Does anyone have any recommendation for a nice looking mini-itx box (or something in similar size) which isn't too expensive ?
Preferably I want something with excellent sound circuits and ability to playback HD movies, but video support is less important than sound quality if I have to choose. The plan is run Linux on it and use it for some experimentation related to music playback, if I could also use it as a XBMC client when not used for development that would be a plus. I can feed the audio into the amplifier either digitally or analogue.
It's going to be placed in the listening room, so it needs to be as quiet as possible, preferably fanless with either SSD or 2.5" drive.
Something in similar size as a Mac Mini would be nice.
I don't need an optical drive, but if one is included I can live with it even though I'm unlikely to use it.
Both recommendations for barebones, complete systems and suggestions of separate cases/motherboards are of interest.
Preferably I want something with excellent sound circuits and ability to playback HD movies, but video support is less important than sound quality if I have to choose. The plan is run Linux on it and use it for some experimentation related to music playback, if I could also use it as a XBMC client when not used for development that would be a plus. I can feed the audio into the amplifier either digitally or analogue.
It's going to be placed in the listening room, so it needs to be as quiet as possible, preferably fanless with either SSD or 2.5" drive.
Something in similar size as a Mac Mini would be nice.
I don't need an optical drive, but if one is included I can live with it even though I'm unlikely to use it.
Both recommendations for barebones, complete systems and suggestions of separate cases/motherboards are of interest.