I just read something about digital (spdif) output from Network players. Sound quality ranking seems to be (worst to best): Squeezbox Duet,SonoZP90,T+A MP, Linn Sneaky DS. So, it is getting expensive again. Since I refuse to modify stuff by myself, I think about the Legato from ART
http://www.analogresearch-technology.net/LEGATO.html It should be one of the best usb-spdif converters. Costs are 500€, so it costs al lot more than a HiFace. Some guy compared a Hiface against a Legato. There is no big difference. Bass seemed to be better with legato. But you never know...for now I still don't know what to do. But the Network player idea is not so interesting anymore.
If I had the money I would probably buy a Linn Akkurate DS. But 5000€ for Hifi-gear that is looking like a Mainboard with switching PS??? I rather stay with big Transformers and big Caps