So prior to my current job, I'd never have considered plugging a hard drive into a bluray player as being preferable to having a media server.  That said, NOW I'd do it.  Stupid "you can't bring a non-gov't owned computer, or anything with internet access to work" rule. 
 
So yah, I'd love it if the oppo played alac from a usb connected hard drive.  Someone make that happen, please.  I'd spend the $1000 on the oppo, plus money on the headphone amp (why did I sell my g-lite?)..maybe if I bring in the mini and apogee, but turn off wifi they'll allow it?