It is actually shocking how significant the impact of the digital server can be for sound quality. I used a PC built to the specs of the second iteration of the CAPS server as my first digital server. I upgraded to an Antipodes DX II and it had a nicely positive impact on the sound quality. I was considering going up to their latest K50 to get even more when I came across the Taiko Audio Extreme thread and that persuaded me to go whole hog and try that. I mean "Wow!" what an improvement in sound quality!
So, IME how the "PC" is built for server duties is every bit as important as the DAC (or possibly more so). YMMV.
So, IME how the "PC" is built for server duties is every bit as important as the DAC (or possibly more so). YMMV.