Upgrade from Innuos - Endgame server

I acquired an Innuos Zenith Mk3 a couple years ago. I loved the warm, full sounding presentation it added to my system. However, the Sense app UI was never my favorite. It sounded better than Roon to my ears. I was ready to try something else but I didn’t want to go up the Innuos chain if I didn’t love the software. 
 

So I scoured the forums looking for the best server/streamer available. State of the art offerings from Taiko, Grimm, Antipodes, and Pink Faun came up regularly. 
 

I tried a Grimm MU2 in my system. It was hyper detailed, but lacked the warmth and body of the Innuos. I kept searching…
 

I then discovered a cult-like following for the Lucas Audio Labs LDMS server/streamer. I read every scrap of info I could find and could tell this was one of those boutique brands that offered ultimate performance and value. 
 

After having no luck purchasing one on the used market, I contacted the company to get a custom build. Lucas got back to me right away. We exchanged countless emails about what I was looking for and my sound preferences. He even helped me troubleshoot some network issues with my Etherregen. I decided to go all out and get nearly every option available, taking my total to about $14k. 
 

Living with the LDMS for 2 months now, I can honestly say it’s a revelation. The Innuos got me close to my vinyl setup. LDMS into my Lampizator DAC is mastertape-level amazing! It’s easily the largest step-change upgrade I’ve made to my system, ever. Roon sounds excellent. Lyrion (Lucas’ preferred software) sounds even better. It’s never fatiguing, super dynamic and the SPDIF output (my favorite) gives an even more organic presentation than USB. Using a Puritan PSM156 or similar to clean power going to the server and DAC is a must, any hint of digital etch is gone. Smoothest digital I’ve heard to date. 
 

I’m thrilled with the purchase. The value is unheard of in modern high-end audio. The Taiko Olympus looks great. But $90k is out of the question for me, and I really wonder if it would gain me much. For those looking for an endgame server, read the threads on LDMS and come to your own conclusion. I’m a customer for life. 
 

Check out my virtual system for photos of the LDMS and Lampizator combo.