Which server / renderer to buy?

cjk5933,
"You agree with those who suggest a configuration by passing the USB port." Have you directly compared a music server that's designed to utilize the USB port to one that used a different output? If not, what do you base your opinion on?

Look into the Innuos products. Very complete package, comes with storage, rips CDs, and their entry-level starts at $1299. 

http://innuos.com

I have been using Auralic Aries..I think for that amount of money, they're a killer. If you have bigger budget, go for Auralic Aries G2 instead.

Y'all just can't WAIT to spend your money.  Some people can't believe something is any good unless it costs enough to feed a family of 4 for a year.  I'd pick up a used Windows laptop ($200), throw out the hard drive and pop in a new 3TB drive ($150) and load up Ubuntu Linux (free) and install the Banshee music player (free).  Then I'd have a music system with a graphical interface, similar to JRiver,  that gets it all done.  Oh, and it also plays from Internet streaming sources.

But please.  Don't let me stop you from spending 10 times as much on a gizmo that will be worth less than half that much in 2 years.

I asked the same question about upgrading sonos and called Wyred4sound about it.

Dont waste your money on upgrading old technology that does not support 24 bit and after using Roon is an poor interface. 

i went with a microRendu +LPS-1 linear power supply.  I use Roon as my media library.  Nothing comes close ton competing with Roon.  The microRendu connects to the Schitt Yggy -> Prima Luna HP -> Aerial Acoustic 5T with a m&k sub.    Could not be happier and music is like being in front of the performer.

Hope that helps.