$5k-$6K DACs w Roon?

Whatever you choose, make sure it takes a master clock BNC input. You‘ll want to upgrade the clock, it‘s what these days gives the biggest improvement to SQ in dacs. 

The Bricasti gear I heard at AXPONA sounded just wonderful. I spent quite a bit of time in their room at the 2019 show. I think they were using their less expensive DAC. If I were buying, I'd get the streaming card installed. Plus, they are in Connecticut and offer excellent service, so the likelihood of its being repairable or upgradeable over the years is higher.

A friend with good ears likes the exaSound stuff, but I've not heard it.

CT?  Their web site lists MA, but what do I know? :)

CT? Their web site lists MA, but what do I know? :)

Ah, Erik, my error, of course. Shirley, Massachusetts, it is. An hour from Connecticut.

You might like the Gold Note DS-10 with its accompanying power supply the PSU-10 EVO. It’s a DAC/streamer/Roon Ready/headphone amp/preamp. Here’s the summary from the recent review in Stereophile magazine:

My reference system hasn’t hosted many DACs in the Gold Note DS-10’s price range. I was delighted with what I heard. This little baby sounded so good—so musical—with its optional, identically dimensioned PSU-10 EVO power supply that I’d urge anyone who can shell out $4300 to try them together. I’m not going to tell you that you should consider what you can’t afford, but do keep in mind that we read Stereophile because we care about the music. Music makes a difference in our lives; it helps make us whole. Sitting on a single shelf, powered by a single power cable, Gold Note’s DS-10/PSU-10 EVO has the potential to fulfill and heal in ways that extend far beyond words. It’s a stellar achievement from engineers who understand what musical deliverance is all about.