music server

This abstract explores building a low power music server (50 watts) as opposed to a transport. This is not a one step plug and play solution but it is a great guide to what's available. The PC/Server uses a low consumption power supply/mother board/CPU/Memory combination. Next, reduce the operating speed of the CPU, memory and then disable many Windows features that consume power and create EMI in the computer. This is the total reverse of tweeking a computer to increase it's processing power. Lastly, isolate the PC and DAc from each other by using optical output (not metallic coax).
http://www.audioasylum.com/forums/pcaudio/messages/2/23886.html

Couldn't agrred more with your nicely put construct Somec. i'm getting serious performance out of an Apple G5 tower configured as a music server connected optically to an Audio Aero Capitle mk 11. Performance has passed the AA transport and there's still room for improvement/tweaking. As a bonus, the convenience of having muisc on a hard drive and selectable over a network is the icing on the cake. I've tried both the Squuezebox and Airport Express, but this is another level, no, a couple of levels of performance higher. I have a feeling PC Audio is going to change high end audio. There's a new player in town, and it's not something you'lle be hearing at your average audio dealer, but maybe your computer dealer might just be looking at more of a margin product and start really selling into the digital lifestyle.

I use the Yamaha CDR-HD1500 attached to a Benchmark DAC. Sounds pretty good to me. I would at least look into the Yamaha, as you maybe happy with it.

Thanks all. My needs are pretty simple.. be able to load all music on a hard drive, hit shuffle,not have to worry about changing a CD, and not succumb to the awful sound of digititis. I see this as to be used primarily in a stand alone system with a Ray Samuels headphone amp and seen 650s.. with possible later migration to my two channel system with tube gear and Duevel loudspeakers. I want as little time spent hooked up to a computer as possible. That why the Olive, Cambridge or even the Yamaha look most interesting to me. I would consider mods or a DAC to improve over stock sound at some point.. but I want to start with a quality product and go from there. 160-250 GB HD would be enough to get me started. I'd consider adding a additional external USB drive once I grow beyond..

How much are you looking to spend? I think the sonos is very useful for casual listening, but the sound is lackluster. I think if you're willing to do some tech stuff to customize your setup, that a mac through external DAC is a pretty sweet setup. Take a look at using a Keyspan TuneView remote to control iTunes, or if you have a bluetooth phone there's salling clicker and the like. If you get a newer mac with Front Row you can just use the included apple remote. I'm running a 1 TB NAS to a mac Mini to a Benchmark DAC 1 (thinking of switching DACs though) and the sound is pretty stellar.