Been messing with this for well over a year. A friend built one, loaned me some parts and off I went.
Twisted Pair ESS Sabre Pro ES9028 chipset and the Mercury Analog board make up the heart. One t'former and PS saved up for either a USB card or Toslink Optical. I attempted the Amanaro but had absolutely no luck getting it to synch up. I did get a Sonore to synch but it didn't sound right. So I'm using the Schiit Eitr USB to S/PDIF converter and feeding it from Roon.
The cabinet is from a Yamaha CA1000 receiver and the plate from a Sansui AU999. I like to use stuff I've got laying around. The black back is 1/4 plastic from the backing of my Salamander rack that I've never used but is heavy enough to support everything. I just have to figure out how to attach it now. I understand the blue paint tape is a nice touch but...
I've got a piece of red oak that I have yet to finish for the front. Might pull that blue LED (indicates lock) into the front.
It's been "fun". Not much support from Twisted Pear anymore so if something doesn't work out you just hope to find an old article.
Got the C4 hooked up to with with Senn HD800s's. Very very nice!!