It's not that complicated once you understand how each component work. Of course you can simplify it by putting server + host together (one box)-> target (another box). Or even put everything together (without using diretta) in single RPI box. I don't opt to use pc cos I don't run anything that...

early version of Gentooplayers require some basic linux understanding, Not any more pass 1 year or so, it's now just using web interface to do setting up and run the OS. Support group see here https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/topic/55235-gentooplayer/page/252/

support group at https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/topic/55235-gentooplayer/page/252/ Tidal supported but not directly, see this post, I didn't use Tidal so I can't help much. https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/topic/64897-pi-2-design-mercury-streamer/?do=findComment&comment=1202180

I am a very demanding in terms of sound, I want everything balance, quiet dark background of sound. Gentoo give you improvement in every aspect, focus, airy, texture, detail, dark background, staging, depth and width and height, transparent (speaker disappear), extended high without the fatigue...

I come from Dave + Mscaler, prefer much May KTE NOS sound. Second that.

We are on the same page. For me, Gentooplayer is the ultimate OS/Endpoint software to go for RPI base hardware. Gentooplayer by itself already beat all other OS as end point streaming software. On top, you can further optimize better sound by 1) Real time kernal, CLTO kernal (additional cost)...

Welcome to Holo May, I did the same coming form Dave+Mscaler. Still now still impressed!

I would recommend tubulus concentus i2s cable v2.

Gentooplayer is the OS which have many stream protocol available to select and yes HPQ NAA is one of them. Gentooplayer is available for RPI4 which the Red is base on.

I don't quite understand what you mean by ramroot. Just know gentooplayer ramdisk. You can use HPQ NAA endable in gentoo player and set to ramdisk mode. it will be run in memory mode.

yes, confirm enough at 2GB even if you use Gentooplayer ramdisk mode with only one streaming protocol enable. (which is recommended).

Congrats! May I suggest to swap the power supply box with your main unit of May? May main unit need a lot of room due to heat it gives out so good to swap the main unit to the left rack where there's no other equip stack on top. The power supply unit not that warm and thus no issue stacking...

Search for goldensound review of both May and T+A dac200. To be frank, even I heard the May at my local dealer, its far inferior than what it sound like in my system. If I did not research extensively here and read review around the globe I would have pass on the May if I really just base on...

It's not just a RPI4B on the Red, Red use compute module 4 as core and rest of the subsystem is fully custom design and look at the amount of regulator of each section, it's very well engineered. Attention to detail especially on the power supply. Also good thing about using a RPI base core is...

For music server may I suggest running LMS off a RPI base and optimize it's power supply (5V) and you might be much happier than Aurender especially those who are on limited budget and have a challenging mindset. See my signature on my digital front end.