There are many options for playing digital files. The ability to play downloaded files plus discs narrows the field significantly. Of course, playing LPs will require a pre-amp (or integrated amp) with a phono input.
What types of music do you like? (Some genres are more commonly available in certain formats.) I believe that it’s important to get a player that supports all of the available recorded music formats for the music that you like – so that you have the most options for buying high quality recordings. (For example, I listen to classical music and opera. SACD (including multi-channel) is common for classical music. Downloaded hi-res (24bit/192kHz) FLAC (e.g. HDTracks) is also common for classical music. Many operas and ballet (and some classical concerts) are on Blu-ray video. (Only a few are currently available on UHD.) Some classical recordings are on Pure Audio Blu-ray. Some classical recordings are available as a DSD download.)
You said that you want access to “new music and old”. Do you want to be able to play CDs, plus SACD, Pure Audio Blu-ray, and Blu-ray video (such as concert videos)? (This gets back to the question of genre. Don’t let anyone tell you SACD is dead – it depends on genre.) Do you want to be able to play “hi-res” downloads, such as 24bit/192kHz FLAC downloads, and DSD downloads?
How important is a fancy GUI for searching for music? (GUI options range from a simple file folder structure for music, to fancy presentation and sophisticated search capabilities.)
Are you willing to invest time in copying all of your CDs to a NAS drive? (Copying SACDs and Blu-ray is more complicated.) This might be very time consuming, depending on the number of CDs, and effort required for tagging. (For classical music, tagging is an enormous PITA.) Only you can decide if this effort is worthwhile. FWIW, I don’t copy CDs to a disc drive. OTOH, some people value using a GUI from their smartphone or tablet to search all of their music, and are willing to invest the time in copying (and tagging) all of their CDs.
How tech-savvy are you (e.g., PCs, smart-phones)? Some solutions require you to perform the role of systems integrator, other solutions are much simpler to use.
FWIW, I believe that audiophile-grade “universal players” are an excellent choice for digital music, if you want to be able to play discs, and downloaded music. I own Oppo UDP-205, BDP-105, and BDP-95. You can get started playing downloaded files via a simple method that I call “sneaker-ware” – i.e., copying files that were downloaded to your PC (e.g., from HDTracks) to a USB drive, and then plugging the USB drive into the USB port on the front of the Oppo. You can use the Oppo’s remote to navigate the file structure, or use a smartphone app to control the Oppo. If you want to employ more sophisticated DLNA networking from a NAS drive (vs. sneaker-ware), that’s an option with the Oppo player.
I use the analog outputs from my Oppo players (UDP-205, BDP-105, BDP-95) to drive vintage tube amps. (I can drive 1950s era McIntosh MC30 mono tube amps directly from an Oppo universal player – i.e., no pre-amp. Sounds fabulous.) My hi-fi systems include 2.0, (two) 2.1, and 4.2 (LCR, single rear channel, 2 subwoofers). The UDP-205, BDP-105, and BDP-95 all have “audiophile grade” DACs and analog circuitry built-in, and don’t require an external DAC to achieve excellent sound quality. (The UDP-205 and BDP-105 have digital inputs allowing use of its DACs by an external device. I have my HDTV connected via TosLink to my Oppo BDP-105 on one system. Chromecast Audio is connected via TosLink on my UDP-205 in a different system, facilitating streaming audio such as Spotify Premium and Tune-In internet radio.) The Oppo’s variable output can directly drive power amps, in addition to integrated amps and preamps. (The UDP-205, BDP-105 also have a headphone jack.) Considering the versatility of the Oppo UDP205, I think it represents a great value. For stereo, simply connect an amp and speakers. No AVR needed. No external DAC needed. No preamp needed, unless you listen to LPs, or want tone controls.
The UDP-205 provides future “upgrade” possibilities, including a subwoofer, multi-channel music, and of course videos (including concert videos and movies).
The UDP-205 can provide “bass management”, and supports 2.1 (i.e., stereo plus sub) in addition to 5.1. Bass management involves a built-in crossover (adjustable), and an RCA line-level connection for a powered subwoofer. The low frequencies eat up a lot of power. With Oppo's bass management, the low frequencies are off-loaded from the main amp and speakers, and therefore the main amp and speakers are less likely to overload (and sound congested or distorted) during fff passages of music.
With a UDP-205 universal player, you can start with stereo, grow to 2.1, then 4.1, then 5.1 if you wish. (If you have a large room that might benefit from surround-sound, I suggest that you audition a top quality SACD or Blu-ray recording that features surround sound – you might get hooked.)
Even if you will only use stereo, the Oppo UDP-205 is a good choice if you want a “universal player” for discs (CD, SACD, Blu-ray), and downloads (FLAC, DSD). It can downmix any recording to stereo.
OTOH, if you plan to play only music from a NAS drive (either downloaded, or copied from CD), then a music streamer might work for you. I have no experience with music streamers; other AK members can help with that option.
That’s my 2.5 cents. Does this help? Please let me know if you have any questions.
