I would like to connect my PLEX Media Server (a Windows PC) directly to an integrated amp that is right next to it. My other PLEX connections are all through a TV, so I am not sure how to do this. Please advise?
You will have to run a Plex client on that device. e.g. Plex for Windows
Which means it also needs to have a screen connected (at least from time to time).
Then you can simply use the analog audio out of the computer and plug it into your amp.
If I were to insert a DAC (an inexpensive Schiit DAC) into the sequence, would I put it between the PLEX Media Server PC and the integrated amp? Do you think there would be meaningful sound improvement?
Of course. You need to select this sound interface in the settings of Plex Player. (Or set it as “default” sound interface in the Windows control panel.)
That depends on the built-in sound interface of your server computer.
Hello Otto. Thanks for your reply.
I need a bit of clarification . . .
You said: “You will have to run a Plex client on that device. e.g. Plex for Windows.”
That device is my PC that I use exclusively as my Plex Media Server. Thus, I have the Plex Media Server app already loaded on it. I can play music on an external desktop system already. However, I do notice there is also a Plex for Windows app that is listed among the possible download apps. Do I need to have both installed, or is the Plex Media App all that I need?
You said: “Then you can simply use the analog audio out of the computer and plug it into your amp.”
I believe my current setup has the external amp connected to the Plex PC just by using the green port on the sound card that is found on the back of the PC. It is a single line port, much like a headphone uses, but that cable splits into two cables as it enters into the external amp. Is this the best (or only) way to connect the external amp? For some reason I am dubious as to whether that “headphone” port provides the best possible sound quality. Please advise.
Thank you!
Plex server does NOT output any audio/video directly.
You must have a client installed, which is used to setup and controls the media playback.
There is no “headless” media player, but some of the clients can be remotely controlled from other plex clients.
So, you would need both pms and an appropriate plex player on the same system, that then goes to the dac (or hdmi/line out) to your receiver.
I recommend you to install “Plex (Player) for Windows” additionally to Plex Server.
Because it doesn’t require you to open a web browser.
In the future (when Plexamp gains the ability to be remote-controlled by other Plex apps), you could replace Plex for Windows with Plexamp.
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