Maximizing audio link between Lenovo laptop and home audio system

[gregledbetterhomes]

I have a Lenovo T460s in a docking station. From the back of the DS I'm running a 3.5 mm/RCA adapter that is plugged into an ADCOM GTP-450 pre-amp. My amp is an ADCOM GFA-535 powering a pair of ADS L710's. I'm looking for the simplest/most reasonably priced means of maximizing the audio potential of this setup. It sounds like simply plugging a USB/DAC into the docking station and then plugging the 3.5mm into that should do the trick. Or ... is there an even easier and/or better solution. By the way, more often than not I am using Spotify as my music source. Another question I have is if there is any way to "utilize" onboard DAC's in my old Phillips CD880. They are supposed to be superb, but the deck has no inputs (through which I'd hoped to pass the digital signal) ... only outputs.
Thanks for any enlightenment you can offer.

 

[Alabalcho]

Moving analog signal as far from the laptop as possible should give you better results, so USB DAC/soundcard should be better than your current setup.

 

[americanaudiophile]

You can't use your old CD player as a DAC. No inputs as you say.
A USB DAC will improve the sound but you might not notice it on Spotify since that is limited in sound quality.
Tidal or Deezer offer better quality in their premium services.