Can you guys advise me on a Raspberry configuration?

[SPOautos]

For about 5 years I've been using a network server with Plex and I use Plex on my phone which connects to a Chromecast on the Yamaha WXC-50 optical input. I also have a turntable that connects to a Cambridge Audio Duo then to the WXC-50 rca inputs. The WXC-50 outputs via rca to a 2 channel amp and speakers This way I can use the Yamaha Music cast app to switch between the turntable verses my music with Plex app AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, provide volume control for everything from my phone.

Limitation #1 is Id like to do some mild equalization to flatten in room response and I needed to add something between the WXC-50 and amp to do this. I started looking at RPi for this task then started thinking I might can just eliminate the WXC-50 completely with a RPi.
Limitation #2 is having to go through Chromecast I can NOT play 192/24 and the process to down convert it apparently takes a toll on sound that I really can significantly hear the difference.

Some questions.....
1. Which should do a better job of D/A converting? The WXC-50 (which has decent dacs), or the RPi?

2. How do you access the RPi to make changes to settings and edit equalization, etc....does it requires plugging in a computer to it or is there a phone app for it?

3. Can I change between turntable and network music AND control volume for both from my phone with a RPi or do I really just need to keep the WXC-50 in the mix for all that?

There appears to be a lot of options and configurations with a RasberryPi.....it's hard to flesh out exactly what all is capable with different boards and such and if it's really going to work good at replacing the wxc-50.

Thanks!!!

 

[staticV3]

Have you considered replacing the Chromecast and WXC-50 with a WiiM Pro+ or WiiM Ultra?

You'd get room correction on all sources, automatic source switch, a fully transparent DAC with 192kHz streaming support, and volume control via your phone, the WiiM Home App, or the volume knob on the Ultra.

With the latter, you'd even get subwoofer integration if you decide to go down that road.

You could even consolidate everything using a WiiM Amp Pro or Amp Ultra.

 

[SPOautos]

Have you considered replacing the Chromecast and WXC-50 with a WiiM Pro+ or WiiM Ultra?

You'd get room correction on all sources, automatic source switch, a fully transparent DAC with 192kHz streaming support, and volume control via your phone, the WiiM Home App, or the volume knob on the Ultra.

With the latter, you'd even get subwoofer integration if you decide to go down that road.

You could even consolidate everything using a WiiM Amp Pro or Amp Ultra.

I've not, I have only started this journey this morning. BUT.....can the PlexAmp phone app find a WiiM and play to it? That is why I had to add a Chromecast....Plex can't find the WXC-50 to play to it....other apps such as Bubbleupnp can find the wxc-50, however they do not do nearly as good of a job with the library as Plex does. So I would like to continue using PlexAmp, especially since I use it in the car and everywhere else.

Plex can be installed on the RPi so that I can open up Plex on my phone and control the Plex that's on the RPi, not even having to play *through* my phone, rather everything happens on the RPi and I just control it from my phone.

Would I be able to similarly integrate PlexAmp into a WiiM device like that?

 

[staticV3]

Would I be able to similarly integrate PlexAmp into a WiiM device like that?

See here:

Plex on WiiM

This tutorial will introduce you what Plex is and guide you on how to use Plex on WiiM devices. Plex Overview Plex is a media server platform that allows you to organize and stream your personal collection of media files, such as music, v...

faq.wiimhome.com

Set Up DLNA Server on Plex

Plex is a very popular media server software that can organize and stream your own music library. WiiM supports the DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) based digital media server. Plex Media Server can function as a DLNA server in addition to ...

faq.wiimhome.com

 

[SPOautos]

See here:

Plex on WiiM

This tutorial will introduce you what Plex is and guide you on how to use Plex on WiiM devices. Plex Overview Plex is a media server platform that allows you to organize and stream your personal collection of media files, such as music, v...

faq.wiimhome.com

Set Up DLNA Server on Plex

Plex is a very popular media server software that can organize and stream your own music library. WiiM supports the DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) based digital media server. Plex Media Server can function as a DLNA server in addition to ...

faq.wiimhome.com

Looking at it, with WiiM I need to spend between $300-$400 to have one that Plex installs on. That's good information and helpful in me deciding which direction to take as I start to add up cost of a Raspberry Pi setup. I appreciate the info!

 

[SPOautos]

It looks like the bare minimum, if I KEEP my WXC-50 and just need a set it up that can run the Plex client and DSP.....I will need the RaspberryPi 4 or 5, a case, a hat for DSP. How many gig would I need for this? What is the best DSP hat and do some have the ability to connect a microphone?

To be honest, from what I've read I can economically add a very transparent dac....I think even if I keep my wxc-50 I should add DAC and set the WXC-50 up to just pass through the audio which should be fully transparent just allowing me to switch inputs and control volume with the wxc-50.

What HATS would be best? How many gigs would I need?