Self-Hosted Music Streaming: High-Fidelity Audio with Complete Control

What is the significance of this?

• Audio Quality: Lossless FLAC streaming vs compressed MP3 from commercial services
• Data Ownership: Complete control over your music library and metadata
• Cost Savings: Eliminates monthly streaming subscriptions ($10-15/month)
• Privacy: No tracking or data collection by streaming companies
• Customization: Unlimited library size and organization
• Offline Access: Full library available without internet connection

How is automation accomplished?

• Docker Orchestration: Plex Media Server with automated container management
• YouTube Integration: Automated music downloading via YouTubeDL-Material
• Metadata Management: MongoDB for subscription and media metadata
• Mobile Sync: Plexamp app with offline download capabilities
• VPN Access: Secure remote streaming via Tailscale
• Automated Organization: Smart library management and metadata matching

Prerequisites

• Synology NAS (DS923+ or compatible)
• Docker and Portainer installed
• Tailscale VPN for secure remote access
• FLAC music library (optional)
• Basic understanding of media server concepts

Source Code

https://github.com/plexinc/plex-media-server

How to deploy the infrastructure

Docker Compose Setup

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version: "3.8"

services:
  plex:
    container_name: plex
    image: lscr.io/linuxserver/plex:latest
    devices:
      - /dev/dri:/dev/dri
    privileged: true
    network_mode: host
    environment:
      - PUID=1026
      - PGID=100
      - VERSION=docker
    restart: unless-stopped
    volumes:
      - /volume1/docker-config/plex:/config:rw
      - /volume1/Movies:/Movies:rw
      - /volume1/Music:/Music:rw

  ytdl_material:
    image: tzahi12345/youtubedl-material:latest
    container_name: ytdl_material
    restart: always
    depends_on:
      - ytdl-mongo-db
    ports:
      - "8998:17442"
    environment: 
      ytdl_mongodb_connection_string: 'mongodb://ytdl-mongo-db:27017'
      ytdl_use_local_db: 'false'
      write_ytdl_config: 'true'
    volumes:
      - /volume1/docker-config/ytdl/appdata:/app/appdata
      - /volume1/Music/:/app/audio 
      - /volume1/docker-config/ytdl/video:/app/video
      - /volume1/docker-config/ytdl/subscriptions:/app/subscriptions
      - /volume1/docker-config/ytdl/users:/app/users

  ytdl-mongo-db:
    image: mongo:4
    container_name: mongo-db
    restart: always
    logging:
      driver: "none"
    volumes:
      - /volume1/docker-config/ytdl/db:/data/db

Deployment Steps

1. Create Directory Structure

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mkdir -p /volume1/docker-config/plex
mkdir -p /volume1/docker-config/ytdl/{appdata,video,subscriptions,users,db}
mkdir -p /volume1/Music

2. Deploy with Portainer

• Import the Docker Compose stack
• Configure volume mounts for media and configuration
• Set up network connectivity

3. Configure Plex

• Access Plex web interface
• Set up media libraries
• Configure remote access via Tailscale

Architecture

Core Components

• Plex Media Server: Central media hub for music and video
• YouTubeDL-Material: Automated music downloading from YouTube
• MongoDB: Database for managing subscriptions and metadata
• Portainer: Container orchestration and management
• Tailscale: Secure VPN for remote access

Audio Quality Comparison

Key Features

Music Management

• Lossless Audio: FLAC support for audiophile-quality streaming
• Metadata Matching: Automatic artist, album, and track information
• Library Organization: Smart categorization and search
• Offline Sync: Download music for offline listening

Advanced Features

• Gapless Playback: Seamless album listening experience
• Loudness Leveling: Consistent volume across tracks
• Crossfade: Smooth transitions between songs
• Mobile Apps: Plexamp for iOS and Android

Audio Setup

Budget Audiophile Configuration

• In-Ear Monitors: KZ EDX Pro ($10) for neutral tuning
• Lossless Streaming: FLAC files from your own server
• No Digital Processing: Clean analog sound path
• Passive Noise Isolation: Immersive listening experience

Quality Benefits

• Instrument Separation: Clear distinction between instruments
• Dynamic Range: Full frequency response
• No Compression Artifacts: Pure audio reproduction
• Artist Intent: Music as recorded in studio

Media Sourcing

Legal FLAC Sources

• Qobuz: High-resolution music downloads
• Bandcamp: Direct artist support
• HDtracks: Audiophile-quality downloads
• Community Forums: Legal sharing recommendations

Collection Building

• Album Purchases: Support artists directly
• Lossless Rips: Convert existing CDs to FLAC
• Community Sharing: Legal FLAC collections
• YouTube Integration: Download and convert to FLAC

Mobile Experience

Plexamp Features

• Offline Downloads: Full library available offline
• Smart Playlists: AI-powered music discovery
• Car Mode: Optimized for driving
• Sleep Timer: Automatic playback control
• Crossfade: Smooth transitions

Remote Access

• Tailscale VPN: Secure connection from anywhere
• Mobile Sync: Download music for offline use
• Bandwidth Optimization: Adaptive quality streaming
• Multi-Device: Sync across all devices

Cost Analysis

Streaming Service Comparison

Long-term Savings

• Annual Savings: $131.88 (Spotify) to $239.88 (Tidal)
• 10-Year Savings: $1,318.80 to $2,398.80
• No Subscription Fatigue: One-time setup cost
• Data Ownership: Priceless privacy and control

Security & Privacy

Data Protection

• Local Storage: All media remains on your infrastructure
• No Tracking: No data collection or analytics
• VPN Access: Secure remote connections only
• User Control: Complete privacy over listening habits

Best Practices

• Regular Updates: Keep containers current
• Backup Strategy: Protect your music library
• Access Control: Secure authentication
• Network Isolation: Container network security

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

1. Audio Quality Problems

   • Check FLAC file integrity
   • Verify Plex transcoding settings
   • Test with different audio equipment

2. Sync Issues

   • Verify Tailscale connection
   • Check Plex server status
   • Restart mobile app

3. Download Failures

   • Check YouTubeDL-Material logs
   • Verify internet connectivity
   • Update container images

4. Metadata Issues

   • Refresh library in Plex
   • Check file naming conventions
   • Manual metadata entry

Future Enhancements

Planned Features

• Multi-Room Audio: Synchronized playback across devices
• Voice Control: Integration with smart speakers
• Social Features: Share playlists with friends
• Advanced Analytics: Listening habit insights

Technical Improvements

• High Availability: Multi-server deployment
• Performance Optimization: Faster transcoding
• Storage Optimization: Deduplication and compression
• API Integration: Connect with other services

Contributing

Development Setup

1. Fork the repository
2. Create feature branch: git checkout -b feature/your-feature
3. Make changes and test locally
4. Commit changes: git commit -m "Add your feature"
5. Push to branch: git push origin feature/your-feature
6. Create Pull Request

Code Standards

• Docker: Container optimization guidelines
• Media: Audio quality best practices
• Documentation: Clear setup instructions
• Testing: Automated media processing tests

Conclusion

This self-hosted music streaming project demonstrates the power of owning your media infrastructure:

• Audiophile Quality with lossless FLAC streaming
• Complete Data Ownership of your music library
• Zero Subscription Costs compared to commercial services
• Enhanced Privacy with local data storage
• Unlimited Library size and customization

The project serves as both a practical music streaming solution and a comprehensive example of self-hosted media infrastructure, making it an excellent addition to any homelab enthusiast’s portfolio.

Live Demo: Self-Hosted Music Setup
Source Code: https://github.com/plexinc/plex-media-server