I wasn’t thinking any amount in particular. I just know many people (whether justified or not) look to the chip when making a decision. $100 difference wouldn’t have changed my mind but others might disagree.
If Grace/drop managed even a sideways move equal the DM+ for $150 it’s impressive.
I had an original DM but preferred the Matrix mini-I. with the dual AD1955 chip.
Both original units (DM + M mini-i) have very limited USB, so I’ve been looking for quite some time.
As I use some half decent universal disc spinners a lot of the time and foobar does fairly decent conversion with SOX, it hasn’t been a pressing emergency.
I considered a decent USB converter but never got around to it.
I’ll keep my eye out for reviews that are sure to come in before long. I suppose part of the price difference from the DM+ Matrix is obviously the included Headphone amp in the one box unit.
BTW I’ve read similar explanations of balanced configurations in DACs and amps but would need more knowledge about electronics for any of them to be truly helpful.
I do know the amp I use is a dual mono balanced configuration, with separate toroidal transformers for each channel; with the “guts” actually looking like two separate amps. But as I said, I don’t know anything about electronics.
I just listen and buy/keep what I can afford and like the best.
And I do realize it’s a much different approach than that of those who are true hobbyists with plenty of spare cash.