Suggestion for $10K soup to nuts digital?

Great, looks like you have the Ethernet sorted out. Lots of options under $10K, you should consult a dealer who can give you options based on your existing system and preference like separates (DAC plus streamer) or one box. Since you’re new to digital streaming, I recommend working with a dealer who can afford you home audition and able to walk you through with any setup issues.

As far options, look into Lumin and Aurender, they offer steamer only and streamer plus DAC (one box) options.

“I know this will stir up a lot of reactions”

@jonwolfpell 

Innuos Zenith Mk 3 w/ the Border Patrol DAC …👍👍

“I think is the best performer in its class and has been claimed by many to unseat the even more expensive Aurender N10. ”

@blisshifi

IMO, the revamped Aurender lineup clearly excels over its predecessors in terms of low frequency extension and slam. Both N150 & N200 renders a noticeable edge in terms of perceived detail over N100 and N10 not to mention 2x isolated Ethernet input and super capacitors for safe shut off in case of sudden loss of power in N200. Over the years, I have owned N100, N10, N20 and ACS100 and auditioned W20 and W20SE.

@blisshifi

I am currently using ACS100 for exactly what its designed and intended within a high end digital front end. I use ACS100 to rip, store CD rips and DSD downloads. Since Aurender supports ‘RAVENNA’ protocol, I couldn’t have asked for a better NAS server for my Merging +player. Since I wasn’t going to be using its most coveted features, I sold the N20. 

@david_ten

Great advise! I intentionally held back any advice on network optimization in my original post. For all we know, the OP may ends up with Node 2 or equivalent which seems to be gold standard for many newbie’s and Vinyl fanatics…LOL!

We both know from our experience, everything matters!