Another option could be to put iTunes on the server, enable home sharing, then get an AppleTV to hook up to your receiver.
I just set one up for my mother-in-law for Christmas.
Pros:
- You can use an iPhone/Pod/Pad as a slick remote which can be used to browse your library.
- AppleTV has optical audio out, built in WiFi, is small, and cheap (around $100).
- iTunes is used to manage and serve your music library.
Con's:
- All of your music must be managed by iTunes
- The AppleTV needs to be connected to a TV for setup, occasional updates and maintenance.
- Only Apple's lossless (non mp3) format supported, so you may need to re-rip some of your CDs in iTunes.
- Your iDevices now need to run ios7 to get an iTunes remote app if you haven't previously installed it on an older device
“...•Only Apple’s lossless (non mp3) format supported, so you may need to re-rip some of your CDs in iTunes.”
Whoa, Tex!
Any MP3 or AAC file will play just fine.
I have NO ‘lossless’ encoding - just 128K AAC, 256 AAC and 128 MP3.
Works GREAT.
Best!