Looking for a network player

I would go with the Auralic Aries. It is dedicated to your specs. All other products I can think of have built-in DACs or more. Aries sole purpose is to stream to a DAC.

On the cheaper side of products would include Apple TV & Apple Airport, Google Chromecast. which as far as I know can handle FLAC files.  

What are your thoughts on Bluesound. I see folks have compared bluesound and aries and they seem to like bluesound more....have you had a chance to listen to both? 

Thanks for responding @nevindep

I listened to both a month ago, couldn't tell any difference, I went with the Aeries mini, less expensive, can add hard drive on it, etc.  Works great.

spoutjack, I suggest you look at the Aurender music server models.  For example, the Aurender N100t Music Server.   This unit enables you to store all your ripped CD's on its hard drive for playing using an Apple iPad to control the selection.  I own the Aurender N10 and like it very much.   In addition, the Aurender connects to Tidal Streaming (and Qu Buz) for high quality non-compressed music listening.  Your iPad allows you to easily switch between Tidal streaming and your CD collection.   The Aurender has several different outputs for easy connection to your Asahi Kesei DAC in your Hegel.   

See:

http://www.aurender.com/page/audiophile