@russ69 Do not discount the Chinese they are finding the sweet spot of acceptable quality. It will only be a short time before Chinese hi-fi dominates the market.
I agree with you. A few short years ago I probably may not have. As I write this I am awaiting delivery of a Topping DAC. It was a toss-up between that and a Gustard.
Both brands (to the best of my understanding) are pretty much of Chinese design and build. They go way above what may be politely described as "acceptable" quality on many levels that are important to me.