Finally ready to build a PC dedicated to using XXHighEnd as my main source. and need advice.  I have never assembled a computer, but I built all my tube gear and speakers from Bottlehead kits so I can probably figure out the assembly part.  Looked with interest at SeVeReD's choices, but my ignorance keeps me from good understanding of what I need as a minimum.  (I am assuming I can always update gear later as needed).  Intend to continue to use current peripherals, so USB will be used for Hard Drive and DAC (Scott Nixon NOS).  Would like to place all in horizontal case and put on equipment rack where CD player used to reside, but am flexible if this is not a good idea.  Read that Peter says to use a Duo Core processor. 

So I guess first question is - what should I look for in a processor and motherboard?  Are there minimum requirements for each beyond which SQ is not influenced?

Second question - if unit is truly stand alone (not connected to internet or LAN), what is best method for getting new info into it, such as updates?

As a newbie to XXHighEnd (but with over 30 years of highend audio experience) I find myself both bemused and confused.  First off, I love the sound.  When I first set it up and heard it from the corner where my computer is, back to speakers and way out of the sweet spot, I was startled at how "right" this sounded.  Recently I did some AB comparisons with my CD player (Stereophile A+) and could detect no differences, yet when I just sit down and listen to XXHighEnd  I am hesitant to end the listening session, because the musical enjoyment is so high.  What is happening here?  By the way, I am listening on a Sony VAIO laptop, which is connected to the Internet all the time, using Vista Ultimate and a Scott Nixon NOS USB DAC, through Bottlehead 2A3 Paramounts (currently passive - preamp off for repair) and modified Bottlehead Straight 8 speakers  Now I am thinking of selling the CD player and getting a dedicated computer.

It's working!  This time I unzipped, then rebooted before trying the browser.  After the reboot all is well.  Now I have to learn to operate it.
Thanks

Just downloaded 9v-6A.  As soon as I unzipped it, my Mozilla Firefox browser quit working.  Deleted XXHighEnd - browser works again.  Downloaded again.  Again, browser ceases to function when download is unzipped.

Any suggestions?  I love the sound of the player - just installed more RAM to meet your min specs.  Would hate to have to give up current browser and go back to Internet Explorer in order to use XXHighEnd.

Thanks