Yes that NUC can do what you want. The M1 Mac Mini even more capable.
But you mentioned HQP OS and NAA together here.
Cheap fanless Intel Atom NAAs can handle PCM ~1500kHz like UpBoard Gateway. Quieter than that NUC as it is silent.
What USB DAC are you using by the way?
https://up-shop.org/up-gateway-atom-x5-z8350-w-4g-memory-32g-emmc-board-w-vesa-plate.html