Another option is Powerline adapters for your networking needs, if you have fairly clean power this option is legit, I've had situations in the past where this was the only option and it was better than I suspected it would be and 100% better than nothing!
For music storage you might look into a NAS (network attached storage) there are a few solid contenders, I chose Synology for my needs and as the multi disk platform is redundant it keeps a backup so the risk of loosing your music is reduced. I also purchased an inexpensive 3TB external hard drive that I back up to a few times a year just to be belt and suspenders.
I run a Mac and with that I use XLD for my ripping software and rip to FLAC
For a music server I have two options that I'm plying with. The first and what I typically use is Minimserver which lives on the synology and with that Linn Kinksy. The second is Linn Kazoo which is a server and UI all in one. I will use Kazoo when I want to stream "tidal" as the music library is vast and the most important thing, to me, is that they stream "lossless".
For a streamer you have l alot of options and are limited only by your bank account. Its like motor racing, how fast do you want to go = how much money do you want to spend. How good do you need it to sound? Thing like Sonos is a great option for 90% of the folks but its limit on file type and resolution are deal breakers for the other 10%
For music storage you might look into a NAS (network attached storage) there are a few solid contenders, I chose Synology for my needs and as the multi disk platform is redundant it keeps a backup so the risk of loosing your music is reduced. I also purchased an inexpensive 3TB external hard drive that I back up to a few times a year just to be belt and suspenders.
I run a Mac and with that I use XLD for my ripping software and rip to FLAC
For a music server I have two options that I'm plying with. The first and what I typically use is Minimserver which lives on the synology and with that Linn Kinksy. The second is Linn Kazoo which is a server and UI all in one. I will use Kazoo when I want to stream "tidal" as the music library is vast and the most important thing, to me, is that they stream "lossless".
For a streamer you have l alot of options and are limited only by your bank account. Its like motor racing, how fast do you want to go = how much money do you want to spend. How good do you need it to sound? Thing like Sonos is a great option for 90% of the folks but its limit on file type and resolution are deal breakers for the other 10%