So you're feeding a $200 or so DAC by means of a $1,300 or so USB-S/PDIF bridge ...
Interesting ...
Yes. I believe in seeking high value components, which I include the Empirical Audio parts as high value for what they do. Steve Nugent's products are pricey but have always been assumed and subjectively rated to be correctly priced for their no-compromise performance. He buys licensed tech such as power circuit designs from Paul Hynes and the USB async protocol from M2Tech which he started using shortly after the original Hiface was introduced, so that adds to the cost. Although that's changing to something XMOS based (I think) in his next gen USB hardware coming soon.
A short aside... When the original Hiface was introduced ($100) Steve said publicly that it kicked the crap out of his Off Ramp 3. Which I owned for a little while at the time. ($1000) That was fun.
I recently mentioned ASR to him and suggested he look into getting something tested here if Amirm is interested. Now not certain it's so great an idea if you guys accuse him of cherry picking like you've been talking about the new Gustard. I have a feeling there will be some head butting and challenging if he does. Steve's all about minimizing jitter and allowing only the right kind to pass through. I've been using his products for at least a decade and I'm certain they make a big difference in the focus of stereo imaging, clarity, and super tight, natural bass, etc. Lesser DACs respond well (again subjectively) to the clean, refined digital coming from Steve's products.
The thing is... I'm not sure how relevant a super fine USB to S/PDIF (and i2S) reclocker-converter is with today's finer, reasonably priced DACs that test well here at ASR like the new Gustard. Which is why I'm wondering if there will be head butting if/when Empirical Audio is profiled here. I fully expect Steve will maintain that his products remain completely valid. And I see you educated guys don't shy away from calling BS when you think you see it.
BTW, a fully optioned Off Ramp 5 is significantly more than $1300 or so. The Dynamo LPS is a big chunk, too.