Best DAC for around $10K new or used

I just went from the Bricasti M1 to a Jeff Rowland Aeris DAC. There are no absolutes in Audio and based on my experience the other components will determine what works best for you. In others words, if possible try them in your system. There is no such thing as the best...it's what you prefer!

Bill_k,

At this level everything is so good, it really does come down to personal preference. I'm learning with my search for speakers that system context is so important. It really isn't how a component sounds, but how does it sound in your system. Unfortunately, most of us never get to hear a component in our own system.

Most of us never get to hear a component in our own system...meaning most don't get to evaluate a component in their own system prior to purchase. At least that has been my experience.