How do you feel about the aune t1 though?

The T1 is excellent, and i do prefer it to the Sabre for a variety of reason like tubes, built-in amp (which is quite powerful actually), much better build and better versatility.. However keep in mind that this costs $150 less, and for that, you're getting sound only, in a small, portable unit.

If You do capacitor upgrade (cheap) to Aune T1 and get a great tube (might be expensive though), then I think there is no comparing moment anymore - T1 goes to another level

@CoiL yeah the main reason why these are comparable is because im still using the stock 6922 tubes on my T1 which are mediocre at best. im actually saving up for 7308 tubes. 

If You have some skill to solder, then capacitor upgrade is cheap to do and improves this unit a lot, both - amp and DAC part