I really like the concept of The Wire, but have no time or patience for soldering any more. Basically, if someone were to rejigger that design, add the option of balanced operation, with a lovely big Alps knob and even better, a small display to show input selection and level, I'd be a happy camper. And if mass produced, it should not cost more than $300.
My moratorium on Schiit will remain until someone puts up numbers. After seeing the test results on the Modi, plus some not-enjoyable interactions with their staff, I think I'll leave off their stuff until the data is in. They may be popular, made-in-the-USA and seem a good value, but that whole crappy design and "measurements can't tell the story of our magic" attitude has me looking askance at them.