To answer a few questions - 1. My thinking is that with the NAS all my music is available without having to find & load the cd or cds each time, 2. the NAS runs in a raid array which means that once loaded it is mirrored on the NAS itself so if one drive goes down it can be replaced without having to reload the cds, 3. I looked and it appears to me that there are fewer and fewer quality cd players out there - so I ask myself is this going the way of the VCR?, 4. with the network music device I can also get internet stations, for the price of a decent cd player I get more flexibility, 5. I never considered a computer as my server but in my search I came across a site where they customize the system for you - still looking at that option. So many options, so much information to process!
I looked at Sonos - not convinced it was way to go, looked at Bluesound - appears a better quality product which surpasses Sonos. This is all new to me and in fact what started this journey was the limited number of CD Players available today but I am listening and I appreciate all your comments and suggestions. I recently spoke with a "high end" audio store person and snob comes to mind as a description of this connoisseur of fine music about the possibilities and well was left with the feeling I could be a redneck if only I had my pickup on blocks in the front yard. For those who commented here without the attitude I thank you again it has helped as I continue to get valuable knowledge.
My last concern is AIFF or FLAC? which is better?