question #1 insurance. Would anyone ship it with insuring it for 14K? It is around 2%, both ways 4% total which is $560 already.
Would you rent a $14,000 DAC for $75 per day?
Would you rent an expensive DAC? I have a lot of expensive gear sitting around unused. That got me thinking... could I rent out my hifi gear when I'm not using it?
For example, Mola Mola Tambaqui is an amazing DAC. Instead of purchasing it new, or used, why not rent it for $75/day for a minimum of 5 days? Plus shipping of course. I'd credit card hold a refundable deposit (about 10% of the component value).
The benefit to this - there are zero obligations to buy. Just pay the rental fees, try it out for as long as you'd like, pack it up in its Pelican case, then return it with an included prepaid shipping label.
The benefit to me - generate some cashflow on my equipment and support my retirement;)