My buddy and I (who is also a forum member) had a DAC shoot-out with three DACs. Forgetting brands, all three were only about 2 weeks old.
It was crystal clear which the better of the three was. So, I'm still not sure where discipline comes into that.
I will say that in my experience having the entire system "warmed" up is a good thing. This could be easily my perception, as in relaxed focused on music and not on the sht storm that is "normal life".
Regards,
barts