Hi Spirit,
No one can tell you what to buy and I won't. All I can tell you is that the only computer-based approach that I have personally heard and tested that can really, truly equal or better true high-end CD playback systems is the Modwright Transporter. Like mine, it can work far from your computer. When I get time to update my iphone, I will be able to use the iphone as a remote and see my music lists complete with album art and fully operate the TP.
See if there is someone in your area and give one a listen. Let your own ears decide. Besides sound, one advantage of the Transporter versus Squeezebox is that the TP works at 24/96, preserving your option to play hi-res downloads when they become more readily available.
The bad news is that you might need to wait about a month for a unit after ordering.