Regarding music servers, here is a list of the ones I am considering and have learned about, with quick little blurbs of what I see as the advantages and disadvantages (totally all IMO):
CAPS Server - probably a great product. I would imagine it comes out of a shop very similar to Steve's; audiophiles of passion. It is based on the Intel NUC, I'm thinking its a short lived product. And very DIY. Could be great for some, but not for me.
YFS - a windows based server designed for high end use. It's essentially a windows computer Moded to the gills for audiophile performance, in both form and function. Probably sounds awesome and has Flexibility. But in the end it will either need to morph into a true dedicated unit or disappear. It's high end DIY. But for, it's probably amongst the top tier of what's available.
Moded Mac Mini - Mac DIY. External power supply and other mods. It's great and is a terrific inexpensive entry. Again, once the dedicated server gear hits mainstream the mac minis will go bye bye. Dependent on USB audio out. It requires the right DAC to really shine (ODSE, Computer Audio Designs, etc)
Auralic - not truly a music server. More of an intermediate product but revolutionary in what it is. It's the first of a new generation of streamer that gives affordable audiophile sound and accesses all of the music on a NAS or computer, along with accessing Internet streaming services and providing spdif, usb output. They hit a home run with this product. It's a temporary solution, but the ONLY thing that currently does what it does.
BMC/Burmester/Meridian/Linn/Naim - the first gen product of the next big thing. Some are very expensive and all are high end. For me, they are going in the right direction. Gen 2 or 3 will be home runs. All are fighting for the proper control software, Inverness music streaming and output options. If you have the money and don't mind spending on something will be be woefully obsolete In a few years then you will get great sound and convenience. Once the big players have solid product we will see if the current Music Server top players will survive.
Computer Audio Design - not available in the US. You can get them, but import only. Usb only for Input. Probably in the same class as the ODSE. But as long as it doesn't have a solid US presence, I'm hesitant to look further.
The BIG players currently:
Lumin - standalone Music Server with top tier parts, excellent ipad control software and flexible expansion for NAS memory. It offers everything and comes in several levels. It's iTunes integration is not there yet (still doesn't access iTunes folder directly). And you are paying for a DAC that you may or may not need. I don't need the DAC. I'm looking into Lumin very seriously, but I dont know how their usb output is.
Baetis - a Microsoft based system but displaced from the DIY concept to a totally new unit specifically dedicated to audio. AES output is soldiered directly to the mother board. Great integration and control. No built in Internet streaming access ($14k and you still need to buy an Auralic to get Tidal music service), no access to iTunes folders. This unit is specifically designed for AES output and needs a DAC that can take advantage of that. If you have that (DCS, MSB, Berkeley Reference, etc), and are OK with no native Tidal/Rhalsody or access to iTunes folders then it's a no brained. Sounds amazing, I've heard it in a truly reference system.
TotalDac D1 server - probably amazing. No USB output, Spdif/AES outputs. Not really a huge presence In the U.S., like CAD. Reasonably priced and probably should be better known in the U.S. It would be at the top of my list if I wasn't dependant on USB input to get my best sound, and if it had a solid importer in the U.S. I might be wrong about that, but I don't think its currently available stateside except direct from manufacturer. I am still looking into it more though. Everyone who owns one or has heard Totaldac raves about the experience. I reached out to the company and they were very responsive. I may still try with a buy, like I did with many of the dacs I auditioned. But some of my other options are really good...
Aurender W20 - reference music server requiring a DAC . About $17k fully loaded. Sort of unique and strange architecture. Very hybrid. Spinning hard drive for mass storage but uses SSD for short term playback; obviously NAS compatible. Battery power/backup and linear power supply for all music components but a switching power supply for non-audio related parts - huh? Why not just linear throughout? Amazing ipad control and integrated/native Internet streaming like Tidal/Rhapsody recently introduced. Can not directly access iTunes folder. Also spdif/AES outouts. Has USB but I don't think it's considered it's best output. I think it would sound best with AES or spdif out to a top tier DAC. Again. I'm thinking DCS, MSB, Berkeley Reference. A true contender. Also with a well known serious group of programmers to back the company and provide support and updates. Well established US brand.
Antipodes - USB outout, dependant on a USB DAC. Good control using modified Squeezebox software. All SSD storage plus NAS compatible. This is the only unit available that is currently compatible with and can directly access your iTunes folder without needed to copy the whole damn thing to another folder. Integrated/native Internet music access like Tidal/Rhapsody. All linear power supply. Built in CD ripper (some others obviously have this to, I just forgot to mention it). Also with a solid group of programmers and well established in the US. Not obscenely expensive at $7500- fully loaded. Currently very very high on my list; honestly #1 right now.
I'm sure some of what I said is not 100% accurate, but I think oat of it is pretty solid info.
I welcome input, experience, manufacturers comments and user experience to help us all with this daunting list.
