How to get into high end digital? (Feeding a DAC)

@holmzn
In high end audio, stand alone DACs typically perform significantly better than a DAC that is bundles with an preamp/amp.  You have to go up the $ chain to get a inbuilt DAC to sound as good as a standalone such as a Hegel.  Often built-in DACs are made to a cost point and convenience rather than to emphasize performance, therefore not designed to compete with stand alone DACs.  I suspect your AVR built-in DAC will not be to the level of even a Yggy, and maybe your insistence on using the AVR's DAC may seem opposite to some as a step backwards to box store sound.  But if you are satisfied with the results, great for you! - you saved $.

5 years ago, I decided to do in-depth audio component research on building my first high end analog+digital system. Seeing you're on hold until you evaluate the AVR sonics, I'll also wait on product suggestions. 

BTW $10k is a generous budget relative to your system, you can easily spend less to achieve good sonic results.  

I have read all of this but have a question. I have all my cds stored FLAC on my Synology  NAS. I stream music through SONOS through the house being happy with the general outcome. But for my serious listening I feed to a SONOS Connect to my main stereo. The feed goes to my Bryston dac, then to my Cronus Magnum. Am I missing anything here?  How can I make this set up better?

@lbarbish
Your question is off the OP topic which is generally frowned upon - you’d be much better served by opening a new thread with your inquiry

OP glad to see you are setting in on something amongst all these what I will call various responses.  Sign up for Roon after you rip and get the AVR setup.  If you are going to be using the coax or optical out will really limit your range on an external DAC. No high res I believe. Need usb.  
My suggestion would Play with before you do anything and see if you like Roon. If you do new DAC unless your Avr is serious hi end then a new DAC would be great. Feed it back to avr to amp via analog pass through if it has it.  This works great and you can find the right DAC.  For your budget it’s wide open.  
Good luck. 

I have read all of this but have a question. I have all my cds stored FLAC on my Synology NAS. I stream music through SONOS through the house being happy with the general outcome. But for my serious listening I feed to a SONOS Connect to my main stereo. The feed goes to my Bryston dac, then to my Cronus Magnum. Am I missing anything here? How can I make this set up better?

So the Snology would be like my NUC?The Sonos like rather Roon?
And the DACS gets the optical from the Sonos, where I amight do it from the AVR?

@lbarbish
Your question is off the OP topic which is generally frowned upon - you’d be much better served by opening a new thread with your inquiry

If it is a serious question, then it seems like is similar.
Or is it sarcastic?

Or do the Sonos output into the DAC, do some known jitterbug dance?