What's my ideal music server? Read and recommend please

I changed from using the Ethernet input on an Ayre QX5/20 to USB from an in rack Wolf Audio Alpha SX3.  This was a definite upgrade in sound quality. I would recommend the Alpha or their new slightly smaller Luna-R server.

While I'm sure this will disappoint those who have chosen to support them (I once did), I think the Aurender fan base is becoming more and more irrelevant. I'm not saying the products are bad or don't perform well, but there are plenty of other offerings with less dubious practices under the hood at a fraction of the price, with performance that meet or exceeds the Aurender, and with a far more open approach to consumer choice (i.e. control point options, integration with home automation systems, multi-room features, etc.). There are plenty of Hifi brands offering similar products which easily perform just as well, and many have found more DIY solutions (Sonore or Raspberry Pi for example) are also a better route (though albeit more time invested in putting all the necessary pieces together). 

I know the type of people who are inclined to purchase an Aurender. I think the people, and the dealers who have the type of equipment Aurender is targeting, particularly the top end products, would be better served to explore other options. While they claim to have world class support, and make every effort to present an entirely positive image to the press, my experience was far from pleasant and I would gladly do anything to help persuade an existing or potential Aurender customer to consider spending their money on something else.

Their business practices are also highly suspect. You may be able to find information concerning a lawsuit involving their breach of contract with their original US based distributor a number of years ago... wait, here it is: https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/new-york/nysdce/1:2013cv01142/408054/17/

While that case was dismissed I can tell you it's merely the tip of the iceberg for the type of shenanigans their CEO tries to pull off. He thinks of himself as the Elon Musk of Korea...

Ok- you’re not a fan of Aurender then you say you could do better for the money.

Please suggest alternative servers

I am using the Innuous Zen Mini powered by a Zen LPS connected via Wireworld Ultraviolet 8 USB to a Bel Canto 2.7 DAC. Just regular Cat 6 in wall to the modem and Cat 8 to the Zen.  Sounds great to me. Ripped my CDs to the 4tb Zen and hooked up Roon. Won't go back to my Adcom system.  While very good, that system doesn't come close in SQ to the higher end digital components assembled during my  5 month foray into this world.