Best computer for usb hi fi source

If you have the patience to manage Windows - and it can be frustrating..

get a custom PC - fanless, SSD with a linear PSU. You can get a lower power processor and use one of those fanless casings which double up as a heatsink.

Run Windows Server 2012 and JRiver. You can tweak it further - use JPlay and the Windows Server optimiser.

If you don't have the patience to manage Windows, get a Mac Mini from one of those companies that specialise in modifying them and adding a linear PSU. As before, use an SSD

You can JRiver for Mac, or iTunes with Audirvana Plus

I was given a demo of the BlueSound system the other day and IMHO this is the one to get. A proper Linux/ARM based system that looks like it belongs in a B&O showroom.

For complete newbies, you just need to hook up a USB HDD or stream from TIDAL or lossy sources or internet radio.

And if you add a second unit, the OS is smart enough to index all the different HDD attached to the second or third or as many units as you need (up to 34 IIRC).

Or if you are more tech inclined, hook them up to a network drive via SMB.

There's even an Accurate Rip version with a built in HDD to rip yr CDs without a PC.

And not as pricey as a some custom PCs. Designed using tech from NAD - a sister company of BlueSound.

Man, I sound like a fanboy