I would argue that with the relative affordability and advancements in computer-based measurement technology, manufacturing equipment that measures particularly well is not a black art anymore. Take Topping as an example, and no I'm not implying that it sounds bad. But there's nothing to write home about either. I bought one out of curiosity and found zero emotional connection. It's now being enjoyed by a friend who absolutely considers it a steal at that price... I gave it to him at a 30% discount. Still in the market for a DAC.
I still regret not buying a tube amp sooner because I always heard that they measured poorly, only to realize that they were talking about measurements taken in a lab. While in the real world, and to my ears, and my brain, that distortion brings so much joy and satisfaction that I cannot imagine not having tubes in my music.
