There is no best dac in the market today. The best dac in the market always comes tomorrow. Best way to continue getting on a non stop dac train is to join a dac manufacturer actively promoting their dac so that you get favorable treatment from them and not having too much switching cost the next time you catch another train.
I don't fully agree. While best is subjective, there are many great Dacs out there now and its horses for courses. If you get any of the current top Dacs , there is no real need to switch any time soon, unless U get a case of insatiable nervosa. Having said that, yes if U fear nervosa, U should best get into a Dac ecosystem to get the best upgrade terms.
If I could afford it, it would be Horizon all the way for me. The way Lukasz was trembling at the quality of his own development ( that surpassed even his initial expectations) was the clincher for me. ( I have known him a long time, so I can tell what he really thinks. I can read him like a book). This Horizon is something else. I am already stunned at what the Baltic and TRP can do if set up right and the Horizon takes it 2 to 3 notches above that.
Tang, I would advise U to get an audition and judge for yourself. (My hunch is that U will be hooked). I for one would love to see U and your humor active in Lampi thread! LoL. U are one of my favorite posters. With U, who needs Netflix for entertainment??
Kindest regards and much respect.