Need help with digital music setup for house

As to whether DAC's need to be hardwired, I think it's optional provided that you have a robust wireless network. And this usually means that you've hard-wired access points throughout the house to allow for high-reliability wireless connections with the DAC. Music doesn't require a tremendous amount of bandwidth, so I would definitely stop short of saying that wired ethernet would be mandatory, although it is more reliable (and secure). It's taken me 15+ years to fully learn this, but having the infrastructure of a wired network is what allows you to have a robust wireless network. You will also thank me when you and your family members roam throughout the house on your tablets and laptops completely seamlessly and with good transfer rates.

I'm not sure exactly what you mean by "purpose built streamer". Do you mean a media server that you build yourself and load software on it (such as Plex Media Server)? If so, then yes, that's a great way to go. Just remember that backups (both local and cloud-based) are critical. For local backups, I use the Macintosh Time Machine, and for cloud backups I use Crashplan (since they have no data limit, so I have literally terabytes of data backed up to their central facility at no extra cost).

It sounds confusing, but the research you do now will save you considerable headaches in the future. You don't want to make early decisions that will severely limit your capabilities not only today but also a couple years from now.

Michael

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%

Good luck finding a comprehensive guide. There seems to be no standard way to do this.
I'll weigh in here with what are probably contrary opinions on this forum but have worked well for me.

First off, unless you cannot propagate a wireless signal due to interference in your house there is no need for wiring. High res audio (like FLAC) is actually low bandwith so a wireless N or AC router will handle the load with ease. Even with interference you may be able to solve the problem with repeaters. I have a very large 3 story house and my N router works just fine even where the signal is less than ideal (since you do not require much bandwidth)

Secondly a NAS based music server can be set up very cheaply. Currently I am using a 3TB WD MyCloud NAS device that comes pre loaded with Twonky (a DNLA server) for serving up music. This can be bought on Amazon for $150. It will serve up FLAC or lossless AAC (if you use iTunes this is equivalent to FLAC). You can even host your itunes on the NAS. There is no reason to spend a ton of money on something to dish up bits on the network. Prior to this I had a dedicated computer, the NAS is cheaper and uses less power. The NAS does need to be wired to your router.

Now you will need a device to play your streamed music. Here is where it starts to get tricky and you can wind up spending as much money as you have. As another poster has mentioned you could go with a SONOS system. However you have to live with it's limitations. In particular it does not support 96 or 192khz audio (although there is a good argument that there is no difference above 44.1 hz anyway). My solution was to buy an inexpensive streaming device that handles hi res audio with digital outputs (I use a Grace Digital GDI-IRDT200 Hi-Fi Internet Radio Tuner - $189 on Amazon). I have this device directly feed either a DAC or a digital amplifier. I chose to spend my money on the DAC and the Amp.

I have this setup in 2 rooms and could not be happier.