It's time to do it! Please, your help....

Get a dedicated network player instead of a multi purpose computer.

That is where you will end up.

I was in the same boat as you a while back, but I did not want to build my own system, deal with third-party software, I did not want to use my MAC/laptop/PC, so I got the Bluesound Vault to get me started. Built in DAC, easy to load your CD's or HD downloads, and even old MP3's. Has the software to manage your library built-in, very good support, and also streaming so you can get an idea if you like it or not. Basically its a good introduction to everything digital. 

Fuzztone is right, you'll end up spending a good chunk of money and time building out your own and still end up with a dedicated network player in the end. There are others beside Bluesound, but it's what I started with and it worked out well or me.

Thanks for your help.

I have spent the money already. My neighbor has a Bluesound  vault and I am very unimpressed with sound and smartphone interface is a turnoff.

Have read nothing but software horror stories about Cocktail Audio products etc.

So, again, I got all the pieces, I think?. If anyone is using their PC/Mac as a server/player I could use some expertise!

Thanks again in advanced!

H

@grossman616

If your goal is to build high resolution library then I would pick a better server than Mac desktop. You have a nice DAC, pair it with a better server or streamer and keep the door open for streaming options whenever you’re ready.

Vault 2 is a good start up option but certainly not long term. I would look into something like used Aurender N100H which has 2TB storage on board. The Aurender’s conductor app is solid and easy to follow. Use your Mac to download music and then transfer it to N100H internal drive. The files on internal drive will sound slightly better than any external storage on your network.

And lastly, I recommend NativeDSD or ProStudioMasters for DSD and high resolution files over HDTracks. HDTracks are notorious for upscaling lower resolution files and selling them as DSD’s. They have not been transparent about provenance of original file or resolution.

I can’t help you with a Mac player as I’m a PC guy but Foobar and Fidelizer sound great.  Foobar is pretty intimidatingly to get up and running but once set up works great just doesn't look as pretty as some of the other non free options.   You also may want to rethink a streaming service at least for the short term if for no other reason that to get easier access to to digital downloads. Qobuz and Amazon HD allow you to purchase directly from the app and Qobuz actually discounts the downloads if you go with the higher tier services. Building your library you might actually save enough to pay for the services and you can then stop if once you’re library is adequate.

Just my opinion but if your internet connection is good enough being able to hear it before you buy it is a pretty valuable service.

Robot I am and Robot I’ll always be.