I guess it really depends on how you listen to music.
If you have already downloaded a lot of music from say Linn or 2L or HD Tracks or SuperHirez etc, I think a dedicated music server/computer is your best route.
If you have a lot of CDs/SACDs and you aren't sure if you have the time to rip these to a server, I'd say go with a transport. Unless your DAC has a custom input for an SACD transport, you are likely limited to CD transports. SACD bitstream is usually "proprietary" and you can't send SACD data over SPDIF or AES cables.
If you are going for the transport route - a lot again depends on your budget. I personally am a big fan of the CDPro2M top loader transport and own 2 devices with the transport - an Ayon CD5S and a Bel Canto CD2. Ayon now sells a transport only version with the CDPro2M. I've also heard pretty good results with the Stream CD transport (slot loaded) used in the Meitner MA2 and the bel Canto CD3t. The CD3T is a dedicated transport (no DAC) and is a cost effective alternative. But I suspect it won't read mini CD discs that I have.
If you are going with the computer route, I personally like Macs. If you are comfortable opening up a computer to install or upgrade components, I'd suggest ordering a base Mini and buying the following after market - SSD and fully load the RAM (16GB on current Minis). You only need at most a 60GB SSD to store the OS. If you are not comfortable opening the machine up, just customise the Mac Mini at the apple online store and configure it to have the memory and SSD upgrades.
Once you get the machine, just buy/install Audirvana Plus and run it in iTunes Integration mode. I believe your DAC USB input supports Integer/Direct mode on Audirvana Plus so check that option. Also allow Audirvana to do a System Optimizer by reducing background apps/processes. Once iTunes has imported all your music, you are good to go. You may need to use a converter app if your music is in FLAC.
You can of course manually optimise the operating system further but for now, I think will get you to 80% of a fully optimised system.
If your budget stretches further, you can have a look at the modified Mac Minis dedicated for music applications - mojo audio will strip out the switch mode power supply for a large external linear power supply for instance.
If you have already downloaded a lot of music from say Linn or 2L or HD Tracks or SuperHirez etc, I think a dedicated music server/computer is your best route.
If you have a lot of CDs/SACDs and you aren't sure if you have the time to rip these to a server, I'd say go with a transport. Unless your DAC has a custom input for an SACD transport, you are likely limited to CD transports. SACD bitstream is usually "proprietary" and you can't send SACD data over SPDIF or AES cables.
If you are going for the transport route - a lot again depends on your budget. I personally am a big fan of the CDPro2M top loader transport and own 2 devices with the transport - an Ayon CD5S and a Bel Canto CD2. Ayon now sells a transport only version with the CDPro2M. I've also heard pretty good results with the Stream CD transport (slot loaded) used in the Meitner MA2 and the bel Canto CD3t. The CD3T is a dedicated transport (no DAC) and is a cost effective alternative. But I suspect it won't read mini CD discs that I have.
If you are going with the computer route, I personally like Macs. If you are comfortable opening up a computer to install or upgrade components, I'd suggest ordering a base Mini and buying the following after market - SSD and fully load the RAM (16GB on current Minis). You only need at most a 60GB SSD to store the OS. If you are not comfortable opening the machine up, just customise the Mac Mini at the apple online store and configure it to have the memory and SSD upgrades.
Once you get the machine, just buy/install Audirvana Plus and run it in iTunes Integration mode. I believe your DAC USB input supports Integer/Direct mode on Audirvana Plus so check that option. Also allow Audirvana to do a System Optimizer by reducing background apps/processes. Once iTunes has imported all your music, you are good to go. You may need to use a converter app if your music is in FLAC.
You can of course manually optimise the operating system further but for now, I think will get you to 80% of a fully optimised system.
If your budget stretches further, you can have a look at the modified Mac Minis dedicated for music applications - mojo audio will strip out the switch mode power supply for a large external linear power supply for instance.