[IDEA] X86 X64 PC Version

[carmol]

So the Pi is processing input from the USB disc then output to the DAC both over the shared USB 2.0 bus.
What results do htop and iotop show for standard vs hi-res files when playing ?

Other options of course would be a NAS over WiFi or audio via HAT thus bypassing your crowded USB though I'm still interested to see the outputs above.

Tx for your interest,
bur now I switched to fanless minipc with Volumio. since an RPi4, with case and accessories, has practically the same price, if not higher (WHEN it will be available)
and there are valid software alternatives, indeed more choice, using a usb dac there is no reason to remain with raspberry.
I will continue to use it on my
secondary stereo system, however,
with an hat dac