Computer, CD transport or Network Player?

I hope that my experiences make sense and contribute. 
I've tried several paths for music.  I've  been running computer audio since 2005.  I've ran SPDIF, Toslink, USB.... I've used JPlay and Fidelizer. 
I've am on my 4th DAC,  I've had dedicated music servers in my system and have used general computers also,  towers and laptops. I have tried SSD drives, playing from Flash drives and from SD cards. 
So, the Melco N1A/2 or another dedicated music storage:  If you don't want to take the time optimize the computer being used for playback, these systems are superior to computer playback...
Although, when I have a dedicated computer for music playback and I turn off ALL background systems, use minimize drivers for any other software and dedicate this unit for Audio only,  I have gotten a computer to work as well as the dedicated servers. 
SSD vs hard drive:  SSD sounds better.  I have taken music and loaded it on an SD card, playing directly from an SD card slot,  this is most likely the best I've heard overall. (of course, this bypasses USB completely) 
As USB has improved,  I prefer USB over Toslink,  1 good friend of mine uses a Regen USB with external power supply,  I haven't tried that,  One of my personal problems, is that I'm very cheap and always feel that there must be an inexpensive alternative out there that is just as good, Of course,  I've been proven wrong on that one,  but I tried a couple of cheap Chinese USB solutions that go from the USB output on the computer to the cable that runs from the DAC,  trying to clean up the power and reduce jitter... the 2 Chinese plugs, both made a minor difference,  I recently put in a Holo Titanis USB filter,  this was very audible.  I was expecting better midrange and hi end, which I did get a bit of,  but to my surprise,  the biggest difference was a blacker back ground,  deeper, yet tighter bass and a slight improvement in image placement within the soundstage.
I hope that my experiences all make sense and may help someone.  I really enjoy reading others experiences, occasionally,  I pick up some new insight.  Tim

timlub (or anyone who can answer) how do you "optimize" your computer for superior playback. I always thought all you needed was a great DAC with a decent computer based media center like JRiver or Audirvana (and of course the rest of your downstream gear had to be decent) and it would give you superb music. Now I'm hearing music servers are superior to computers. Well I 'm happy with my computer (because it's simple) but now I'm curious about "optimizing" it. Suggestions?

I switched from a MAC Book Pro computer to the Aurender N10 Music Server.  All my CD’s are stored (AIFF) on the Aurender and it also supports Tidal Streaming (and Qobuz Streaming). The ability to switch back and forth between Tidal music streaming and my stored albums in the Apple App is now a very easy process (one mouse click).  The Aurender iPad app is much easier to use than my MAC Book Pro computer.   Album selection is also excellent with several different album selection choices available.  

The Aurender N10 Music Sever is highly recommended for its great sound quality and ease of use.

mewsickbuff, optimizing a computer for superior playback involves the reduction or elimination of as much as possible that's not audio related. Uninstalling as much a possible, turning off a wide variety of system services, etc. That's why I don't recommend a computer. You can buy software that does a lot of this for you, but it's a slippery slope optimizing computers, in my opinion. You now have a device that you're really not using for other computer related functions in order to attain the best sound quality. You're buying usb jitter reducing devices, etc. A good dedicated music server/streamer eliminates these issues.

optical or WiFi also eliminates the problems

- why not do some listening tests vs. an existing computer using the return privilege you get at several online places, or ask a local dealer?