NAS connected digital streamer with digital out?

What are you trying to play? Ripped CDs or high def files? The reason that I am asking is that there are two streaming players in the lower price range that come to mind. The first being the Squeezebox touch and the other being a Sonos.

The advantages of the Squeezebox are that it is capable of playing hi rez files and can be controlled via infrared remote, in addition to other wireless methods (iPad, iPod, etc.). The downside to the Squeezebox is that it can be tempermental. I've had to reset mine three times in the last week. For some inexplicable reason, it has quit playing my files downloaded from iTunes and it doesn't want to let me onto MOG. Setting it up to work with an NAS is also a bit more involved.

The Sonos won't play any files over 16 bit with a sampling rate greater than 48khz, but other than that it is rock solid. I've never had to reset mine and the software is also very refined. Another downside to the Sonos is that it cannot be controlled via infrared remote. All control is via a computer app or an app for iPad, iTouch or some other gadget over wireless. The setup for pulling files off of an NAS is also so easy that even a caveman can do it.

If you don't need the hi rez capabilities, I'd go for the Sonos. It's bullet proof and has caused me far fewer headaches than the Squeezebox has. With music ripped from CDs, I can't tell the difference between the units.

If you are assuming that you are in the minority because you want to use an external DAC, I'd have to say that you are wrong.

I any case, I suppose your options would greatly depend upon the amount of money that you want to throw at this.

Many here run a Squeezebox Touch. It's cheap, it can sound very good, can handle high res files up to 24bit 192khz, and is compatible with a wide range of file formats (which most of the "higher end" models aren't).

Although it is a bit quirky on occasion, it is a very good bang for the buck. For what its worth, the Touch is on Computer Audiophile's list of suggested hardware. I run mine pulling files off of an NAS and really like the results that I get.

If you do go with a Logitech product in conjunction with an NAS and plan to run the server software on the NAS, just keep in mind that the software system requirements do apply for the NAS. When shopping for an NAS, I'd get one with at least a 1.5ghz processor and at least 256mb of ram, with 512mb being better.