I wouldn't in anyway claim to be all knowledgeable about music servers. I like the general concept but when I investigated them within the past two years what I saw and read within my budget means simply fell short of my needs and interest.
I am the most average of computer users but I was able, with help from several people on several sites, to get a really efficient and good sounding system using a Mac Mini and peripheral software.
I think you have to be sure you know what you want a system to do for you before making any decisions on equipment. Some of the things I wanted were:
1. I wanted to be able to create, update and maintain a music library. You have to rip CDs, download files, update metadata, add artwork.
2. Of course you want high quality audio playback and flexibility in the ability to integrate the system with your audio system.
3. A user interface was important to me. I am no longer satisfied with the simple play tools of a CD like playback experience. I want a graphic user interface that is well thought out and very functional. I want the ability to display artwork and other information on the music being played possibly on an HDTV but as a minimum on an iPad.
There are many other things that can go into the design and implementation of a music server but to me if any of the components of making it a fully functional device are dependent on another device (a computer) to perform any essential function then it's not a complete product.
I am the most average of computer users but I was able, with help from several people on several sites, to get a really efficient and good sounding system using a Mac Mini and peripheral software.
I think you have to be sure you know what you want a system to do for you before making any decisions on equipment. Some of the things I wanted were:
1. I wanted to be able to create, update and maintain a music library. You have to rip CDs, download files, update metadata, add artwork.
2. Of course you want high quality audio playback and flexibility in the ability to integrate the system with your audio system.
3. A user interface was important to me. I am no longer satisfied with the simple play tools of a CD like playback experience. I want a graphic user interface that is well thought out and very functional. I want the ability to display artwork and other information on the music being played possibly on an HDTV but as a minimum on an iPad.
There are many other things that can go into the design and implementation of a music server but to me if any of the components of making it a fully functional device are dependent on another device (a computer) to perform any essential function then it's not a complete product.