Thank you for your comment MrD, I agree wholeheartedly. I actually started as a repair tech working on new and vintage equipment; AGY reached out to me to review the C312 preamplifier as I had a technical background and was also an admin for an audiophile Facebook page. That preamp changed my perception of the audio industry, as thanks to friends and my work, I have had the opportunity to work on or hear a lot of equipment over the years, most of which in my own home and system. Gilbert's work compares with the best out there at similar price points or beyond.
When you buy a mass produced component you pay for the price of the unit and a great deal of mark up to cover marketing and engineering. With a Gilbert Yeung component you are paying for a craftsman and designer with over 30 years experience to hand assemble each and every order. No one knows the circuit better, no one will provide better quality control, and it will be fully serviceable for decades (not that it will need it). Chances are that most audiophiles have spent more time and money buying new components every few years when honestly build quality has taken a plunge as more brands outsource building to China.