music server setup questions

To keep things simple and effective, Sonos or Bluesound (affiliated with NAD and PSB) network streaming systems are worth a look. They use a standard network data connection (can be wireless) to computer music server and can be used with external DAC of choice.

I have been using similar Logitech Squeezebox system (discontinued) for a number of years with excellent results and old Roku Soundbridge prior to that.

I have started to run PLEX media server in addition to Logitech MEdia Server on my computer music server, and connect to that from an Amazon Fire TV box with TOSLINK out to my DAC in my second system. Nice for high quality streaming of all media types, not just music, and the server and web clients are free. You pay $5 for the app on a mobile device (for mobile access from anywhere with an internet connection, like a smartphone), Ipod or tablet or same price for app on the AMazon Fire TV (Android) device.

You're components are very good, but also very revealing. Because of this, you may want to consider entering at a higher level than an absolute beginner. Otherwise, you run the risk hearing all the shortcomings in your PC front end that your amp, preamp and speakers are capable of revealing.

As far as Mac or PC, people seem to be getting very good results with both, providing you set it up properly. I think the safest way to go, in your case, would be to go from a digital out on your PC to your current DAC. It won't cost anything and you can use it for a reference. Even if you hold off on buying more expensive gear, your system is definitely revealing enough where you can experiment with different file formats and media players. You can get started ripping with a free program called EAC. (Just make sure you download one of the setup guides because EAC has so many features, you'll definitely need the help for best results.) Once you get is set up properly, its easy to use.

Once you have a chance to play around with all the different aspects of computer audio, you'll be in a much better position to pick components that best suit you. Its not plug and play like a CD player. There is a learning curve so it may be a bad idea to start buying expensive items right away.

Thanks for the responses so far. I actually have a logitech squeezebox I got a couple years ago with the intent to set up a system but never did. I got it because the computer with the music stored was going to be far away from the rest of the system. That is no longer the case as I can put the computer in the rack. Should I still be using an intermediary device like the squeezebox and pull the content off the network, or is it better to plug the computer right into the system?