A rookie with 10K, seeking advise

Go have a listen to the KEF LS60 (Baby Blades) and see if the sound and the utter simplicity of the system appeals to you.

You only need to plug the 2 speakers into the wall outlet and connect any analog sources you have (if any) to the preamp in the speaker. This is KEF product and not a one person shop so you are getting some top end gear made to spec.

Placement options are the most flexible since it has built-in DSP.  You can put them against a wall if required.

I have a poor man's version of this with the passive KEF LS50 Meta and KEF KC62 sub. It sounds excellent. The LS60 should be better than what I have.

A local Best Buy with Magnoloia should have these speaker available to listen.

@charles1dad  Thanks!

llid2, lot's if different recommendations here, here's another for $10K

Keep the Denafrips DAC, it's not a limiting factor for you. Bluesound Node latest model 130 I think)  is a good streamer as long as bypass the internal DAC and go to the Terminator. You didn't mention CD transport or I missed it, but AudioLab 6000CDT $600 to the Terminator would be great.

Cables do not have to be crazy, maybe 10% to 15% of total cost. Power upgrade (dedicated line ($200/300?), high quality plug (Oyaide, PS Audio Power Port, etc $100) good power cable $200 will deliver nice dividends  

Speakers and amplifier should be your priority, but I definitely recommend demo time with them.....and take your time, nothing worse than rushing and having to take a loss on something you don't love.

@llid2 

Lots of good comments;

1) you are in the learning stage 

2) take you’re time 

3) you need to hear to find out what you like 

4) go to a big city and listen to multiple setups 

5) or/preferred  -Find an audio buddy and go to a Audio Show ( AXPONA? )

    good luck on your journey and have a list of music you like to play 

@llid2 

also , Read the Recommended Lists of the hIFi magazines 

And buy a Stereophile magazine subscription! 

they ratings also give you a price range to help in putting your money down

jeff