The sky is the actual limit with HDD based music.
I doubt specifically if the server needs be McIntosh though to acquire a step up in performance.
But then perhaps youre looking for a turn key outfit . And not a DIY affair.
Variety is its Avitar, and quality now, is easily had, when it comes to music by the file instead of songs done track by track from a stand alone player.
Theres tons of info on this topic all over A-gon and at the Computer Audiophile.
Recording quality is always going to be an issue. If its poor on the CD, its not going to get much better if at all once on the server. Regardless the maker of the server.
Quality however can and is available sufficient enough to surpass many disc players upwards of 5-8K or become on par with them.
Each segment and interface will matter too. The DAC. The soft player, The interface from server to DAC.
Quality high res files done well, IMHO rival and at times surpass some SACD.
So as said, Do you like playing one album at a time .. OR would you prefer to play whatever when ever?
Then all you need following an answer to that question is to find which system you like.
I doubt specifically if the server needs be McIntosh though to acquire a step up in performance.
But then perhaps youre looking for a turn key outfit . And not a DIY affair.
Variety is its Avitar, and quality now, is easily had, when it comes to music by the file instead of songs done track by track from a stand alone player.
Theres tons of info on this topic all over A-gon and at the Computer Audiophile.
Recording quality is always going to be an issue. If its poor on the CD, its not going to get much better if at all once on the server. Regardless the maker of the server.
Quality however can and is available sufficient enough to surpass many disc players upwards of 5-8K or become on par with them.
Each segment and interface will matter too. The DAC. The soft player, The interface from server to DAC.
Quality high res files done well, IMHO rival and at times surpass some SACD.
So as said, Do you like playing one album at a time .. OR would you prefer to play whatever when ever?
Then all you need following an answer to that question is to find which system you like.