As you know from the above posts, you have many choices.
I like using the MAC computer since it enables me to play my albums and also supports music streaming using Safari. I sometime listen to Pandora, Calm Radio and iTunes Radio in addition to my CDs stored on the LaCie hard drive. Safari provides other streaming options such as Paradise Radio, TuneIn and many more. I decided on the computer route because I wanted the maximum amount of flexibility in my music source selection. The MAC Computer has a very small foot print and disappears when not in use. I looked at single box server solutions and discovered that many of them required an external monitor. For me, I thought the MAC computer was a better choice because of it small size and ease of use. If you are not familiar with MAC, you can attend a free one hour MAC computer class at your Apple Store for your orientation.
I find the MAC computer easy to use and you can also ask another MAC user for help if you needed. This is a big plus if you need help. Another option is your local Apple Store.
I am using the Apple MAC Book Pro Computer 13" with the following configuration:
2.9GHz Dual-core Intel Core i7, Turbo Boost up to 3.6GHz
8GB 1600MHz DDR3 SDRAM 2x4GB
128GB Solid State Drive
My MAC is connected to the Ayre QB-9 DSD DAC using the Synergistic Research Active SE USB Cable connected to the Luxman L-590-ax connected to Sonus Faber Olympica II Speakers. All files are in AIFF format (uncompressed) and stored on my external LaCie 3TB d2 USB 3.0 Thunderbolt Series Hard Drive.
I am using iTunes for ripping my CD's and everything is working fine. iTunes does a good job of managing my CD library and provides various options for alum selection.
I like using the MAC computer since it enables me to play my albums and also supports music streaming using Safari. I sometime listen to Pandora, Calm Radio and iTunes Radio in addition to my CDs stored on the LaCie hard drive. Safari provides other streaming options such as Paradise Radio, TuneIn and many more. I decided on the computer route because I wanted the maximum amount of flexibility in my music source selection. The MAC Computer has a very small foot print and disappears when not in use. I looked at single box server solutions and discovered that many of them required an external monitor. For me, I thought the MAC computer was a better choice because of it small size and ease of use. If you are not familiar with MAC, you can attend a free one hour MAC computer class at your Apple Store for your orientation.
I find the MAC computer easy to use and you can also ask another MAC user for help if you needed. This is a big plus if you need help. Another option is your local Apple Store.
I am using the Apple MAC Book Pro Computer 13" with the following configuration:
2.9GHz Dual-core Intel Core i7, Turbo Boost up to 3.6GHz
8GB 1600MHz DDR3 SDRAM 2x4GB
128GB Solid State Drive
My MAC is connected to the Ayre QB-9 DSD DAC using the Synergistic Research Active SE USB Cable connected to the Luxman L-590-ax connected to Sonus Faber Olympica II Speakers. All files are in AIFF format (uncompressed) and stored on my external LaCie 3TB d2 USB 3.0 Thunderbolt Series Hard Drive.
I am using iTunes for ripping my CD's and everything is working fine. iTunes does a good job of managing my CD library and provides various options for alum selection.