Music Servers - Baetis vs. Music Vault


I, like many, are looking to add a music/media server to my system.

Aside from fabulous sound and performance, I really want ease of use, with minimal involvement from a computer.

My preference would be a unit that has the hardware to rip/store my cd's, download high-rez files from the internet, set up playlists and then kick back and enjoy the music.

As I explore the options in the under $5K price range, both Baetis and Music Vault are floating to the top.

Ripping and playing Bluray is a nice bonus, but not critical.

I'm looking for feedback from anyone who has compared these two brands, in your own system or demo'd at a recent audio show.

Which unit sounds best?
Which unit is easiest to use??
Which unit has the most features???
Which unit is the best value????

Thank you.
barrelchief
I have used the Antipodes servers at shows and they work flawlessly using USB to practically any DAC or USB converter. The SQ is killer, in fact I can hear no difference between FLAC and WAV files like I do with PCs or Macs. Highly recommended.

Antipodes cables are also some of the best on the market too, if not the best. I used to manufacture silver cables and these are awesome.

No affiliation other than using their devices at shows sometimes.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
I can, just not with the Antipodes. He does a lot of custom software tweaks to make them equal I think.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
I would try to audition both. Baetis has a 45 day trial period. Not sure about Music Vault.
It was a nice surprise - to log on this morning, and see your responses.

I will also take a look at the servers that were mentioned, which were not on my short list.

Keep the comments coming.

I will report back after I sort out everything and pull a trigger.