Best Audiophile desktop for under $2500?

@deanshias 

A workstation is definitely overkill for audio applications. If you're only using the PC for audio purposes and not 3D CAD / rendering then save yourself some bucks and get something like a Beelink EQ12 - link.

You can pop the top off and add a SATA SSD to store your music in case the included 500 GB isn't enough. Here's a nice review - link.

There are also measurements showing that it doesn't add any noise and jitter is virtually non-existent when paired with an asynchronous USB DAC like what your Oppo has - link.

 I walked away from using a computer for my audio recordings- linked to my stereo- long ago. I found that music streamers were designed, engineered and built for hifi or stereo integration and they serve the purpose much better. 

Having said that, I don't have ANYTHING negative to say if my fellow audiophiles like using a computer and it works well for them. Great! I think a Mac mini is a great solution as well as many other computers that have a solution for reducing noise and that includes PS noise and interference.

There have been certain audio issues associated with some M-series chips in MacBooks; I’m not sure if this extends to Mac Mini’s - might be worth looking into before going that route.

I can't speak to PC options but you may want to consider a DDC to clean up the output before passing to your DAC. I use a MacMini with Roon and I previously got similar SQ with optical and USB outs, but optical was more reliable. I've since added a DDC passing USB to i2s output with great results.

@elliottbnewcombjr ...that's a pretty nifty card for the $ and it's specs....👍
No doubt better about, but one ends up paying for the privilege...;)

....and we've all spent more on Something....*L*