Just some observations that might be helpful to consider.
It seems the best results from streaming are achieved via reclocking the digital output and serving up the cleanest, lowest jitter and distortion signal to the DAC.
The magic is in the code of the digital filters used in reclocking. Grimm Audio, Antipodes and Auralic for instance make a point of their filters and spdif outputs.
There will never be a best, it all changes too fast.
There is no right way to optimise a network. Some devices really benefit from a super dooper network, some are quite immune ... and everything in between.
It would be wise to start with a solid network before auditioning, you need a steady reference. Once you choose a streamer, you can exoeriment with scaling back or improving the network.
There is so much to say about the improvements to networking that can be done, but I wont so as to not derail this topic. But I will say, every bit can matter if you system reveals it - which can equally be a curse and opportunity. Also don’t overlook the router. Plenty of info on AudiophileStyle.
Don’t overlook the importance of the server, it’s job is really to minimise workload on the streamer.
Some sample rate conversion by the server can be beneficial, at least due to the benefit of reconstruction filters rather than super high rate.
Enjoy the journey.