Best DAC?

Used BRICASTI m1 or m3.  I just got a Meitner ma3 and cannot believe the difference from my last 3 dacs ive bought and sold. Amazing

Key sonic characteristics?

Uh, that’s kinda what we need to know from you to make any kind of useful recommendation. 

erastof
Best DAC?

First you need to say what format of digital you are mainly using.

Are you mainly going to use PCM Redbook 16/44, 24/96 or DXD download?

Or are you mainly going to use DSD streaming?

This will decide on what type of conversion technique within the dac will be the best for what you are mainly going to play.

Cheers George

seriously?

best $100 bottle of wine, please... how it tastes... please... thank you!

While better 411 would help get the right answer, strongly consider a Audio GD R2R dac. Now available from Underwood HiFi

https://www.underwoodhifi.com/products/audio-gd
hth