i don't know if i'm the target market for the micro. it sits in that somewhat uncomfortable space of being neither a truly portable device but not really a desktop DAC substitute, either.
a portable device, like the nano, is small, runs on battery/bus power, and has the ability to be a DAC and amp. it connects to a portable source like a laptop or i-Device. that's what i use it for. i don't need/want USB->SPDIF conversion, etc.
a desktop device, like the mini iDSD that will come out later this year, should have a plethora of inputs, outputs, a really good power supply, and a number of other features that might be useful to the consumer like bluetooth connectivity, preamp capabilities, etc.
as i read through all these posts, it seems that the micro is different things to different people - some see it as a portable device, some see it as a desktop device, and others see it as both. because it's not one thing, it's difficult to pinpoint who the target audience is and what features should therefore make it into the device. i think it will, in the end, be a very well done device. but i wonder if it will be disappointing. disappointing because it won't have this or that for the portable user, or it won't have x, y, and z for the desktop user. sitting in the middle is often hard because you're trying to cater to both sides...and it will be interesting to see what compromises iFi will make to appease both the portable fan and the desktop fan.
i appreciate very much the communication and this process iFi has allowed us to partake in - it's fun discussing a new product and learning from experts in the field. i look forward to seeing what the final product will be...