Music server interface suggestions

I currently am running a music server (pc), ran via usb to a bel canto dac3, into bel canto ref1000s. The Dac3 is also used as my preamp. So my question is that I am looking into new possibilities for an interface to access my music server. At some point in time, I plan on getting a mac mini, and setting up a hard drive array in a NAS.
Currently though, I have my pc hooked up through my tv and is controlled through a bluetooth keyboard and mouse. I really want to get away from having to turn the computer on and using a mouse to select which song I want to play.

One more issue I want to resolve, is exploring other inputs on the dac3 in place of the usb, as I want to get into 24/96 music files. As many of you know the usb is only 16/44.1 (or 48).

So here are a few options

1) Get a airport express using the optical out to connect to the dac3.
(Only issue is I still have to use my laptop (mac) to access music files, but I get the benefits of 24/96.

2) Get something like a slim devices duet, connecting the dac3 via optical again. Using the handheld remote, and at some point store all of my music files stored on a qnap nas, so i can access files without a computer being on.

3) mac mini connected w/ usb or optical with the remote program for the iphone.

Anyone know the positives or negatives of these things? Will the duet or airport change the sound at all??

*If I were to use the optical it would be with a cable such as the wireworld supernova.

**Oh yeah, I am aware of the 500 dollar usb update the the dac3 and would rather put my money in another direction I think.

Thanks,

Tim