Sony Music Center Alternatives: Top Apps ComparedSony Music Center is a feature-rich app for controlling Sony audio devices, managing music libraries, and customizing sound settings. But if you’re looking for alternatives — whether because you don’t own Sony hardware, want a different user interface, seek advanced audio features, or prefer cross-platform compatibility — there are several strong options. This article compares the top alternatives across features, compatibility, audio quality, device control, and user experience to help you choose the best fit.
What to look for in a Sony Music Center alternative
When evaluating alternatives, consider:
- Device compatibility (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, smart TVs, streaming devices)
- Hardware control (support for third-party speakers, DACs, receivers)
- Audio formats and quality (lossless support, hi-res playback, gapless, sample rates)
- Streaming service integration (Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Qobuz, Amazon Music)
- Local library management (tagging, metadata editing, playlists)
- Network playback and multiroom support (AirPlay, Chromecast, DLNA, Roon Ready, Sonos)
- EQ, DSP and advanced audio settings
- User interface and ease of use
- Price and subscription model
Top Alternatives Compared
Below are the most notable alternatives organized by typical user needs.
1) Roon
Overview: Roon is a premium, audiophile-focused music management platform and network player controller.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Best-in-class metadata and library browsing | Expensive (subscription or lifetime license) |
| Supports many networked audio endpoints (RAAT) | Requires beefy hardware for local core |
| Tight integration with Tidal & Qobuz | Not ideal if you want a lightweight mobile app |
| Advanced DSP, convolution, and parametric EQ | Learning curve for power users |
Who it’s for: Audiophiles with large local libraries, hi-res users, and multi-room enthusiasts who want deep metadata and advanced DSP.
2) Plexamp / Plex Music
Overview: Plex offers a media server experience for music and Plexamp is their focused player app.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent library management and remote streaming | Some features locked behind Plex Pass |
| Great cross-platform support (mobile, desktop, smart TVs) | Less advanced audio DSP compared to Roon |
| Plexamp has a sleek, headphone-friendly UI | Setup requires running a Plex server |
Who it’s for: Users who want a unified media server for video and music, remote access to a local library, and a stylish player app.
3) BubbleUPnP (Android) / Foobar2000 (Desktop)
Overview: BubbleUPnP is a powerful Android UPnP/DLNA controller; foobar2000 is a modular Windows audio player with extensive plugin support.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| BubbleUPnP: excellent DLNA/UPnP support and Chromecast compatibility | BubbleUPnP UI is utilitarian |
| foobar2000: highly customizable, lightweight, supports many formats | foobar2000 requires setup and plug-ins for advanced features |
| Both support local and network playback | Not as polished for non-technical users |
Who it’s for: Tinkerers who want precise control over codecs, routing, and playback behavior, and who aren’t afraid to configure plugins.
4) VLC Media Player
Overview: VLC is a free, open-source cross-platform player that supports almost every audio format.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free and lightweight | Limited streaming service integration |
| Wide format support (including uncommon containers) | UI is function-first, not focused on music discovery |
| Cross-platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS) | Lacks advanced DSP and multiroom features |
Who it’s for: Users who need a reliable, no-frills player for a wide variety of file types and platforms.
5) TIDAL / Qobuz native apps
Overview: If streaming hi-res catalogues is your priority, TIDAL and Qobuz offer native apps with high-quality streaming and some device integrations.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High-resolution streaming and curated content | Subscription required |
| Native integration with many DACs and network players | Less focus on local library management |
| Simple, music-first interfaces | May require additional apps for device control |
Who it’s for: Listeners prioritizing streaming lossless/hi-res audio and editorial content.
6) Sonos / HEOS / Chromecast-enabled apps
Overview: For multiroom simplicity and broad device ecosystems, Sonos and HEOS (Denon/Marantz) apps shine; many apps support Chromecast for easy casting.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Seamless multiroom setup and device grouping | Often limited to their proprietary ecosystems |
| Stable, user-friendly mobile apps | May not expose advanced audio tweaks |
| Support for many streaming services | Not ideal for managing large local libraries across platforms |
Who it’s for: Users who prefer plug-and-play multiroom audio and simple streaming controls.
Feature-by-feature quick comparison
| Feature | Roon | Plexamp/Plex | BubbleUPnP + foobar2000 | VLC | TIDAL/Qobuz apps | Sonos/HEOS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local library management | Excellent | Very good | Good | Basic | Limited | Limited |
| Streaming service integration | Tidal/Qobuz | Many via integrations | Varies | None | Best | Many |
| Hi-res support | Excellent | Good | Good | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
| Multiroom | Excellent | Good | Via UPnP/Chromecast | Limited | Varies | Excellent |
| Advanced DSP | Extensive | Limited | Via plugins | Minimal | Minimal | Minimal |
| Price | High | Freemium | Low | Free | Subscription | Device-dependent |
How to choose
- Want the best metadata, DSP, and audiophile features: choose Roon.
- Need a combined media server for music and video with remote access: choose Plex + Plexamp.
- Use Android and DLNA/Chromecast devices or want deep customization: choose BubbleUPnP and foobar2000.
- Want a free, universal file player: choose VLC.
- Prioritize hi-res streaming catalogs: choose TIDAL or Qobuz native apps.
- Prefer simple multiroom control with reliable device ecosystem: choose Sonos or HEOS.
Setup tips (short)
- For best hi-res playback, use wired connections and set output sample rates in the player to match source files.
- Use Roon or Plex on a dedicated machine/server for the smoothest remote access.
- Keep firmware of your network players and speakers updated for compatibility.
If you want, I can:
- Recommend the single best alternative for your exact devices and listening habits.
- Provide step-by-step setup for Roon, Plex, BubbleUPnP, or one of the others.
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