Dedicated Music Server/Player

Has any one have Emma labs/ meitner? Streamer/Dac

Or the Aqua streamer/dac combo?

I had the Emm Lab before the Lumin X-1.  For me, there was no comparison.  The Lumin was better for me.  BTW, please keep us informed of your decision.

Those Viking Acoustic speakers are something else. I have never listened to horn speakers but they look outstanding. I also ordered hand made speakets from Salk Sound his model SSM6 they took 7 months to arrive but we'll worth the wait.

For me personally purchasing sight unheard is a bit of a leap of faith thank fully I have not been burned yet.

On a side note with digital front ends such as a few here in the replies did any of you also invest in audiophile network switch and upgraded ethernet cabling and if so what are your results

Thanks

Independent streamer/server is definitely the way to go.  Given the nature and load associated with rendering vs. the actual server, I feel best performance comes from devices with separate computers for the two functions.  The server requires tons of power.  Too much power in the renderer function can introduce noise.  This is part of why I like Antipodes so much.  

@verdantaudio  Antipodes has moved to a single chassis. For example the K50. 

Asking to clarify if you continue to recommend a separate server component and a separate player component, i.e. the two box approach?