Music Server/DAC in Same Box

Modwright Transporter and a NAS for storing your files.

No way I want some appliance in control of my music collection. I want to rip, tag, organize and backup my music files my way, not some set of compromises someone else came up with so they can mash everything into one box. I'm also perfectly happy with the playback control software options available.

I also think that because most of the dollars were invested in hardware quality, not software and storage that you get better sound quality.

I'm looking at the Weiss MAN-301 w/ internal DAC. But looking for alternative high-end server + DAC combinations, doesn't seem like there are a lot of them.

The Boulder 1021. All you need is a NAS, router, and IPAD. It is a very advanced ethernet system with up to 32 bit sampling. Sounds absolutely fantastic. Very expensive though.

Audio research sells one too. There are various streaming devices with
Dac such as linn and ps audio, but in this setup you still need a server and
library management in addition to the server/DAC.

Thanks.

The Boulder 1021 looks like it still needs a music server? There isn't much written in the manual about it acting as a server, only that it can receive streaming music and play it.

Same w/ the Audio Research, looks like you still need an actual computer to stream music.

or am I missing something?