Single Ended DAC vs Dual Differential XLR DAC

I've had my Pagoda for about 3 years and out of curiosity I read the "review" and subsequent posts on ASR. What's fascinates me about Amir and ASR in general is the lack of actual listening to the product he's measuring. I know Amir took a hit for this a couple of years ago but it seems not much has changed in that regard. 13 pages of bashing a DAC none of them have heard nor will ever hear because of SINAD (it's the worst in ASR history!). OK, bad measurements according to Amir, but how does is sound? Apparently it doesn't matter and the acolytes are all over the forums trying to save us from ourselves yet again. Joy.

I don’t see what beef people have with ASR or Amir. I think he’s doing a great service for the community measuring all this gear.

For me it’s the off balance approach. I much prefer a review process which includes measurements and listening. Stereophile’s review of the Border Patrol DAC comes to mind:

https://www.stereophile.com/content/borderpatrol-digital-analogue-converter-se

It seems Amir’s/ASR’s take-down attitude has become sport. I just don’t understand why. What’s the point of the vitriol regularly spewed over there? We’re all aware a bad review can hurt a small manufacturer in a very big way. Is the goal to put them out of business? I can’t imagine doing this to anyone.

If a product peaks my interest, I want to hear it for myself regardless of measurements. If I don’t like it I send it back. I don’t have a problem saying something wasn’t for me but I’m certainly not going to talk trash all over the internet. But what do I know? I’m just a delusional old fool.

@gkg2k .. apologies for veering off course. If you decide to take a chance on the balanced version I hope you'll share your impressions (warts and all).