The thing i really like about this is that it offers so much flexibility, outside of just audio. When Silicon Dust releases their HDHomeRun DVR on Plex i could use ones of these boxes to replace my loud noisy HTPC in the livingroom.
Instead of Raspberry Pi board, we can also consider miniPC board.
Since you posted this thread i have been doing some random searching to see if i could find any alternative boards that might offer an alternative to the Pi. I am going to buy a
https://www.solid-run.com/product/hummingboard-carrier-pro/ It should match the dimensions of the original PI as well as it has an mSata connection that can connect to the HDD and a USB header that could send a singal to a uDSD board or the like. Granted its more expensive than the Pi but offers all connection options out of the box.
Is it mostly a space-saving issue to go with an external power supply? All other NuPrime products have internal supplies and it'd be a shame to break that aesthetic.
One reason why i like the external supply is the flexibility for the DIY version as configurations and thus power needs can vary so greatly.
[/quote]I'd prefer it without a DAC to keep the price down. I would rather spend the money on the latest DAC or one that might have a different presentation. Also, it's interesting to rotate DACs. Alternatively you could bypass the internal DAC, like my Bolder SB3 or simply offer it as an option.[/quote]
my suggestion for the retail model a version with and without DAC would be good so users with a IDA-8/16 DAC-9/10 could buy the DAC less model and those without have an option for analog out.