Dedicated Music Server/Player

Yes, absolutely.  I had a Lumin X-1 DAC/Streamer and loved it.  Then during Covid I decided a a near death experience needed a reward so I purchased a Lampizator Pacific DAC.  I paired it with a transport.  I was slightly disappointed in the sound.  Then I started researching Music Servers.  I came across an absolutely computer genius in Lucas Domanski.  He is the brains and owner of Lucas Audio LDMS.  We had many phone calls through What's App to discuss my system and music needs.  He then built me a dedicated 8tb music server.  

When I received it, I could not believe how much better my sound was right out of the gate.  Now that I have had it for 10 months, I am totally happy.  Lucas is in Great Britain but he is available almost 24/7 for consultation.  He set up my system from his office.  

He can build you a Music server anywhere from $4k to $20k.  Mine is somewhere in the middle.  I would love to do an A/B comparison between my  LDMS and Taiko.  It is that good.  

If nothing else reach out to him by email or phone and listen to what he has to say.  Tell him Will sent you.  

I looked at Baetis, Aqua, Innuous, Taiko, Aurender, Antipodes.  They are all good in their own right.  What you get with Lucas is customer service.  Sometimes that is the added bonus you get with a boutique Company.  They can build it to your exact specs.  My speakers are boutique also --Viking Acoustic Grande Voix Dual horns.  I was able to discuss all of my parameters with the owner and builder.  I personally love that interaction.  

I had the Emm Lab before the Lumin X-1.  For me, there was no comparison.  The Lumin was better for me.  BTW, please keep us informed of your decision.

@David Ten

I had heard of Pink Faux but in all my research it just did not come up.  No reason just so many others to choose from.  I do like the aspect of knowing who is building my equipment and that probably is a major reason I went with Lucas Audio.  That is similar to my Viking Acoustic Grande Voix Speakers and Canary Audio Amps.  In each case, I developed a relationship with the owner.  BTW, and I know this sounds crazy but all of my equipment was purchased without hearing it first.  A lot of that has to do with my confidence in who is building the equipment.