Which Upgrade Route?

[sbank]

Hi,

 

Have been using Audirvana+(now 2.3), ~30k tracks AIFF & FLAC music on a Lacie HDD Firewire800 (also can be USB3) > 2009 MacMini(stock PS, 4GB RAM max recommended for that model) > AQ Carbon USB> Schiit Wyrd > AQ Carbon USB > Oppo 105D as USB dac > BAT VK51SE > Lamm M2.1 monoblock amps > Nola Viper Ref. III speakers.

 

Have a WD NAS that I just use to backup music files. Also, have both my wife and I have ipads and have previously enjoyed Apple Remote and now suffer/settle with A+ remote app.

 

Pretty sure I am going to replace the Oppo with a Schiit Gungnir Mulitibit dac. After I do that I am hoping to make an upgrade in the server/streamer side of things with a relatively small investment. My goal is twofold: 1) eliminate hiccups and frustration that I'm currently having with freezeups and other quirks on A+ 2) improve SQ as much as possible over my current setup at a modest cost.

 

So far, my options appear to be:

a) Replace MacMini/A+ with Aries

b) Replace MacMini/A+ with Aries LE

c) Replace 2009 MacMini with newer MacMini (with or without LPS)

d) Replace MacMini/A+ with Windows CAPS server from Small Green Computer or similar resource

e) Upgrading my 2009 Mini with memory(is this feasible?) and LPS

e) Something else

 

Although there seems to be some dissent, it sounds like the majority of owners are pretty happy with Aries, and I am leaning that way although not sure about being able to invest $1600. Is there a better option at this price point If I only could invest ~ $1000 what would make the most sense?

 

If I were to invest in the Aries, is there a problem if my files are on a mac-formatted partition on the Lacie firewire HDD? I know I can use the WD NAS, but my bias is towards avoiding the network if I can use the local drive. Also, having a hard time believing that wireless via NAS sounds better than a local firewire HDD

 

I am very comfortable buying used gear, but not comfortable building my own server. Would rather spend my time listening than tweaking settings, software filters, dealing with buggy betas, etc. Hence, a voice in my head keeps whispering "Don't go Windows or buy a relatively unknown Linux box that you don't know how to program".

 

After reading the Aries vs. Mini 17 page thread of entertaining info and slapfest, I'd be honored to get some suggestions from jtwrace, miguelito and his frenemy Jimmypowder. Thanks all...