Switching from Roon to Plex, any Advice?

[wilsotl]

I got sick of paying for Roon and I can’t afford to buy their lifetime pass at this point, so I’m trying out Plex. I have a decent local music collection and a Tidal account, but absolutely no movies or TV shows. I converted my Roon core, a NUC7i3BNH, into a Plex server last night. Loaded my music collection onto it, signed up for a month of Plex Pass, and got Tidal linked up. Then I downloaded Plex and Plexamp on my Android phone.

I understand that Roon and Plex are not going to operate identically and there are pros and cons for both. So far I have really enjoyed the ability to take my collection with me and download it onto my phone. Right now I’m using the web app to listen at work. The interface isn’t quite as advanced as Roon but it works fine. I was wondering if anyone had an suggestions for optimization though, is there any changes I can make to Plex to improve the music browsing experience?

I also need help getting my devices up and running. In the Roon world these are referred to as endpoints. In my main audio system I use a miniDSP SHD that performs several functions including streaming. It has some sort of SBC built in with Volumio installed, and it can not be changed. What is the best way to get Plex working with Volumio? I don’t suppose the cast button within Plex will work with it? I also have an Allo Boss player (RPi with DAC Hat) that I would like to be able to use. I intend to use it headless but I would like to be able to use my flirc IR receiver for play/pause/previous/next. I’m considering Rasplex, Kodi, Volumio, or even Plexamp but I didn’t understand the instructions for that. The Plexamp app on my phone is pretty cool but the missing cast feature is a bummer. Any other advice for my setup is appreciated.

[wilsotl]

I tried using Volumio with my Plex server and it was no bueno. The only way I could figure it out was by enabling DLNA and browsing with Volumio. The Volumio interface sucks. So now I moved my server PC to the living room where I have it connected to the SHD via USB and to my TV via HDMI. This is great because I can change settings on the SHD with software on the server and stream audio to it with Plex Media Player. I could also just use my Roku or Chromecast which are connected to the TV via HDMI which then outputs to the SHD via Toslink optical. I’m worried those connections may degrade audio quality but the difference probably isn’t audible.

As far as my RPi endpoints go, I may just let them gather dust until there is a new Plexamp version that can run on them and is easy to install. Eagerly awaiting the ability to cast with Plexamp.