Turn an Intel macmini into a music server


- It'll be exclusively used for music listening

- no preference to Linux or macOS as long as I can remotely control the software via browser or app (I am proficient on both OSes as I used both daily at work)

- preference to freeware but I'm not opposed to paying for quality software

- I also have an RPi3+in case that's a better alternative (obviously I'll be limited to Linux in my OS choice)

- I have no budget and no intention of buying a dedicated music steamer (example: Naim ND5). Also the Macmini is much cheaper ($100 USD only) to replaced compared to dedicated steamer.

Thanks in advance for the help. 

- It'll be exclusively used for music listening

- no preference to Linux or macOS as long as I can remotely control the software via browser or app (I am proficient on both OSes as I used both daily at work. My Linux use is limited to terminal)

- preference to freeware but I'm not opposed to paying for quality software

- I also have an RPi3+in case that's a better alternative (obviously I'll be limited to Linux in my OS choice)

- I have no budget and no intention of buying a dedicated music steamer (example: Naim ND5). Also the Macmini is much cheaper ($100 USD only) to replaced compared to dedicated steamer.

Thanks in advance for the help. 

mrjayvoper

Lots of great info here but everyone is missing a couple of key things
If you live in Canada like I do, there is no access to Qobuz. So what do you do if you want a good streaming service with an amazing catalog? You are left with using a Mac computer and Apple Music. It seems no one on this forum is using the service and all I ever read is second hand misinformation. 
I have used a Mac and Apple Music for a couple of years and have been quite happy with the SQ and certainly the catalog. It’s a great place to start into streaming and is inexpensive.

If you live in Canada like I do, there is no access to Qobuz. So what do you do if you want a good streaming service with an amazing catalog? 

What about Tidal? I prefer Qobuz as I'm  not an MQA fan, but I used Tidal for years and it's a mature high quality service  with an expansive  catalog.

I am definitely not an MQA fan. I compared Tidal to Apple Music and it didn't sound as good at all. It really does seem 'compressed' compared to the 24bit Apple tracks.