If I have a high quality FLAC song on my Plex server can I expect a comparable high quality output on my Samsung soundbar when using Plexamp?
I know we are talking digital signals here, but it just seems something is going to give when transferring the music from the Plex server --(WiFi or LTE)–> Android phone --(Bluetooth)–> soundbar. I think I read a track might be transcoded on the way out of the Plex server.
I see a number of requests for Chromecast, would Chromecast be the only way to ‘play’ Plexamp through my Samsung TV/soundbar?
It depends on your settings in Plex server and in plexamp.
If your server is set to stream high enough and if your home network can handle it. Most FLAC files need about 1mbs to stream.
If your Plexamp settings are set to maximum then Plex media server will send it uncompressed and without transcoding. If your server or Plexamp can’t handle the maximum it will kick into transcoding the file at the rate you tell it in the Plexamp settings.
For example if your flac file makes it to the speaker with no transcode, at that point your soundbar will then have the best signal possible. The rest is up to the quality of the soundbar and it’s ability to play the music.
All true, but as soon as you transmit it via bluetooth you’re basically dropping to mp3 quality. At least though everything else is at its best and you’re not doubling up on any compression
That depends. If it aptx, the quality is much better. If it’s LDAC (sony), it’s even better. It’s also playing through a soundbar, which is pretty low-end for audio (relative to a real stereo). In any event, too many variables the OP didn’t post about to really know.
