Don't wait for Spotify
https://www.makeuseof.com/why-spotify-car-thing-failed as I don't see them trying again in the near future.
Isn't there some kind of volume knob/next/previous button thing that you can add to your moode audio rpi?
this is a pity... I would love this. Just already for a nice remote control.
I'm looking for something similar. Perhaps streamer separate to dac/headphone amp, as streaming is just as fast obsolete as its software. Moode audio/Volumio are good alternatives. I worked on Volumio in my spare time for a month, haha, no time. But it's cool. What I in generally don't like about these systems, is the bootup and the maintenance you need to do for a Pi to work properly without hassle. It usually isn't. I know some people can, but it's not yet for everyone. I, myself am looking at something more "ready". Perhaps programming it myself based on earlier projects like Volumio.
For me, I just want a "target" to either cast spotify, or any streaming service to. Bit like a chromecast... then with a small display (and allowing it to be off, like all the lights), and a few tactile switches for a "dimmed experience" (as I like to listen to music in the dark... hightened senses and coazy and all).
Devialet has something I personally kinda like. It may feel a little old fashioned, but its actually a smart way to get around things without trying to become an embedded software engineer (meaning hard-coding for specific chips and put it on them instead of a SD card). So..that SD card
create a small application to create a configuration file. You have to export that to an SD card. Put that one in the PI, and the embedded drive/eMMC/SSD will do the rest. The Pi will just have a software OS that is tuned to fast start, and only allows an USB DAC. Put a RTC clock on top of that and perhaps, but not know the latest details, check hardware wise if the USB is still that noisy and perhaps need some isolation.. but I thought nowadays that's a non-issue with good DACS, being it not a problem. PI3 and up can run brutefirs... create an application and a service/server with headphone/speaker EQ settings to be able to download/use in the interface... and... done? (ok, still a lot of work, but perhaps saves a lot of work making a system that tries to do it all when you need only 30% of the functionality).
Personally, I detest an always on display (also looking in home automation dashboards with e-ink, but too many projects, have to follow trough first). I think to have a PI compute board, with an expansion board, some work on the 3d parts to print as basis, as add some DIY plans to personalize the streamer is a great way to get something that matches your stack. Perhaps a schiit like enclosure, or topping. Maybe not metal, but 3d printed. So many ideas... maybe I should start creating something. Just not entirely sure where
(perhaps start with a headphone plugin + service for ppl to upload their curves).
I also wouldn't mind with a kind of interface.. as I think mooode and volumio are not the prettiest out there... just need to get my hands on Adobe again; as for hobby; 60,- a month is steep (as I try to save up for a new headphone
)