Higher End DACs

@david_ten yes, i need to narrow the field somewhat, at least starting out so that i can reach out to associated dealers and get the demo pipeline going.

is there another brand or two you would otherwise start with - and why?

@djones51 yeah, that sort of what i figured..so much love for those transports though lol

I spent some time trying to get my network bridge (ie. a streamer with no dac) to sound as good as my CD transport. I eventually achieved this through cables and adjusting settings on the bridge.
And so in theory there is no need for me to play CDs.
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HOWEVER, and it is a big however, the streaming services usually only have the most recent remastered version of an album for streaming. And for many albums, and in my experience for most albums outside of classical and jazz, the most recent remaster sounds considerably worse than older mastered versions of an album.
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The reason for this is that remasters are created to make recordings sound better through earbuds for modern ears, and for in-car play, they are not designed for high end audiophile equipment on which they often sound worse. This is due to the increased compression and loudness applied to a modern (post mid 90s) remaster.
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So: if your tastes include music from pre-2000 and you are not exclusively listening to jazz and classical you should invest in a CD transport and check out older masterings of CDs. Also have a network bridge to stream Qobuz to the DAC of course. In my experience the DAC is more significant here than the bridge.
The differences you hear between DACs or between streamers is nothing compared to the differences you hear between older and newer mastering iterations of an album. On streaming services you will usually only have the often sonically poorer most recent remaster whereas with a CD transport you can listen to any version you wish. 

Much to take in on this thread ... Chord would be worth Listening to for one.
TT2 with MScaler or even DAVE and w/wo MScaler (FPGA Type).

The Audiophile Style Review referenced by m1k3 is through, and addresses relative components up and downstream with a Summary and do take some time to read the ’Comparison to other DACs’ if you have not done so.
The Windows 10 based "Renderer" has a definite appeal to me as I do use a PC / USB to Stream Amazon HD. And brings to mind HQ Player.

Also, did you check out the DCS Network Bridge Article?
Thoughts ... ?

DACs on the past two years only has developed so much that need to be considered in your decision. Try product with trial period and evaluate your self

@ufguy73 My advice is to find your own way.

is there another brand or two you would otherwise start with - and why?

Not knowing you, I do not. I know what works for me. Does that translate to you, I have no idea.

I would expand your approach by looking at different implementations / design goals to get a better feel for which draws you in more.

It’s difficult to "break out" what a single component is doing within and for a system that one is unfamiliar with (i.e. at a dealer) so be careful in that regard. In other words, consider the entire system for perspective and comparative purposes; not just the DAC.