[nicoff]

Having a built in ripper may seem as an advantage but it is actually not that great. If you have lots of CDs the best approach is what Saphana did. You are definitely much better off ripping the CDs using a PC or MAC and dedicated software like DBPoweramp.

I used to own the Sony HAPZ1ES unit. It is a excellent music server and in your price range (cheaper if you buy a used one). The Sony integrates well with Spotify. The disadvantages of the Sony were lack of Tidal integration and it did not work with Roon.

I have now settled on a system that runs with Roon and have Roon endpoints in different areas throughout the house.

Oh, And by the way, the Sony would be an upgrade to your Mac mini. The Sony always works (no computer gremlins); a button turns unit on/off immediately and a nice app to control it via phone or tablet.