Fairly new to streaming. Where to start?

The Benchmark DAC3 doesn’t have a streamer in any of the variations.
Auralic Aries G1 and G2 have streamers but not Dacs, the Vega G1 and G2 are streaming Dacs.

You should spend an hour two looking into Roon in case that connects with you. There can be different hardware choices in this arena.

Do you just plan on streaming or do you think you will rip a collection of CDs and play them via some storage/delivery option?

Streaming is usually managed with an app on your phone or tablet. Some apps are better than others. Lumin makes a good one. Lumin hardware is also very solid.

Another option is Linn, a Scottish firm that makes high end stuff. The Linn app is called Kazoo. This is what I use. I stream Tidal, Qobuz and my favorite radio stations via TuneIn. The entry level Linn Majik DSM is a one box streamer, DAC and 90 watt amp. It is small, does not get hot and is well supported with updates. It costs $3000 new but there are used ones for less. Just connect an Ethernet cord and your speakers and you are good to go. You can also get the matching floor standing speakers M140s for $3000 which sound great with the Majik DSM. The benefit here is you can also use Linn’s great room EQ system called Space Optimization. 
Cheaper options are SONOS or Bluesound...

I’d recommend the Bluesound for your streamer, then spend the rest of your budget on a good DAC.

artemus_5
 I like detail & PRaT.

Then stick with R2R dac regardless of what streamer you go for.
If you want streamer and dac in one box the you’ve made your bed a long time ago with Naim "PRat" sound, get a Naim ND 555 a PCM1704 based R2R dac
https://www.naimaudio.com/product/nd-555

DON"T!!!! ditch all your CD's, I've seen too many now want to reverse and can't and they just give up on audio as a hobby.

Cheers George

@artemus_5,

The Innuos Zen Mini + PSU is a two box, streamer with built in DAC and external power supply. You can start with single box (streamer w/DAC) but it does sounds better with external power supply.

If you want to hook up your CDP into a DAC then you would need to pick up a DAC with at least two COAX Inputs. Benchmark DAC3 does offers two COAX inputs.

One of the very important consideration outside sound quality is the app interface. Lumin, Aurender, Innuos and Bluesound offers the best App experience that allows end users viewing and playing high resolution music collections a breeze.

I own both Aurender and Bluesound and never felt the need for Roon App. Roon also requires a subscription, $119 per year or $699 for a lifetime subscription.