I would be interested in trying new software but if I had to go back to a windows based server to do I’m not sure it be an improvement.
The three apps run on Mac, Windows and Linux.
Incidentally, both my mini PC and the sonicTransporter and the ZENeth all use the same super low power required Celeron J1800 processor which has all the power needed for these Audio serving tasks but with nice low power, low noise. The lower the power better as long as it can perform it’s Music file serving task. My windows based mini PC would run hot - real hot and amazingly the sonicTransporter runs unreal cool. Almost can’t tell it on.
When using Ethernet, it should not matter what power is used on the computer, in fact it should not matter what computer is used.
The more important thing is to optimize the playback app and the router/switch and associated cabling after the router/switch.
I have done a lot of experimentation here and found the following to be optimum:
1) AQVOX Ethernet switch
2) 0.5m Wireworld platinum cable from router/switch to isolator
3) EMO EN-70e isolator
4) 2.0m Wireworld platinum cable from isolator to Ethernet interface on DAC
It must be done in this order for best signal integrity and lowest jitter result.
Does this software you speak of need to be run of a PC in a set up like mine?
Your setup is fine. Versions for Linux, Windows and Mac are available for free.
Steve N.
Empirical Audio