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CEntrance intros DACport USB headphone amplifier
updated 04:30 am EST, Sat January 9, 2010
USB powered digital-to-analog converter
CEntrance has introduced the DACport USB headphone amplifier, a 24-bit digital-to-analog converter. The device pairs an amplifier with the company’s AdaptiWave USB technology and JutterGuard clock-management system. For connecting headphones, the amplifier provides a 1/4-inch output and along with an adapter for 1/8-inch plugs.
Power is provided via USB, enabling users to connect the amp to a Mac, PC or Linux system. Additional features include analog volume controls and plug-and-play functionality with most laptops or music servers.
DACport can be ordered directly from the company’s website for $500. The package includes a belt clip, six-foot USB cable and velvet carrying pouch.
$500???
01/09, 12:19pm reply
Yowza. Who's going to spend that kind of cash for a headphone amp???
bjojade
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jun 2007
$500 isn't that expensive
01/10, 07:07am reply
If you read the two headphone amp forums (full-sized and portable) on Head-Fi, you'll see that headphone amps can cost way, way more than $500. Since there are a lot more parts involved in making headphone amps than there are in making headphones, the amps tend to cost more than the 'pones. Simple as that.
Bengt77
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 2003
Interesting
01/11, 08:47am reply
If you listen to CDs or rip music in lossless format and have "real" headphones, like upper end Grados, etc., (like in the photo on their web site), then it's not that expensive, especially if compared to "full-sized" headphone amps.
I used to have a PC Card DAC that I used with older PowerBooks, so something like this would be extremely nice.
I'd like to hear one, especially given the 30-day money back guarantee.
JeffHarris
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Oct 1999