I have just opened up my AK4396 Dac to change the opamp and it is the same as Tony's .I thought my chip puller was busted,then i saw solder on the legs,must get some new glasses,i didn't even see that there was no socket.
I contacted the seller last night,he was very apologetic,and has promised to send me a new dac board.Give it a go Tony,i am sure you can talk Ali into fitting it for you.
Regarding different caps,he said it was to improve the sound,but he would say that wouldn't he.We shall see..