Currently, I have a NAD M12 pre/DAC, a Mytek Liberty DAC, and an Audio Mirror Tubadour III DAC. Of the three, the Tubadour III sounds the best in my system. I'm expecting the DirectStream to sound better, if not, I'll send it back. If it does, I plan to sell the NAD and Audio Mirror pieces and keep the Mytek as my backup/headphone amp.
Over the last year I've upgraded major pieces of my system by auditioning them. Price is always a factor, but not the only and sometimes major factor. I don't making buying choices based on measurements. I read the specs; I read reviews from a number of sources; I try to audition a piece of equipment in my system; and go from there. Works for me.
By "auditioning," you mean "peeking." So really, you're playing make-believe. Perhaps a science forum is not the right venue for you?