I did something similar to the Vortexbox, but Windows.
I bought an inexpensive Lenovo ThinkCentre M53 Micro PC. Because I'm using it near my regular computers, I just hooked it up via a 15' KVM cable to my existing KVM. It has wireless capability, but I did run ethernet to it.
Loaded JRiver, and I can use the PC to access JRiver (which also supports some streaming services), PC again to go on web or do other services, and JRemote via the iPad. USB to my Auralic Vega then to the KGSS-HV Mini. I moved out my Auralic Aries, will probably sell it off. EDIT: it can connect and run from my NAS, though I did also put a 2TB portable drive on it.
Even when i had my Sony HAP Z1ES in that same spot (easily accessible from my couch), I found myself using the iPad for navigation; just much better. The Sony has easy to use front panel controls and a decent but small screen.
I guess more understanding of the situation in which you want to use it is needed. Will there be access to a network (wired or wireless)? How close will you be to it? What outputs - digitial to DAC, analog to amp, etc?
I don't know of any great product that can do it all well. As Tyll said, the Cocktail Audio is fugly to use; I've heard the Olives have some glitches as well, maybe more on their lower models; other models may just not sound as good.