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Newbie Question

I've just ordered my first stand-alone DAC to demo at home (COS D2) and would like to understand what hardware I'd need in order to move from a cdp source to a hard drive/server. There are many expensive 'servers' available but I've also come across the opinion that these are simply over-priced computers dressed up as audio jewelry. It's very confusing!  Having amassed a cd collection, I have no desire to ditch it in favor of streaming. So, it would seem I need a way to rip cds, store the files and then some kind of software to manage them. . . right? 
There are all in one pieces like the BlueSound Vault, that already include a dac. Could I still use such for ripping, file storage but bypass the internal DAC?  My system: Jolida JD100 cdp (keeping as a transport for the present), Wells Majestic integrated, Silverline SR 17.5 monitors. Could I get what I need for say, $1200 used? 
stuartk
Post removed 
stuartk OP
2,890 posts
 
@stfoth: You don't sound like a fanboy to me. Thanks for the more detailed explanation! 
mahler123
3,362 posts
 
I use the Vault and bypass it’s DAC.  I also coincidentally have the OP Silverline Monitors.
  OP is correct that this can be accomplished using Computers only.  Network players are basically Computers whose OS is specialized for the functions required.
  I’ve done both the Mac&DAC route and the Network player—first the little Logitech Squeezebox, now Bluesound.  The advantages of using a network player is that it is a dedicated Audio component, not a Computer being made to function as an Audio Component.They run quieter and work better, but your mileage may vary
melm
1,082 posts
 
FWIW I took a simple laptop that I use for traveling and a 2TB portable hard disk I that my daughter used for a photo course. Ripped all my CDs and SACDs to the hard disk. The hard disk goes into a USB port on the computer; the computer goes by USB into the separate DAC. This arrangement sounds better than playing my disks on an Oppo using its DAC or playing them on the Oppo using my separate DAC. But the Oppo is great for ripping the SACDs and for audio/video needs. I use JRiver to manage everything. I can sit in front of my speakers and use my phone to play anything. Simply great.  For me the only cost was for JRiver, but there are free alternatives.


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