How do you know manufacturers don't focus on 'build quality, features or form factor'? It's a matter of perception. You see measurements of audio performance here so you would assume that's what also manufacturers think/see every day. No, it's not. Not even 1/3 of the time. Weight, size, quality control of the chassis(we are in fact one of the strictest of the manufacturers in this regard), heat dissipation and cosmetic, aesthetic just to name a few. We are also pushing balanced dac to the lowest price possible. We are also making other things with balanced input for low price when the whole market still use rca only in the price range. Also in fact majority of the headphone amplifiers on the market don't have protection circuit. They don't even attempt to do so though we made one but failed. There are many things like these. I'm sure other manufacturers also have their own things.Of course from a marketing point of view there's nothing wrong with it.
It's our own fault of the audiophile community, we're so easily manipulated and sensitive to numbers. Companies are banking on that and designing their marketing material around that.
Just look at the product page of any popular brand DAC. About every product page will have the DAC chip in a big font on top of the page..
Everyone (should) know that the chip alone doesn't mean anything yet people are lining up to buy this new DAC because now it has a AK4499 instead of the AK4497 in the older model.... The old model with the AK4497 was already completely transparent but now people claim that the background is blacker and the highs airier with this new AK4499 based model.. so tiresome.
I do understand the reasoning for this new model very well, as I said the group of which this device is targeted at is very sensitive to numbers and so it will work and it will sell.
Personally though I wish companies would focus less on the highest SINAD race, in which there is not much, if anything, to gain for the consumer anymore. Instead spend that time, money and effort in standing out in other ways like build quality, features or form factor. Things that are directly and tangible beneficial for the end consumer.
I know it will never happen as the current demographic has no problem spending 200+ more voor a DAC which scores 5 points higher SINAD but will not spend 100 more to get a DAC with better build quality or more features.
One can dream..
Amir made big change in this industry. Although high price garbage isn't going anywhere, people are more likely to purchase better designed, better engineered products than before. It's good. It's great. People will always spend what they want on anything. In fact majority of people still buying the cheap ones. It's not like manufacturers only sell expensive stuff. If it's not for you get what's suitable for you. There's nothing wrong with it.
