DIY Computer Audio Server or Melco N1Z/2EX-H60

Thanks again guys.Really appropriate the feedback.

I haven’t heard the Melco. My general opinion is that there is a performance advantage in separating the ethernet-to-USB rendering function from the CPU and mass storage. Optimizing the ethernet-to-USB renderering function frees you to employ a more or less standard, economical computer-grade CPU and storage(albeit enhanced at the ethernet interface with the LPS-powerd JCAT NIC.) In my case, I was led to an i5 NAS to support the Roon core and to provide scalable storage to 20TB to support lots of DSD files of vinyl recordings and ripped SACDs. The files are virtually indistinguishable from the sources.
HOWEVER, all decisions are made at a point in time.  The latest generation of standalone purpose-built servers like Melco, Innuos, etc. are so good that it is tempting to go with simplicity.

I will be succinct and to the point .... get the Melco.
The odds of your being able to better the Melco going the DIY route are very low in my opinion.  And there is much more to it than just getting the right parts and wiring them up, but very much in how those parts are wired up.

You seem to have good grip on optimized parts for a DIY server. Most of what I have learned on the subject is in thread below. I use and wholeheartedly endorse the JCAT Net Femto Ethernet card, powered externally by an inexpensive Zerozone LPS. The JCAT improved a QNAP i5 TVS-882 in combination with SOtM renderer, USB conditioner, and modified EN hub-- all synchronized to a 10Mhz rubidium clock and powered by a four-rail Hynes SR7 DR LPS. That's a lot of building blocks at higher cost relative to the Melco, but scalable to increasing performance levels if you want to grow.  
https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/topic/30376-a-novel-way-to-massively-improve-the-sq-of-computer-audio-streaming/page/622/?tab=comments#comment-1020629

Thanks  dgarretson2,

if I understand you right, a DIY server wit hthe right components can sound better as the Melco?

Roger

You seem to have good grip on optimized parts for a DIY server.  Most of what I have learned on the subject is in thread below.  I use and wholeheartedly endorse the JCAT Net Femto Ethernet card, powered externally by an inexpensive Zerozone LPS.  The JCAT improved a QNAP i5 TVS-882 in combination with SOtM renderer, USB conditioner, and modified EN hub-- all synchronized to a 10Mhz rubidium clock and powered by a four-rail Hynes SR7 DR LPS.  That's a lot of building blocks at higher cost relative to the Melco, but scalable to increasing performance levels if you want to grow.  
https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/topic/30376-a-novel-way-to-massively-improve-the-sq-of-computer-audio-streaming/page/622/?tab=comments#comment-1020629

Thank you guys.
I will look into your suggestions!

Roger

I would contact Sam Laufer of Laufer Teknik.
He builds a mini Memory player that uses an Intel NUC. He also has some interesting software to go with it that enhances playback.
Bob

You can run Roon on a lot less than a Xeon, with a lot less power required.

The server can run on an old i5 class CPU, with Linux. The players can run on a Pi 4 with Ubuntu 19.  This would let you put the server in another room to keep the fan noise out of the way, while your card-deck player connects to a DAC via USB.