Dedicated Music Server/Player

Yes, absolutely.  I had a Lumin X-1 DAC/Streamer and loved it.  Then during Covid I decided a a near death experience needed a reward so I purchased a Lampizator Pacific DAC.  I paired it with a transport.  I was slightly disappointed in the sound.  Then I started researching Music Servers.  I came across an absolutely computer genius in Lucas Domanski.  He is the brains and owner of Lucas Audio LDMS.  We had many phone calls through What's App to discuss my system and music needs.  He then built me a dedicated 8tb music server.  

When I received it, I could not believe how much better my sound was right out of the gate.  Now that I have had it for 10 months, I am totally happy.  Lucas is in Great Britain but he is available almost 24/7 for consultation.  He set up my system from his office.  

He can build you a Music server anywhere from $4k to $20k.  Mine is somewhere in the middle.  I would love to do an A/B comparison between my  LDMS and Taiko.  It is that good.  

If nothing else reach out to him by email or phone and listen to what he has to say.  Tell him Will sent you.  

Small world I am looking at purchasing a music server from lucas audio I currentlybuse bryston 3 streamer but I don't like the interface. But I was weary about dropping 6k on a boutique streamer.

I have looked at Baetis streamers in Canada around 6 to 8k and a Italian mfg called Aqua but their streamer is more like 10k

I looked at Baetis, Aqua, Innuous, Taiko, Aurender, Antipodes.  They are all good in their own right.  What you get with Lucas is customer service.  Sometimes that is the added bonus you get with a boutique Company.  They can build it to your exact specs.  My speakers are boutique also --Viking Acoustic Grande Voix Dual horns.  I was able to discuss all of my parameters with the owner and builder.  I personally love that interaction.  

To follow @willgolf

Absolutely yes! I fiddled around with PCs, MacBook.. and portable devices for years. It is only sending bits, right? No! I got an Auralic Aries G2 and realized it is like every high end audio component, every component matters, particularly at the beginning of the signal chain… actually like a turntable / cartridge… the source. Suddenly, digital was sounding better… like worth listening to.  
 

Then I got an Aurender N100… then things got really good. Finally I ordered a $22K Aurender W20SE. I was concerned It was worth the money, that is a lot… after less than a minute I realized it was a bargain! Jaw dropping good… finally a source on the same level of analog. I am listening to it now… I listen to it 99+% of the time. I have 2,000 pristine albums and a fantastic TT and phono stage.