mzkmxcv... newer chips are much better. A state of the art DAC from 10yr ago is similar to a $100 DAC from Topping/Schiit/etc.
Have you proved this assertion with the same sort of double-blind testing protocols that you insist others must conduct to substantiate their claims?
... heard everything from the Vanatoo One Encrores to the KEF Blade 2’s, whatever Wilson model was there, and the Von Schweiker VR-55’s. And from decently priced amps to >100W Class-A monoblocks. The differences are not exponential.
Have you proved this assertion with the same sort of double-blind testing protocols that you insist others must conduct to substantiate their claims?
In any event, differences need not be " exponential" to be significant. The value of any difference is subjective.