What combo: Interface (xlr and hi-z) DAC and Headphone Amp?

[TapeDeck]

I read every thread here last night, but nothing was specific enough to for sure be “the answer”… I may end up on a MOTU or Babyface from the sound of it, but would love to be exhaustive in my homework here.

Use case: Windows/PC (intel, laptop)

• 1 and 2 microphones (never more than 2, so expansion is irrelevant)
• hi z inputs for direct instrument (guitar or bass etc, using software for emulation and IRs)
• listening to lossless audio via FUBAR or Plex (Sen 650's, for impedance purposes)
• not opposed to using separate devices for these purposes if that’s prudent
• I expect USB (2, 3, C) but don’t mind independent AC if something is “better.” Would like to avoid full rack mount gear. Willing to hear it if I should be connecting some other way.
• whatever it is should sound better than an iPhone.
• onboard DSP is not crucial… for recording, I already have a plug-in approach, and having something on a mobile setup that isn’t mirrored in my desktop setup is not a huge benefit (though not a reason to avoid a product.)

Price is not a primary concern—that is to say, I’m not buying a $4000 solution for this, but I’m not trying to keep costs down if a solution is audibly better in a meaningful way.

If you have the kindness to just blurt out your no brainer devices for this purpose, I would be happy to do my own reading on the subject material.

Thanks for your time.