rPi noob, baby steps learning

was directed here from Reddit, always wanted a Pi project, looks like this is it.

Want a streamer to output to DAC at highest quality, least RF / power supply issues. Money’s not an issue, but prefer compact and simpler.

I’m not up on the details, especially connections

Toslink vs USB audio

S/PDIF vs AES/EBU vs AES-3id
BNC vs RCA

and whatever this is called

? PCM 32bit vs DSD256 ?

exactly which Pi version and HAT is the best?


Can the same Pi run the NAS-DLNA server? If not I assume wired Ethernet should connect them? My WiFi environment is very crowded noisy.


Can the same Pi host the DAC and pre-amp / headphone amp?

What about full power amp output?

I’d like a physical volume knob or button at the speaker, not just at the phone.


How best to do multi-room distribution, both syncing and / or independent streams?

Sorry for all the Q’s, feel free to be be terse, learning links would be great.

Should mention, BT is less important than WiFi for the back end comms, but both would be ideal.

I’d like guests could just use the unit in their room as a BT speaker from their own phone.