"2. You can find much less expensive DACs with these same chips but I prefer these "mid-priced" units because they usually offer better power supplies, critical parts, features, etc."
I agree. My sweet spot for excellent sounding modern DACs seems to be right around $1000 +/- a bit. I can go upwards of $2000 but I can't justify spending more unless I require the prestige of an audiophile brand.
I like Apos too but some of the SMSL and Topping can be found on Amazon.
Gustard, Denafrips, RME (German company), and Schiit (US company) also offer sanely priced DACs.
