This is an interesting thread.
I own an older Antipodes CX(my Server) ---> DS-3(My Player) ---> Antipodes S20(re-clocker), running Squeeze.. Not sure if I notice a difference separating the server from player.
I might eventually get rid of the DS-3 and use the CX as both server/Player. This will save me some money and rack space.
I've only recently separated those functions, so time will tell.
I looked into getting Innuos before I settled with Antipodes. I didn't like that you couldn't add to your internal storage and that Innuos hard drives were not the more durable SSD type.
The support from Antipodes is next level. The CX I picked up was 10 software updates behind. Antipodes support spent 90 mins online with me, making sure I had the latest and greatest software.
The pricing seems better with Innuos over Antipodes, but again Internal storage is limited. Perhaps this is not an issue with many who normally just stream from Tidal or Qubuz etc... I like having local files.
The newer Antipodes models are nice one box solutions, but the price is very high.
Are these streamer companies that much better than Cambridge, Eversolo and wimm ? Just asking as I've never tried them. I found Antipodes and Innuos because both support open source Squeeze, which to me was a big selling point.