Streaming, Getting the Signal, Then What?

Keep your I2s connection as it is the best sounding connection for my streamer. I used to use USB but realized my CD transport connected with I2s sounded a hair less grainy. So I switch the transport to AES and used the I2s port for the streamer. Problem solved, they are now both on par. Everybody has an opinion and it is well represented here. I also like the cleaning the ethernet feed part. I use an optical isolation bundle with LPS into an ethernet switch before the streamer. I also use a master clock to time the switch, DDC and DAC. Everything matters is an expensive fact I have come to accept. Of course the choice of cables matters greatly, but that's another discussion that will take this one further into the weeds. Keep an open mind and experiment if you can. I am 70 also. Enjoy the journey.

Lots of the usual advice here. Is their anything about the current system that bothers you or makes you think you could or should do better?

Welcome to the rabbit hole of streaming. At least ten years into streaming, experimenting with so many devices and it continues to this day. In general, every single link in chain important, noise introduced at any point in chain is a loss one can never get back, clocking equally important. So, it begins with internet provider/speed (stability here) all the way through dac. As for guiding one as to specific solutions, look at all the advice given in this short thread, I'm sure much more to come. So many devices, so many opinions, where does one begin! I've gone down the road of experiential learning, some fails, some wins, still learning. Most recent experimentation is attempting to determine what is best input for dac, usb or I2S, I fully expect a unique outcome based on what dac used. Unique implementation of common technologies is replete in streaming and it goes on and on.

The AirLens is dumb. You cannot play via a remote app like most of us. No USB drive play. I cannot think of a worse choice for a first streamer.

It is built for DLNA. Good luck with that.

I don’t know what you want to do but it might be impossible as dreamed up.

Wow! I cannot believe how quickly my OP went off topic. No, I am not changing my "stupid" AirLens.  And no, at this point, my DirectStream DAC MK1 is not "on the chopping block."  I could not have been more clear in my OP, that the equipment I have is the equipment relevant to this discussion. 

Go take that discussion elsewhere please. 

I appreciate audioman58 starting in the right direction mentioning Motorola 8702 and LHY SW-8 switch.  Please stay on OP topic. Greatly appreciated. 

And to zlone, excellent point - no, there's nothing in my current setup that bothers me - nothing. I am just exploring a potential step up allowing my ISP signal to be possibly better than what I am experiencing through my current Netgear Nighthawk CAX80 modem/router device.