Sure . You could also simply use a single disc player rather than several to simplify as well, eh? A Raspberry Pi or Intel NUC may reduce the computer form factor while still allowing OS/software flexibility for the functions and hardware control you want. Personally I find a laptop with an optical drive to work fine at much less cost than something like the Bluesound thing, altho I use the laptop for a variety of other things as well. A laptop with a usb mic with REW software also becomes a powerful portable measuring tool in terms of other audio usefulness.
Aside from the Bluesound still as compared to simply using a laptop. Just economies of scale and demand will dictate that, at least it doesn't seem there's a lot of demand for something like that with so many of us having good computer setups already. Member @Ken10759 is one who had similar requirements (didnt want a computer on) and ended up with the Bluesound Vault....
"a pc/laptop can do lots of things, or just the things you direct it to" The same thing can be said about a new car. A new car
with ultra bright LED lights would work just fine to light up a dark spot in my backyard. If I had absolutely no intention
to drive anywhere, and no use for passenger side air bags, or ventilated seats or rearview camera or parking assist or
a steering wheel or tires ( The list goes on and on to include thousands of parts and features that I don't need, Just like a PC/laptop ), call me odd, but I would prefer to just use a simple floodlight.
"haven't seen much in the way of cost-effective solutions"...Try reading my initial post. Such a solution is exactly what I propose.
Intel nuc. Just a PC in a smaller box. Basically halfway between a full PC and a computer stick. IF this is the right direction, why stop halfway?
Raspberry pi. Because it is easily customizable, this would be my first choice. Unfortunately, I lack the necessary knowledge to go this route. When I see a parts/options list I feel like it is written in Martian. If I try to look up meanings, the definitions are given in further Martian. I think this may be the best option for some just not for me.
Ripping services. Very impractical. For the reasons you already mentioned plus I am not willing to ship this many CDs anywhere.
