10K system


What audio system would put together for 10K?
maholl50
I’m glad you qualified that your system doesn’t have any low end because benchmark products tend to be More cool/analytical sounding which other products can be more neutral or more warm. The op needs to specify what type of sound he prefers: neutral, warm, cool, because all products will fit into 1 of these categories.
He also needs to state if it’s going to be an analog plus digital or just digital.
If it’s straight digital, he can spend money on a good dac and a good amp (no preamp) using the dac as a volume control. If you go this route, not all dacs can perform this function well, so you have to be very picky. Also, when getting a dac, get 1 with a network interface, don’t use usb. Then you can route your music using Roon from a computer In another room straight to your dac using Ethernet 
You also need to state: How big Is your room? How loud do you like playing your music? 

The OP posted this in the Pro Audio section. Maybe they are looking for pro audio gear.
Lots of variables here.  

I personally use a Bluesound Node 2i streamer($420 refurbished) and a Topping D90($700). The Topping and my music service both have volume control so I don't use a pre amp. I do not have a turntable.  That is several thousand more I think.  I have not checked out.  I am still heartbroken oven selling all my albums. 

Then you have to choose the speakers.  Efficient?  Sub?  Monitors with stands?  Size of room? I have a dedicated room so I have big Crites speakers and subs.  The Crites were about $2000.  I have had the subs, crossover and amp for quite a while.  If you want the sub, SVS has some good ones for reasonable pricing.  Most subs now are powered and no crossover is needed.  The biggest mistake I see is people have nice speakers and then they jam them against the back wall with an equipment stand in between them.  No way the system is optimized at that point. 

Room treatments are important but not easy if you are combining your system with living area.  But $1500 will get you quite a bit. I got 6 first reflection panels, 3 diffusion panels on rear wall, and sub traps behind my system.  I also have lower quality corner traps. This setup may not be the same for you but GIK is quite helpful and have experienced people.
I have a Schiit Aegir which is $800.  l think it is a superb sounding amp.  If you choose a small Class A amp then your speakers need to be over 90dB.  Efficiency needs to be higher than that if you want to play the system loud.  If you end up with less efficient speakers, the Parasound power amps look good.  The used A23 is reasonable($700).  A new A21+ is about $3000.  Either one has lots of power.  These are Class AB amps.  A Pass Labs amp is a good choice but entry level appears to be $4K.  The Pass Labs XA25 is rated for 25W but will put out about 80W.  Once again, you would need some fairly efficient speakers for an amp such as that. 

For cables,cords and interconnects, I bought most everything from Pine Tree Audio but there are many out there. I have about $1100 in everything.  I think mine sound fine but not here to debate.  You could skip the cords to start with and buy them later. 

In summary:

Source:  $1000-3000Speakers $1500-6000Amp:  $500-$4000Sub(s)  $1000-3000Wires:  $1000-$2000Sound treatment:  $1500

So many choices.  I have about $7000 in mine and I think it sounds wonderful but I already had the subs.  I also sold some other equipment so you could subtract that.   The biggest thing is you match everything correctly to your liking, not someone else's.  Lots of good sounding stuff out there. 
What audio system would put together for 10K?

Its a trick question. Not what system would YOU put together- "What audio system would put together?" Itself.