I've been asked a few times about my Raspberry Pi setup, so here it is. This is hardware only, for the most part. I'll cover my experiences with the different software options in another thread. I am in the process of writing up step by step instructions covering how to install software (RuneAudio only) on the Pi. There are many, many other DAC and DIGI HATs out there, all are products available mostly from overseas (I prefer to buy local); I may list some of these in this thread at a later date.
This is a cheap solution, but it does not sound cheap. Before the Pi I looked at digital streamer options and they ranged from several hundreds of dollars to thousands. This does require effort, especially when coming at it from a lack of computer skills/knowledge background... but, it can be done even by a novice. My take on this is: simple, well explained and documented instructions can assist even a novice to accomplish a Raspberry Pi base unit.
I have both the DAC+ and the DIGI+, but personally prefer the DAC+ over the DIGI+ only because the DAC chip in my AVR is an earlier version than that used in the DAC+. If I had an external DAC with a later version chip I would try the DIGI+ again.
Note: HAT = Hardware Attached on Top, also known as a 'addon board', or a 'daughter board'.
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My (beloved) setup:
Raspberry Pi 2 Model B
I prefer the Pi 2B over the Pi 3 because I am not convinced the inbuilt WiFi and Bluetooth 'assists' for using the Pi as a music streamer.
Music: RuneAudio / Movies: Openelec; Note: micro card swap required, will one day setup multi-boot.
Geekroo PiFi DAC+ HAT v2.0
Texas Instruments Burr-Brown PCM5122 DAC chip with 32-bit/384kHz PCM data format, I2S interface.
http://www.geekroo.com.au/products/1482
AussieBone Case for the Raspberry Pi
Looks cute, but lights, lights, lights everywhere. Will change cases one day.
http://www.geekroo.com.au/products/1390
Power Cable with Switch for Raspberry Pi
Saves pulling the power socket plug.
http://www.geekroo.com.au/products/448
Dual USB Power Pack Charger 5,200 mAh
Better sound quality than the wall wart/chargers, looking at adding a linear power supply soon. Budget constraints apply.
http://www.verbatim.com.au/en_AU/products/accessories/power-packs/98008/dual-usb-power-pack-charger-5-200-mah-
http://www.harveynorman.com.au/verbatim-dual-usb-power-pack-5200mah.html
SanDisk 8GB Ultra MicroSDHC Memory Card
Perfect for the Pi, don't like that NOOBs crap, just confused me.
Edit: The SanDisk 8GB Extreme Pro microSDHC Memory Card ($14.95) has better specs, but Officeworks is out of stock.
http://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/sandisk-8gb-ultra-microsdhc-memory-card-br198573
RuneAudio
Free and open source headless player, requires remote access via network. Allthough, the newest version will display on your TV via HDMI, I still haven't tried this yet.
RuneOs: 0.3-beta
RuneUI: 1.3-beta
Built on Linux version 4.4.9-1-ARCH (builduser@leming) (gcc version 5.3.0 (GCC) ) #1 SMP
http://www.runeaudio.com/
Remote access to the Raspberry Pi RuneAudio setup via a Windows PC, iPad, or Smart Phone.
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I have tried the DIGI+ (below) as a 'transport' to output the audio signal via coax/optical to my Yamaha RX-V2065 AVR (inbuilt DAC). In my opinion, the best solution when using an external DAC.
Geekroo PiFi DIGI+ HAT v1.0 Digital Sound Card
Wolfson Microelectronics WM8804G chip with 16-24 bit/192kHz PCM data format, I2S interface.
http://www.geekroo.com.au/products/1664
I have also tried the Behringer (below); this uses a USB connection to the Pi (also powered by USB), then has RCA and optical outputs, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Limited to 24bit/48kHz though.
Behringer U-CONTROL UCA202
Ultra-Low Latency 2 In/2 Out USB/Audio Interface with Digital Output.
http://www.music-group.com/Categories/Behringer/Computer-Audio/Audio-Interfaces/UCA202/p/P0484
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Further reading....
USB/HDD > Pi > SBT > Amp. How? (skip to page 8 or 9)
http://www.stereo.net.au/forums/index.php/topic/98174-usbhdd-pi-sbt-amp-how/
Raspberry Pi Questions Newb
http://www.stereo.net.au/forums/index.php/topic/101762-raspberry-pi-questions-newb/
Power supply for Raspberry Pi?
http://www.stereo.net.au/forums/index.php/topic/100583-power-supply-for-raspberry-pi/
Raspberry Pi sound quality
http://www.stereo.net.au/forums/index.php/topic/103487-raspberry-pi-sound-quality/
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Disclaimer: This is my opinion, and as with a-holes, everyone has one. And this is mine, opinion that is. I have outlined a simple, cheap solution only. If you want a complex, expensive solution then figure it out for yourself. I am happy with mine, for now.... until the 'bug' bytes me (again). Any errors in this post are my sole responsibility. I am human. Enjoy your day.