the best, cost-no-object, music streamer?

Some really good reviews of a few options on HiFi Advice:

http://www.hifi-advice.com/reviews-computer-audio.html

I also just tried the Simaudio MiND 180 streamer. Sounded fantastic through the Simaudio 650D dac (sounded better than cd play through the 650D) For about $1,200 it's a much more affordable option than some of the high end solutions like Linn. The MiND streamer will also be built into the new Simaudio 380D dac - just add a computer with a UPnP library management software program (like Asset), a wired/wireless network router and an iPad and you're all set!

I have to say, though, Meridian Sooloos is still miles better than any of the other streaming systems I've seen in terms of tagging, library management software and their iPad app. They've got a good few years on the other companies and it really shows. Different sounding than Simaudio, though. The Meridian house sound is smooth and rich (particularly with their apodizing digital filter, which is supposed to remove pre-ringing) whereas the Simaudio house sound is punchy/rock-solid bass, dynamic and detailed in the high frequencies. Both sound very good but people will have preferences. I'd say the Sim sound will have more initial appeal but the Meridian sound will grow on you over time (that's what happened to me, at least!).

"From reading the posts it seems music streamer needs to be a dedicated unit like sooloos, aurender, linn etc. I've only seen and hear the sooloos. seems the presentation (demo) wasnt setup well in front of me. or probly the music was using a file that is compressed and lossy."

Not necessarily, I think there are a number of "open" streaming systems that work with multiple brand. For example, tHe Simaudio 180 streamer works with any dac and a PC, Apple or NAS with a UPnP library management system for music storage. I think PS Audio and Linn are also open, or at least partially open streaming systems.