Enter the modern hifi world. Try this test.

Yours is truly amazing; it instantly reminds me of a vintage stereo—once owned by my great-grandmother—that sat in a rental home years ago. I used to play with it when my family wasn't looking. Even after all this time, it could still produce such a delightful sound—it brings back such fond memories.

@may942399337, Is a BOT!

Mike

I see a huge difference between the three chinese dac i bought and my 12 years old French battery  NOS dac TDA 1543 minimalistically  designed by Christophe Mariac.

Suppose i do this test proposed by the OP and this 20 bucks dac he proposed is as good as my three costlier Chinese dac ( i use none of them anymore and i will never buy a costlier dac to replace the French one my system value is low cost and very satisfying after optimization process ).

 I doubt that the Hiby FC1 will beat my Nos dac if the 3 chinese well recommended low cost one dont touch it  ( i  paid  it new 20 bucks  12 years ago )

But i agree with the OP  that very costlier Dac  are useless often or deceptive  , because nothing, no upgrade is useful in my experience BEFORE  mechanical,electrical, acoustical, and DSP optimization.No upgrade can replace optimization and often an upgrade hide this basic  fact. But marketing is a problem in audio threads.

Acoustic rules....

@mahgister 

I read your profile and it showcases you as a person who is devoted to high quality audio reproduction, leaving no stone unturned with electrical, mechanical, and psychoacoustic properties that influence sound quality. 

I find your approach quite genius; Look for potential problems and embedding everything the right way BEFORE setting up you system. This is critical. I have seen many systems over the years with no room treatment and no modifications that could overwise improve the real-world performance of an audio system.

I have used shungite before, and it really works with most audio equipment. It also works in certain industrial applications to prevent excessive hum from noisy power supply circuits.

Understanding Shungite’s Role as an EMF Blocker

I recommend this for anyone who wants to read about it. No pressure.

I have heard similar iterations to the DACs you mentioned; and while the sound quality was very good, the HiBy FC1 was better. It was cleaner overall, and you have some power on tap to drive your AKG headphones. Personally, I use the AKG K872 for late night listening, when listening to my system in not an option (if I have family visiting the guest bedroom, or if everyone is tired and I can’t play the big rig). 

I would suggest trying the FC1 with the settings I suggested. The sound quality should really impress you. For best results, use it with your Sansui Alpha Au-607i on the "aux" or "line"  input, 3.5mm to RCA cable is the connection you want. They will be identical if only one of them is found on the back of the amplifier. For that integrated amplifier, it is the cleanest path that can bypass the internal parts that degrade sound quality. Use your android phone to go through the music and enjoy.

Thank you for your thoughtful and constructive post. I appreciate it.

@frank009 

This topic will not go well for you on this forum. 

Audio Sciences Review may be a better forum. I can see a lively discussion on the technical merits and cost. ASR'ers pledge is to find the least expensive great performing gear. No snake oi allowed. You may be able to get Amir (the owner and moderator) to test your DAC himself.

I had been a loyal ASR member, until I got screamed at for liking LPs over streaming or digital discs. I left. There is a strong cultish air on some of the conversations, but if you stay technical, you should be able to start a lively conversation.