Best standalone music server?

For those of you concerned that the Bluesound Vault 2 may not be high end enough for you, I suggest that if you already have a DAC that you like, play it through the DAC and call it a day

It's not that Bluesound is not "high end enough" for me.  From what I've heard the DAC is good and the digital output connection is good.  Unfortunately I have neither a separate DAC nor do I have a preamp with digital inputs.  I would have to use the RCA outputs to my preamp...which may be the weak spot.  In any case I am curious enough about it to give it a try.  It shouldn't take me too long to determine the sound quality vs CD.  I do like the built in disc drive/ripper.  It's not that it is difficult at all to rip CDs to my computer...I just dread the chore more doing it this way than just popping them in the drive and letting it do it for me.  The other product I've considered is the Aurender A10.  It has everyone in one box except the CD ripper....and is considerable more expensive than the Bluesound. Another option would be to upgrade my CD player to a model that has a good DAC and then have the best of both worlds.

Uninteresting that the Vault sounds the best. I would have guessed the Esoteric would be on top but it could also be the DAC making a difference. Is the Mac a tube DAC?  Have you ever compared vinyl or is that a bad word, when we have obvious peolple posting, that are probably digital only. I have all my old LP's and all are in mint condition and also have many CD's that have newer artist not available on vinyl.

I saw "hickbones" earlier post about the Aurender where you auditioned both players and got the N10. At this point I do not have a DAC, Streamer, or CD player. I can play a CD but with a Sony blue ray player.(yes a $49 dvd player) I have read as much as possible about streamers and the Aurender and Lumins seem to be the best. Uberwaltz's experience with the Vault has got me thinking in a hole new direction. If it sounds better than the high dollar CD players that's amazing. Maybe they will come out with a new Vault with Balanced outputs.

The Mac is the c-48 which is digital and solid state, no tubes
i really do not think you can compare vinyl, it is just so different, guess the word "warmth" may be a little cliched but thats my best summation.
I have a Funk Firm Vector with Grado Gold cart and play it through the macs phono input and it really is just so sweet, I usually end up playing an evening of vinyl once I start...lol.
The Vault for me just does everything i wanted although I am sure higher end with higher price tags may do it better for sure.
But to end up sounding better than my esoteric?
That was quite an achievement 

Aurender best to date.