Which server / renderer to buy?

Look into Antipodes.  I have the DS GT,  that replaced my Bryston BDP2. I recently listened to the Antipodes DX in my system. I submit their music servers are simply outstanding. 

rbstehno,
I use USB from my Antipodes DS GT to my Rowland Aeris DAC. I prefer it over my previous Bryston BDP2 and Aeris DAC connected via AES. Antipodes prefers a USG connection, so in my case I don't understand the issue with USB from music server to DAC?

To try to simply all of your options, you need to determine your budget. My other advice is to look at components through the lens of preference, as opposed to better. Many components are system/room dependent and the user’s ear. My favorite saying is, "there are no absolutes in audio, only preferences." I had a Directstream DAC and prefered the Bricasti M1 DAC. I moved from the M1 DAC to the Jeff Rowland Aeris DAC. Is one "better" than the other? No, I had a preference for the Aeris, that may be due to the synergy with the other Jeff Rowland Components I have.
The great thing about the Antipodes is I can rip CDs by just inserting them and Tidal sounds really good. I have 2TBs of hard drive space and manage my music with my IPad and Roon. The bad news is my initial thoughts were Roon wasn’t intuitive. After a small learning curve I submit my Antipodes DS GT/Roon combination is user friendly and sounds great. I hope this helps!

cjk5933,
"You agree with those who suggest a configuration by passing the USB port." Have you directly compared a music server that's designed to utilize the USB port to one that used a different output? If not, what do you base your opinion on?

I see several comments regarding wasting money. Who determines if something is a waste of money? Of course the individual does. We can't put value on something for someone else. I enjoy my Antipodes DS GT. It has contributed to my overall enjoyment of my system. I definitely prefer to the Bryston BDP2 it replaced...the soundstage has changed,  with the lead singer appearing in front of the speakers,  creating a deeper soundstage. 

The bottom line is, "we" don't know what we don't know. I'm fortunate to have access to a lot of equipment. A couple months ago I compared Absolare mono-amps to Jeff Rowland 725 mono-amps and the Bricasti amplifier. In addition, a comparion between my DS GT and Antipodes DX.  The DX is Antipodes top of the line music server,  but in my system I preferred the DS GT. Unless you can compare components, you really just don't know. That's why I started with "we" don't know what we don't know. Listening and comparing is the best way to decide what you "prefer".