How do you know if you are upgrading your DAC?


As auditioning is nearly impossible and most of the "Hot" brands are small, made
in China and none too well distributed, how do you know if a given DAC will be  a significant upgrade?
I have an Oppo 205.  Love to hear from other 205 owners who have been shopping/buying recently.
chorus
not all hot brands of dacs are made in china

not by a long shot

how do you define ’hot’? views of clown reviews of sub $400 dacs on youtube?
Advances in tech, lower cost to make a good Dac has brought more units and brands to the marketplace.
Some of the "hot" Dacs are from US companies who have the Chinese do their manufacturing. I've noticed the well known high-end audio brands are using this business model now.

Here are some of the popular and well built Dacs:
https://www.lineartubeaudio.com/digital


With limited brick and mortar stores, many online manufacturers offer 30 day trial periods.