Computer, CD transport or Network Player?

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?

If you decide on a computer, or a music server (like the Aurender), the device needs to be connected to the Internet using an Ethernet connection and NOT a Wi-Fi connection.  An Ethernet connection is especially important if you plan on streaming music using Tidal or something similar.  

In my case, I had to run an Ethernet cable under my house to my router that is located on the other side of my house.   I started using an Ethernet over power connection but discovered the sound quality was not solid and so I switched to an Ethernet connection.   My Ethernet connection is working perfectly and the sound quality is much improved over the Ethernet over power connection.