pc to dac?

The Computer Audiophile online has a lot to say on this. The mac mini appears to be the most recommended CPU. People claim to be able to hear the difference in its USB ports and if you can believe it- power cords to the CPU. He likes the Berkley Audio DAC if you need volume controls or Bryston's new one if you don't. Personally I feel he has his act together sans product affiliation- IMHO of course. All in all this is a difficult research item. There are lots of variables if one is to directly compare outcomes. What CPU, what OS, what type of rip, playback software, 6+ types of connections, hard drive connections not to mention that a manufacturer may not implement the connections the same way (if people can hear the difference between USB cables, then the usb conversion itself must be important).

I am purchasing the Berkeley Alpha dac. But I also need a really good Sound card in your PC. Ihave an Audio 24/192 but was adviced to get a Lynx. The Berkely is one of the best I have heard & the cost is very good for what is does do.

A used Bel Canto DAC3 would work great and can be had for around 1500 used. You wouldn' t want to use the USB in that however. But it has all the other connections.

Just as there are many approaches to app dev and implementation in IT, there are several options in implementing computer audio as already mentioned, especially with your price range. I can't recommend a specific solution to match your Cary 303/300 if that's the standard you're aiming. But I can recommend the DacMagic and use it for both your PC and transport at the same time, and it has balanced output.

Shooting for "the best" out of the gate guarantees mostly only that you will spend a lot of money right away and likely spend even more later to actually get it right.

You don't have to spend a fortune to get excellent results, but there is a lot than can go right or wrong.

The music server rig on my system cost me ~ $1400 to put in, including laptop computer, network player, DAC, and cables, and I think it can at least compete in the same league as the best I have heard, kinda like the Tampa Bay Rays did last year.