No need to jump into the deep water to start. There are many solid options. You can start for not much using any existing computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone you already own and go from there. Take your pick of source device and ask away from there. Should not take long to get up and running with something pretty decent sounding that way. Then go from there one step at a time as needed.
Digital Disorientation
I have been a mid-fi guy my entire life. My current system consists of PSB Image T6 floorstanders, NAD C375 BEE int amp, NAD C546BEE CDP, and "nice" speaker cables/ICs. I have also accumulated ~400 CDs over the last 25 years. I have been looking for a book/site that explains the digital world from file formats to DACs,music streamers/players, and setting up a proper system - basically the basics on digital music. I would eventually like to migrate in that direction but need the information in order to make the right decisions. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.