celestial_sound,
Dump the PC, even an entry level streamer like a Bluesound Node (130) will best the PC if you bypass the internal DAC with a separate high quality DAC. Others can give you better recommendations on the streamer; but some day I'll own an Aurender. Run ethernet from into the streamer, either with or without something like the Ether ReGen
I agree on the R2R ladder DAC idea, but it has to be better than a Denafrips Ares. I have heard the following R2R ladder DACs in my system and can whole heartedly recommend them:
* Musician Aquarius $3,100
* Musician Pegasus $1,100 (only with a DDC like a Denafrips Iris $550)
* Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE edition $3,100
* Denafrips Pontus II (or the newer Pontus II 12th anniversary $1,850) which soars when the Denafrips Iris DDC is added at $550 - This is what I own
Best of luck to you, this is the fun part