a thoroughly engaging presentation from this combination.
On my Surface Pro 2 and Custom PC, the DACport Silm handled everything I threw at it regarding a diverse media format playback. DSD, WAV, FLAC, MP3 and other file formats were handled seamlessly. The DACport Slim has a beautiful sound with sufficient overall tone and timbre.
Max volume of the DACport Slim and HE1000 using Sound Level Analyzer (Z weighting) and -3 dBFS 192 kHz pink noise track
Volume control
Right view - volume and USB connection
The physical volume control is wonderfully implemented. Simple to access when it is near you, and can be easily accessed via left thumb or right index finger. The tactile volume control feels satisfying to turn, as it is not too loose-feeling, and not too firm-feeling – rather, it feels just right. I like having both abilities because on my Custom PC’s Bluetooth keyboard I typically use the keyboard's volume buttons (I have a custom program that delegates the Page Up and Page Down buttons as volume up and volume down), so I only use the physical volume to turn down the unit completely if I'm changing headphones and/or earphones. Choice is always lovely.
Effortless connection
The DACport Slim is designed to strictly run off of whatever the device is plugged into via micro USB cable – no external power cables or adapters necessary.
Installation
Install the DACport website’s software and restart. Make sure the DACport Slim is plugged into a USB 2.0 port, because when I plugged into the USB 3.0 port of my Custom PC, the computer did not recognize it. Windows 10 or MAC OSX may function correctly, but to make sure the DACport Slim will work correctly, plug it into the USB 2.0 port.
When you have the DACport Slim plugged in, the audio should automatically change from whatever is plugged into the PC (or other devices) to the DACport Slim’s audio port. If you do not hear volume, make sure the source volume is turned up and DACport Slim’s volume is turned up as well.
CEntrance software options
The software offers streamlined and minimal options. The options in the CEntrance USB Audio settings are:
Latency: 1.0 ms to 20.0 ms. I keep the latency setting on the default setting of 10.0 ms.
Sample Rate: Choices – 44100, 48000, 88200, 96000, 176400, and 192000 Hz. I keep the sample rate setting on the default of 192000 Hz.
ASIA Hosts can change: “checked” or “unchecked”. I keep the ASIO Hosts option on the “checked” default.
No stones unturned
Easy way to change Low to High gain and vice-versa
With regards to the versatility of the DACport Slim, you can use your favorite EQ applications, streaming services, and play virtually anything the computer would normally play natively. The Low gain setting is best for C/IEMs, and the much more powerful High gain setting is best for most headphones.
Feel the cool warmth
The DACport Slim gets a little warm, but does not reach very hot temperatures. The “little engine that does”, contains a solid aluminum constructed housing and feels substantial when held, even though it only weighs 2.5 ounces.
Hover view - housing
Top view - housing
Back view - housing
A smart purchase
I have listened to a lot of slim-type of amps, and larger, more power hungry desktop amps, and this little device packs a lot of power relative to its size. The sound that the DACport Slim is able to produce is simply magnificent. For the money, it is one of the smartest buys one can purchase if they are looking to add highly sufficient amplification to most headphones, and sound liquid, warm, and detailed doing so. An instant favorite, and for the price, you almost cannot go wrong, aside from humming to yourself for free!
Final thoughts and summary
The DACport Silm DAC/amp is something that punches much above its weight regarding price and actual weight! This is one DAC/amp that may be all you need for sufficient power and great sound for your headphone, and also take care of most wants with regards to the fidelity an amp is able to produce. The answer to the challenge at the beginning of the review has been accepted and ultimately conquered by delivering sweet-sounding music to the ears. Happy listening, everyone!
CEntrance DACport Slim Specifications
D/A Converter
Sample Rate: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192kHz
Resolution: 24-bit (Also supports 16-bit)
Connection: Asynchronous USB
Local clock: Lowest jitter clock, no PLL used
Compatibility: Mac, Linux, PC (driver available)
Frquency Response 20Hz to 40kHz
Dynamic Range: 109 dB
THD+N: 0.003%
Headphone Amplifier
Audio Output 3.5 mm jack, headphone or line out
Headphone Amp: Direct Class-A, no caps signal path
Max Output Level: 2.9 V rms
Max Output Power: 450 mW, drives 600 Ohm headphones
Output Impedance: 1 Ohm
Gain switch: min gain is 20 dB below max gain
Dimensions (LxWxH): 3” (7.6. cm), 1.1” (2.9 cm), 0.4” (1.1 cm)
Weight: 2.5 ounces (72 grams)
Firmware update
For those who own an earlier batch of the DACport Slim, please update your firmware via this website: http://www.centrance.com/products/dacport/ (then click on the "Firmware" tab).
From the CEntrance Website:
Firmware update -- DACport Slim only
If you own a DACport Slim from the earlier batches (purchased in mid- to late 2015), you may benefit from a firmware upgrade. This update will resolve compatibility issues with some USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports and offer fully stable performance with Macs and PCs. Note that DACport HD does not require an update, so if you have a DACport HD, you don't need to perform this firmware upgrade.This is only for DACport Slim.
We have created two ways of updating the firmware. If you use a Mac, click here. If you have a Windows machine, click here.
The process of upgrading is simple and should take about 30 seconds once you have downloaded and unzipped the file to your desktop.
We designed the Mac and Windows updaters do the same thing for your convenience. For best results, use a working USB port that has a reliable connection to DACport Slim for performing this update. After the firmware update, all USB ports should work equally well.
When you run the Mac or PC updater, it will check your connected DACport Slim and automatically upgrade it to the latest firmware, if necessary. If your DACport Slim already has the latest firmware, the updater will tell you that the firmware is up to date. It's not dangerous to run the updater more than once. It is smart. If you have any questions, contact us and we will help.
Update - connectivity
I was able to get the iPhone 6 to work with the DACport Slim:
The contenders (I chose the lower left device - Gear Head 4 port USB hub):
iPhone 6, Apple CCK, at least 3 port USB hub, USB to USB cable (male to male) to Anker External Battery (or power from outlet), USB cable to Centrance, earphone/headphone of choice:
Setup with HE1000
