I went from the Naim UnitiQute 2 to the Auralic Aries Mini + power amp (Quad 909). That was in 2015 or 2016. The Aries Mini is the best value piece of audio I've ever owned and my son now uses it. I put it in my main system and purchased a Bluesound Powernode, a great streamer but a poor amplifier.
The game-changer was when Auralic Lightning was upgraded with Auralic Server, turning the Mini into a network storage unit - and the Mini cost only $499.
NAD/Bluesound briefly had a lead on Auralic because BluOs had Amazon HD onboard, whereas Auralic Lighting did not. That has now been fixed.
I was well aware that Auralic was Chinese and that it is led by a real star, Xuanqian Wang. In those days he was very close to his customers through his community forum.
AURALiC hit the ground running a few years ago with its affordable range of digital audio products designed for audiophile and headphonista alike. That
hifiplus.com
My favourite bit is this - and it was 4 years ago.
Is the ‘computer and DAC’ dead in high-end, high-resolution audio?
Yes, ...
I like Chinese products from the likes of Auralic and IAG (all IAG are designed in the UK or Japan), made in state of the art factories, sold through domestic retailers with full warranty and support, locally, and extremely well made.
What I don't like are Chinese products made in sweatshops and sold online delivered from overseas without domestic support, consumer rights (2 year warranty) and a history of units failing.