There is no such thing as a High end AVR. The AVR is the worst component in all of audio. The AVR is so bad even running something through it in pure bypass mode is enough to make it sound worse. I worry some may think I am kidding, or exaggerating for effect. I am not. I am dead serious. Took more than a full year out of my life looking for audiophile quality surround. There is no such thing. Finally gave up when the best one I tried sounded worse then my 30 year old Kenwood integrated amp. Not a little bit worse either. So much worse my wife said, "NO!"
Now granted in your case using a network player and a DAC you are already talking such low level quality it may not be so glaringly obvious. But, still. Don’t take my word for it. Go out and get the bestest AVR your reviews and pals can recommend. Hook it up with the finest cable and power cord you can get your hands on, and listen. Then go find the crappiest beat up stereo integrated. Hook it up with whatever lamp cord you can find. Use the freebie rubber power cord. Be freaking astonished when it walks all over your dream AVR. Because it will.
Yeah I get criticized too. Sticks and stones. Generally speaking they only really start throwing when you are over the target.
