Music Server vs Computer?

I second the comments on the Baetis. I have been using it in my system and against my APL two box digital (which includes an Esoteric transport) it is very impressive and holds its own although I still haven't done extensive comparisons as of yet. Great build quality, dbpoweramp for ripping and JRiver for playback. John at Baetis has also been superb in terms of customer service - some of the best service I've had post purchase.

You are better off to use USB output on the server so the master clock is in the DAC or USB converter, not the server.

This also allows upgrading as the technology improves.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

From the Baetis website:
We can show that SPDIF done right beats USB done right...

Note, both the Bryston and the Baetis use spdif out (the bryston uses the Juli@ soundcard, the Baetis takes sound right off the mother board) not USB and are currently two of the best sounding platforms.

switch-mode power supply? no thank you. The Antipodes has a linear supply with special shielding. It also has USB out that can stream audio. This is a great choice.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

Here are some other things that make the Antipodes server superior and make it beat most DC transports:

1) The USB output card has a high precision clock with extensive power supply regulation.
2) It uses a minimal Linux build that they control to not interfere randomly with audio
3) It buffers over 1GB of music in RAM before it goes to the output card
4) It uses high quality linear regulated supplies
5) It uses 2.5" disks with custom firmware to control their behaviour
6) It can driveUSB streams out. Async USB provides greater isolation from the noise interference that occurs in digital
transports of any kind.

I have had first-hand experience at shows with this server. One of the best on the market IMO. The ONLY one I have found where .wav and FLAC files sound identical. Even Mac Mini cannot do that.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio