I on the other hand realized I had something free on my hands, I just needed a dock and an OTG cable. Storage of course is limited to its internal microSD card, but I haven't tried wireless as I haven't purchased an NAS yet (and the whole point is so I won't have to run an actual computer just to output digital audio to reduce battery wear on my laptop as well as not have to walk over to the other room to power up my gaming rig).
As for the A Capella II, it's somewhere between both. At that price though I'd still much rather get a Marantz. If it's for a music system, there are 2ch Network Receivers now that you just hook up to your LAN and then run a remote app, plus such receivers also have a subwoofer output so using a mainstream brand amp as opposed to a more HiFi brand like NAD or Rotel will at least be less of a problem with clipping when the speakers are pushed hard because at least you'll have a powered sub handling the bass.
Yes, that is part of the appeal for me. I want something that only does that one thing, with nothing else to potentially interfere.
I do just fine with my current system (see profile), but I want something more dedicated. If the linear power supply and so on of the A Cappella II improves sound quality as they (and users) claim, I have no problem eventually buying it. But it would be nice to experience a dedicated server that is more affordable in the meantime.
Also, I only use headphones, not speakers.
Auralic Aries Mini with a user added SSD drive.
Cocktail Audio has a couple.
Cambridge Audio CXN with a USB Memory stick full of music.
I use a Naim UnitiQute with the amp turned off and a 128GB USB stick with my music on it.
Bryston BDA-2 with a user added ssd.
Marantz na6005 or 8005 with a USB stick
Allow me to elaborate upon my needs and preferences. I need at least 3 TB of storage, preferably with automatic backup. I don't need wireless streaming. I only listen to music at my computer desk. I want everything to be connected via cables. I would prefer an all-in-one device that allows you to store, control, browse, and play the audio, but it's not a requirement. All-black color scheme would also be nice.
Currently I am using an Alienware M11x R2 laptop ($1,400) and Buffalo DriveStation Quad 12 TB external hard drive array ($1,100) on the source end. (My laptop sounds just as good as a Schiit Modi 2 DAC, so I'm just connecting my laptop directly to an amp right now.)