I think regarding the dip8 it is up to them to use it or not using it, coz never mention in the spec sheet that e9 have dip8 socket for u to change the opamp.maybe because too many user open up the e9, do opamp rolling, sometimes it damage the amp itself coz of improper opamp use, then claim for warranty, so they dont want this to happen maybe.

And for caps,i think these are their trade secret and they can change to watever they wanted too. Like buying proton inspira, they never told in the spec they use wiring from japan,so on first batch everything from japan, then slowly change the parts to local parts.as current official spec sheet, they are not showing they using elna caps. Before this i think have diagram show elna caps.

Same case as ipod also, gen5th and below they use wolfson dac, then 6th gen they use cirrus dac, but they never stated anywhere in official spec of dac they are using. Soo buyer himself need to dig it out.

Unless all internal spec was shown to public such as jdslabs cmoy to show what actual component they are using which is made open source for user to diy modify.

Just my 2cent huhu