@helomech +1
Many of these DACs have very inexpensive IC chips costing less then $1. Cost restraint prevents them from using discreet op/amps.
An inexpensive "Chi-Fi" DAC can be had for as little as $300 with an interchangeable op/amp chip option (Aune X8 with balanced outputs) and then for an additional $100 add a Sparkos ss2590 DISCREET op amp runs in Class A. For a total of around $400 it's unbelievably good.
or
(For twice the price) Geshelli socketed J2S and add the Sparkos or Burson Vivid discreet op amp.
I wouldn't be surprised to see Schiit come out with a socket replaceable DAC op/amp feature in the near future.
Up grades can be had by simply plugging in a new chip instead of buying a whole new DAC.
The money you saved could then go into better speakers yielding a far higher performance level. Heck, maybe you won't even need new speakers!