+1 for Neal van Berg's Music Vault servers. They do not use any proprietary software or hardware so you'll never get stuck w a boat anchor, they come w wifi and Ethernet, Jriver or roon they are easily expandable w USB hard drives and have log me in software so Neal can (and does) remotely troubleshoot and fix any issues you might have. it is a full on computer and server with auto back up via RAID drives and rips via DB power amp. They sound great and Neal's support is first rate. I started w the original MV and then traded it for an MV2 and now an Emerald and I couldn't be happier. It's virtually silent, plays from memory has the OS on an SSHD. Mine outputs digital coax to a Zodiac DAC which Neal also sells. He often has good deals on trade in units. Nothing to loose by giving him a call.
Music Server
I am looking for a reliable and easy to use music server with a very good interface software package. I have about 4,500 CDs, the majority classical, so I am looking for something that does a good job at cataloguing the content. I currently run a Naim NDS/Uniti server. I think the software is adequate, but, I have FAR too many bugs and problems keeping it working correctly. Enough is enough. I would like something that is much more stable and reliable that is designed to handle a decent sized collection.
I did some quick research and found the Antipodes server. It seems to have the ability to run a number of different software packages (comes with Roon pre-loaded) and it has built-in capability to rip CDs, both of which are a big plus, but, I am a bit concerned about whether it might be a bit complicated to use. I have also taken a quick look at the Aurender servers. I have a good local dealer who is a computer whiz that carries the Aurender so that is a big plus. Another big plus would be something that could take what I have already loaded on my QNAP NAS and work with that so I don't have to re-load, edit metadata, etc. all 4,500 CDs again.
Are there any other top end servers that I should be looking at? Also, any suggestions on a DAC to couple with the server?
Thanks.