Thanks everyone for the response so far. Although I have not been in the market for a server for some time, when I did look into the matter, I did not particularly like computers running software approach as much as a purpose-built server. I found them a bit less user friendly, but more importantly, I actually heard a professionally built computer server that was carefully stripped of all other functions vs. a purpose-built server into the same DAC and I thought the purpose-built server sounded better. I talked to a local dealer who was a computer person in another life and who built many a computer based server for customers; he says that the better purpose built servers are slightly better sounding, but cannot really say why this is the case. Another mystery to me is how the software to manage and access music should matter, but, I heard a comparison between two different software, and one sounded MUCH better than another. All of this, and my complete incompetence with computers, leaves me wanting something that is simple, reliable, assembled by someone else who can also provide support (I like the log me in software for outside control/troubleshooting).
Music Server
I am looking for a reliable and easy to use music server with a very good interface software package. I have about 4,500 CDs, the majority classical, so I am looking for something that does a good job at cataloguing the content. I currently run a Naim NDS/Uniti server. I think the software is adequate, but, I have FAR too many bugs and problems keeping it working correctly. Enough is enough. I would like something that is much more stable and reliable that is designed to handle a decent sized collection.
I did some quick research and found the Antipodes server. It seems to have the ability to run a number of different software packages (comes with Roon pre-loaded) and it has built-in capability to rip CDs, both of which are a big plus, but, I am a bit concerned about whether it might be a bit complicated to use. I have also taken a quick look at the Aurender servers. I have a good local dealer who is a computer whiz that carries the Aurender so that is a big plus. Another big plus would be something that could take what I have already loaded on my QNAP NAS and work with that so I don't have to re-load, edit metadata, etc. all 4,500 CDs again.
Are there any other top end servers that I should be looking at? Also, any suggestions on a DAC to couple with the server?
Thanks.