i own the u300, previous version of this amp. no, you do not walk into the store and suddenly write a check for 39k. you already have a dac, preamp, power amps, phono stage etc as well as countless power cables, interconnect cables, other gizmos including grounding devices, power conditioners etc. lifestyle choices, age, enthusiasm level, changing tastes and environmental concerns encourage you to make simpler choices without hopefully too great a sonic penalty. you trade in your cables which you are tired of swapping anyways and take home a good looking device ans somehow feel that you made a good decision financially as well.
i am surprised that the device measures poorly because it has a modern sound with good sound stage and impressive dynamics. for fellow owners, i use this amp in the low gain mode (which could be helping noise according to stereophile) and use balanced power (which could be helping grounding issues)