Which music server to buy?

My guess is that when you get into the Escient, Request, Kalediscape stuff it is more you are buying the software that these companies sell. Which limits you to what you can do. Thats why I am considering either building my own or getting a music vault that will run the Squeeze software or iTunes, both which offer excellent interfaces, multiple room capability and commonality.

Other than that, I can't see any real reason to get a prepared box with proprietary software as it will pidgeon-hole you.

It comes with an iPod touch (for remote-you can see the album art) - it uses squeeze softwear. Check out their website.

http://www.soundsciencecat.com/MusicVault.html

Acurus, I do feel that if you use a PC, you need to keep it out of the sound room, if you wish to approach X03SE levels. PC's are pretty noisy, unless you go for a fanless, flash memory type computer. The squeeze box (or other options) allows you to keep the PC in the home office and with a really great dac (in the sound room), you're there, with alot more convenience. I do have a Shunyata Power Cord on my 'puter and am currently playing with isolation devices under the computer and external hard drive.