Okay, well, as promised, here is my update.
I installed the SB Touch (wired ethernet). No problem. Very intuitive.
I installed SB server on the same PC that contains the FLAC files. Still having trouble getting it to run as a service on boot rather than on login, but I haven't tried "everything" yet.
Sound quality is very good; I think better than a coaxial digital connection from the same PC to the digital input of my receiver. Also better than the D/A converter in the PC or several other computer-to-receiver cabling solutions I've tried. No, I didn't A/B it and I will not. Yes, I could be imagining it. Sounds "good" anyway; not imagining that part.
The iPad SB app is just what I had in mind. That seems to work really great.
Still need to fix some tagging. Also - and more importantly - I need to create some more playlists so that I have other options besides artist/album at ready disposal.
Yeah, looking like "The Answer" so far. Thanks very much, guys.
