Enter the modern hifi world. Try this test.

@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.

@kevemaher 

All due to respect to ASR and its founder. I mean no personal disrespect, but since you brought it up I will voice my honest beliefs and opinions.

Audio Science Review is like trying to be scientific about your surroundings while being legally blind. Not you, just saying that’s how it feels.

I have tried numerous times to assimilate over there. The founder and owner?! Amir is often very condescending to new members, along with his moderators; who believe every DAC sounds the same if measured as "audibly transparent" with a high SNR. 

They do not understand that the HOW you got there - the actual architecture and optimization that went in to product development matters. If a device is optimized for its function, it can achieve specular results  - Not only on the test bench with resistive loads, but in the real world, with actual systems and transducers (speakers and headphones).

I have tried numerous headphone dongles with my Android smartphone, and I actually also have a collection of high end headphones that I use regularly.

The headphone dongles (DACs) did not sound all similar, even with the same or very similar power ratings, and volume matched as well, with the very same headphones. This is due to the differences in the internal circuitry and output stage, among other design choices that influence and ultimately dictate sound quality.

In addition, I hated how he and his friends would disparage those who enjoyed tube amplifiers, claiming them to be "noise machines." He has no right to do that. one of my close friends owns an amplifier with 300b tubes and he was constantly belittled and told that he wasted his money.  Last but not least he personally attacks audio industry people like Paul McGowan, Danny Ritchie, and YouTubers who make a living from their audiophile channels. It leaves a bad taste in my mouth, and I’d rather not be part of their community.

That is why rather than cost, manufacturer claims, or online reviews from professional reviewers, I would much rather try the product for myself. 

The above is my honest take and response to you about why I will NOT join ASR again. The sheer amount of ignorance over there was even worse than some posters on here, who will go unnamed because they know who they are and I don’t want another pointless conflict to arise.

I like it here.