"ghdprentice
Every dedicated music server I have owned completely trounced every pc or laptop I have owned. Some examples; Aurrender N100 ($3.6K), Aurlic Aries G2 ($5K), Aurender N10 ($10K), and Aurender W20SE ($22K). I found the latter was so good that it was a bargain (I have associated equipment to take advantage of it)."
In this I disagree, I went from a dedicated PC striped down for dedicated audio streaming to first a Roon Nucleus (just crap IMO way over priced too, specialy when you open it up) then to my current streamer the Aurender A10 and frankly its not really much better then the dedicated PC I was using prior feeding a Schitt Gumby milti bit DAC. Its definitely quieter and has a blacker back ground but its lacking in hi frequency detail and spatial Q's IMO ( using the internal DAC that's supposed to be excellent).
I used Spendor D9.2 speakers that are a bit tipped up in the top end and are very detailed so there should not be a noticeable roll off on the top end (compared to other sources I have). I'm saying that at 57 so I probably don't hear much above 12k anymore.
I'm not saying the Aurender A10 is not over all better but not $8k better IMO ( and the interface is just easier on a computer), think hard and use your ears not your eyes before you buy.
Also consider having your computer optimized for audio before you make any move. you may find you don't need to upgrade.