Music Server Recommendation


Hello AG community,
I have embarked down the path of getting my music off my computer (iMAC>USB Drive>Ethernet) and on to a dedicated music server.  Primarily I am looking for significantly improved sound quality and instant on. It will feed my DAC (most likely via USB). Need 4TB in onboard storage (no attached drives/NAS). I would really prefer to stay with Roon (have a lifetime sub) but will consider others with equal or superior functionality/sound/remote app.
Budget is $4-5k

My current primary equipment:
PS Audio DirectStream Jr/Oppo BDP-105
Ayre K-5xe Pre
Conrad Johnson MF2500a Amp
Vandersteen Quatro Woods
AQ Niagra 1000
AQ cables

I have been considering the below:

In the lead:
Antipodes EX (+ 4TB SSD)/Roon $5100
Innuous Zenith MKII Std/Roon $?? (can't figure out the US cost yet)

I really like the Antipodes especially the modular approach (ability to add a CX down the road), reviews and their reputation. Innuous seems like it may rival the Antipodes in sound quality. Both are not the easiest to buy or figure out sellers/distributors/pricing.

Trailing:
Aurender N100H $3000
Melco N1 MKII $??

Aurender is readily avail. Conductor app is generally well regarded. Would prefer the N10 but it is out of my range. I have heard some negatives regarding this unit being a bit shrill (definitely not anything I would be happy with). The Melco is very interesting and meets the sound quality std but is probably the fussiest from a setup perspective. Their software/remote app is probably the weakest of this group. Also confused about the 2 x XTB setup (is this a raid array or combined storage)?

What other products should I seriously consider in that price range? Is the budget sufficient for my requirements or should I look used or wait and save more?

Thank you in advance and look forward to your feedback

fdemello
@marktomaras Absolutely Mark. There is some debate and contrarian opinions on this but I do plan to try both USB & Ethernet and listen/compare. Also toying with idea of buying a USB/Toslink converter as a 3rd option. According to Ted Smith toslink also has advantages the other 2 don't (lower noise/jitter I think with limitation to 96kHz). 

PS DSJr Specs:

I2S, and USB - 44.1kHz to 352.8kHz 16bit, 24bit, DSD 64, DSD 128
TOSLINK – 44.1kHz to 96kHz 16bit, 24bit
XLR (AES/EBU)S/PDIF (coax)-- 44.1kHz to 192kHz 16bit, 24bit, DSD 64
BRIDGE II -192kHz 32 bit compatible
Recently received my Antipodes DX back with Gen 3 upgrade and it sounds great to me.  As previously, it displays none of the electronic haze/glare/thinness I have sometimes heard through other digital sources or players. 

To further enhance things, I am running Roon core through the DX but using the SOtM triad of sMS-200ultra endpoint, tX-USBultra USB reclocker, and sPS-500 power supply to power both.  I use the short Curious Link between the sMS-200ultra and the tX-USBultra, and then my TotalDAC cable from the tX-USBultra to my Pavane Level 3 DAC.   Separating the endpoint does make a difference but the differences are subtle.  I need more time to decide whether the main difference is coming from the separated endpoint, the  tX-USBultra USB reclocker or both - i.e., would using the DX as both core and endpoint plus the tX-USBultra alone provide the same level of improvement?

I have another endpoint on the way, Metrum's Ambre, along with their I2S module that I can self-install in my Pavane Level 3 DAC.  This should be interesting as with that scenario I will have no USB cables, just Ethernet from the DX to the Ambre and then I2S from the Ambre into the Pavane.  I could be happy right now with the DX/SOtM solution but the Ambre/I2S option was too interesting to pass up.

As a sidebar, I am on the last month of a 60-day Roon trial.  I had not previously used Roon and I like how it sounds and the wealth of metadata so I am interested in continuing with it.  My question is whether there is any reason that I shouldn't simply move forward with the Roon lifetime membership?  Is there something even better than Roon on the horizon I should know about, or is Roon likely to be a good bet into the foreseeable future?  Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.
I am a big Roon fan and a lifetime subscriber. I'm sure there will be competition down the road but I'm also sure Roon will continue to innovate. At $119/yr I didn't see the point in waiting on the lifetime. 
I made the mistake of paying for Roon for three years before I went lifetime!  My advice to anyone serious about digital music and who has a good experience with the trial, would be to just pay for the lifetime straight away.