1. The DACport Slim is $99 as reviewed.
2. I did not detect any hiss or background noise when using the DACport and SE846 combination.
Geek Out vs. DACport Slim (listened/compared this morning) - The Geek Out has a more distant sounding signature. Slightly more tinny than the DACport Slim. There is not nearly as much attack as the DACport Slim. There is less heft, bite, and the notes do not attack with authority compared to the DACport Slim. The DACport Slim embodies a more full sound, where you feel the music (literally and figuratively) more than the Geek Out. The DACport Slim sounds more clear and emits a more open and spacious sound, presenting spatial cues and conveys plankton/micro-detail with ease.
I listened to the Geek Pulse X and Geek LPS stack throughout the day and as I type. I listened with a re-balanced Fostex TH-900 and balanced HIFIMAN HE1000 to compare headphones on the stack, and using the HE1000, SE 3.5 mm to 1/4 inch with the stack and SE 3.5 mm with the DACport Slim, comparing the two DAC/amps. Amazing synergy, immense soundstage and highly resolute complete sound signature. Why do I mention this stack? Well, I a/b-ed with the HE1000 with multiple songs and genres, and even though the Geek stack is an amazing sounding piece of equipment, the stack does not completely leave the DACport Slim in the dust. The DACport slim is less resolute, but is respectable in its own right. The DAPport Slim has a signature that is natural, with a slight bass tilt, and as a result, detected a more palpable and invigorating bass and overall attack than the Geek stack. Amazing results for a device that small and cost-effective, no doubt in my mind - in my opinion.
I will listen to the most up to date Dragonfly later today or tomorrow if I can.
Regarding doubting the DACport Slim won't surpass the Geek Out (in my opinion) - check above (first reply to you).
The drop is regarding only the Massdrop edition of the DACport Slim, as reviewed.
Correct, thanks for the info.
I will attempt to listen to them both later today or tomorrow if I have time.
I did not listen to the DACport original with the DACport Slim, so it would be difficult to impossible to compare the two in a meaningful manner. With that said, I spoke to a friend I met here, and he said my DACport Slim sounds better than the DACport original. That's confirmation enough for me!
Congrats in advance (to purchasing and using the DACport Slim)!
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Off to sleep for about a little over an hour. I apologize in advance again if it takes time for me to reply.
Thanks for all your replies. Sounds very promising.