Currently I use a chromecast (replaced my raspberry pi) to stream media from my server (a Mac Mini which also happens to be my primary plex client) into the family room… This works remarkably well for both all my plex media on my server, and also as a way of getting YouTube on the big screen nice and easy…
The other day I had a thought though… My family room tv has a stereo connected to it that I blaze tunes through when streaming to the chromecast… Wouldn’t it be a much better idea to have an airport express plugged into the stereo to stream music when the vs not required (as currently I need to switch on the tv to get tunes to the stereo)…
Then I remember my faithful and un-purposed raspberry pi… Does anyone know how to set one up to act as a plex client (either with a GUI on screen like the plex app, or just a streaming client like the chrome cast does) and also an AirPlay receiver (for audio only)… Yes I know rasplex has airplay support… But what I’m chasing is more the airport express type solution (as in the speakers connected to it by the 3.5mm jack appear in my apple remote app as a audio output source)
So in short I want: hdmi connected to tv to stream audio and video should I want to watch plex or YouTube on the tv, and the 3.5mm connected to the stereo to stream just audio as an airplay (think its called AirTunes maybe) client…
sound through the jack of the Pi is not very good in quality.
I have looked at using a Pi as a MusicPlayerDaemon (MPD), but the general opinion is that the audio with Pi is crap.
To obtain high rez audio, or at leat good quality, you will have to use a USB DAC plugged to the Pi to send the audio signal to the Amplifier (MyDAC for EUR 300 for example).
Or to use the HDMI channel plugged into an Audio/Video amplifier.
My setup is Plex on Pi connected with HDMI to the A/V amp. ANd I have to turn on the TV...
ah i see... haven't tried the audio on the pi yet so wouldn't know... I would've thought the tv would have to be switched on with it connect to the amp...
I was thinking for non amp setups though... just tv there... and stereo... so far i've just got the ol' red-white stereo cable connecting the tv and stereo should i wish for more sound... sort of the mother inlaws living room setup... in my place I plan to go for a Bose Solo under the tv... still will have the same issue though.. having to have the tv on for music through it... thinking i my need to just splurge and get the airport express's for around the house for audio only...
there's a thought... can plex stream audio only to airport express... or will i need to use itunes do you know?
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