That 24-bit DAC does nothing for you after the sound turns analog between the DAC and the speakers/amplifier. That's why I said the second step may not lose you

That 24-bit DAC does nothing for you after the sound turns analog between the DAC and the speakers/amplifier. That's why I said the second step may not lose you bit depth if your DAC is floating point or as you say 24bit, but on the third step you will lose something.