Hearing is the ultimate judge. There is no one to argue that your optimized server is sub par. When I say general purpose, the hardware and software are not designed to perform audio alone. All your addition of LPS and software optimization try to remove all unnecessarily processes and noises.
You would be surprised to learn that a lot of DACs have poor USB implementation. USB is not penicillin. Poor USB implementation allows server ground noises leaked to the DACs. I think USB Regen try to address this issue. Actually, I think Adam reports USB Regen provides improvement to his Trinity DAC.
My suggestion just provides alternative data point for you to consider in your CAS journey.
You would be surprised to learn that a lot of DACs have poor USB implementation. USB is not penicillin. Poor USB implementation allows server ground noises leaked to the DACs. I think USB Regen try to address this issue. Actually, I think Adam reports USB Regen provides improvement to his Trinity DAC.
My suggestion just provides alternative data point for you to consider in your CAS journey.