I really like the feature set, just wish I hadn't recently bought a new preamp. Who knows though, I have more than one music room. I miss the BP-25 I sold to buy an SP2, which I finally sold after the SP3 was slow to arrive and I wanted HDMI.
I saw it asked and I think you answered the BP-18 has Home Theater Bypass? Even though 2-channel is the priority, I do want to use the same speakers and amps while watching TV/Movies. I would also need an external phono preamp after just buying an MC cartridge.
Does the USB support FLAC playback? Seems if it did an A to B adapter would be required. Another convenience feature I use a lot on a much lower end Headphone Amp/Preamp is direct digital Apple Lightning connector to USB connection allowing me to play iPod/iPhone/iPad iTunes Apple lossless files. If Apple MFi certification is not practical, at least the ability to connect via the Apple Camera connector for the direct digital connection that bypasses the iPhones DAC and uses the Preamp's DAC. I suppose if these features were included there would be a front mounted USB A port. May not be common for higher end systems but that is how my wife plays her music.
Has the estimated price been announced?
Overall I really like the concept and design and can visualize one in my family room.