You'll have to use a Flavor of Linux that supports ARM CPU's. As for which one to use, I'll defer to thunder240 to answer that question. Also, JRiver is Playback Application, not an OS. JRiver is available for Linux. If you're planning on using the Pi plugged directly into you audio system, you'll need the HiFiBerry kit. Then, you would use an Application like JRiver to play music. Many people swear by the Roon Player, but it's pricey at $119/yr or $499/lifetime.
If you're planning on just using the CCA as the Audio source, then all you would need is an Application like Plex, Kodi, etc to "serve" the music files to the CCA. If you go this route, once the Pi is setup, you can run it headless; without a monitor. You would use another computer, or tablet/smartphone, to control the Pi remotely for occasional maintenance, changes to settings, etc. My Music Server is actually mounted on the wall right next to my router. I use my main computer to control it remotely for occasional software updates, maintenance, etc. Also, I use the LMS web-portal to control my Squeezebox Touch, which by the way, is sitting right next to me; it's easier than using the players own interface. To use the other Squeezebox devices located throughout the house, I use an app on my phone.
If you're planning on just using the CCA as the Audio source, then all you would need is an Application like Plex, Kodi, etc to "serve" the music files to the CCA. If you go this route, once the Pi is setup, you can run it headless; without a monitor. You would use another computer, or tablet/smartphone, to control the Pi remotely for occasional maintenance, changes to settings, etc. My Music Server is actually mounted on the wall right next to my router. I use my main computer to control it remotely for occasional software updates, maintenance, etc. Also, I use the LMS web-portal to control my Squeezebox Touch, which by the way, is sitting right next to me; it's easier than using the players own interface. To use the other Squeezebox devices located throughout the house, I use an app on my phone.