UNOE
500+ Head-Fier
I dont agree that the Jot or Lyr compete as they dont offer the same functionality. They just have a small USB add-on and dont offer any of the other connectivity that the DX7s does. They are Amps, with a small, tacked-on USB DAC, where as the DX7s is a DAC first, that also happens to have a HP amp. The Lyr is also not balanced.
I agree the Gustard is much closer in specs and connectivity, but it's also from China and while not over the $1000 mark, it is much much closer. It also doesn't quite match the maximum bitrate of the DX7s and requires the much less common I2S connection to get to peak rates.
Unless you really needed I2S, I think it's a very difficult argument to advocate for the $400+ price increase needed to chose the A20H over then DX7s based on specs. However, I also haven't heard the A20H, perhaps the analog end is better if you're also using it as a HP amp instead of just a dac/pre.
I was referring to the new Jot with multibit Dac it is pretty large upgrade. I would say in the same class as dual Delta Sigma. I heard both Lyr3 and Jot with multibit dac it was very good.
Yes, though non of these including A20H are better than DX7s at its price. But they are under $1000. The new Monoprice THX dual delta sigma will get into this space shortly.