Really Inexpensive Systems That Sounded Great?

I've been enjoying listening to our living room / tv system comprised of Raspberry Pi 4 source, HDMI out to tv, tv optical digital out to a Nuforce DDA-120 integrated and a pair of Polk R300 speakers.

Playing Qobuz at 16/44.1 (limited by what the TV will pass thru), it sounds good enough to definitely hold my attention.

RPi 4 was about $100 (running Raspberry Pi OS and Qobuz in the Chromium browser), DDA-120 was I think $275 used, and Speakers were $100/pair on sale.

The Nu-Force DDa-120 has gotten rave reviews and that sounds like a MUCH better way to listen to TV. Can you run the Pi via USB into the amp?

Mac C26 and Mac2100 bought 30 years ago at auction for under $400, recently re capped pre and well maintained amp. 

Polk Lsim 707 towers for $400 off Craigslist in immaculate condition, replaced my 27 y/o Acoustat spectra

Sony RCD W500C used $100

Sony PS LX5, Grado cartridge (looking for upgraded tt) $125

JDS Atom headphone amp for $80 with Sennheiser HD 518 (my wife goes to bed early)

Room is 16 x24 with 9' ceilings. 

I can and have listened all day and never get tired of the Polks. About $1200 all together.

The Nu-Force DDa-120 has gotten rave reviews and that sounds like a MUCH better way to listen to TV. Can you run the Pi via USB into the amp?

Yes, I have tried connecting the Pi directly to the DDA-120 with USB.  But I read a quote from someone at NuForce that said it sounds best using the optical input.  Plus the USB is supposedly limited to 24/96.

I'll toss another one out there,... vintage is the way to go after the components have been checked and repaired where needed. How about a Sansui, AU-666, used BluSound Node, same Geshelli DAC and a set of a/d/s L780. I've seen all this gear at the "better" vintage shops & can put this togther for $1500. it'd be a terrific rig in any room. Just my opinion.