New DAC with streamer

@deep_333 I am unfamiliar with Denafrips, Shiit or Bricastis’s P&L.  I do not know their margins, expenses or cost structures beyond the prices they charge me.  You are correct that many consumer direct companies and Chinese manufacturers offer less expensive products due to the elimination of dealer margin, cheap labor, Chinese sourced parts, and other lower costs.   
 

Obviously, you have your POV on what Bricasti delivers in terms of value and you do not feel the price is justified.  Others have a different POV and experience and feel it is a great product.  I certainly have had very positive experiences with their products as a retailer and consumer.  I disagree with you but your opinion is certainly valid as it reflects your experience.  I would hope that you extend the same courtesy to me and to others fans of Bricasti Designs.  Not saying you haven’t, merely saying I hope you do.

@verdantaudio  I also got to compare the Bricasti to my TAD D-1000, but, it is not essentially an apples-apples comparison as the TAD is also a top notch SACD player (price is justified). On the same note, I also audited the Playback Designs DAC that the OCD Hifi dealer dude is always talking about on his channel and that DAC did feel like a step up. It retained its composure in more complex passages/tracks and was able to retain separation and spatial nuance better than the Venus & Yggdrasil. It took 3 guys, listening to the test tracks over and and a whole lotta back and forth to definitively say that. Diminishing returns are expected, of course, but, at the least, i see the justification for the playback designs in its price bracket. The Bricasti certainly didn't measure up. 

So, i suppose it's good that you carry Playback Design as well. It again confirms what i've felt for ages "Ya don't get what you paid for in all cases!!". There is maybe a small percentage of items in the 'high end' where the price can be justified . In many other cases, it is just a whole lot of fluff. 

Have you had a chance to listen to the Cary Audio DMS800PV Dual Mono DAC/Streamer. Plays Tidal and Qobuz as well as other.  Built in Crystek Oscillator Clock and other goodies.  Very hard to beat in the price point you are looking at and it is built like a tank.

Ayre Acoustics QX-5 Twenty DAC/Streamer!!!!  You would not be disappointed.

One of my audio friends just bought the Eversolo A6 and its really good.

When you consider the price its insanely good. His other DAC is an AudioNote DAC3 w the Black Gates and updated Digital Power Suppliers. The Eversolo is close in performance and does DSD as well.

Lots of glowing reviews and they hype seems justified.