Choose where Kalinka runs, then add a remote
The server goes on the machine connected to your hi-fi: a Linux box you already have, or a Raspberry Pi or spare PC with nothing on it. Then add a client on your phone, your desktop or in a browser. Either way it takes a few minutes, and there are no config files to edit.
Where will Kalinka run?
A Linux machine you already have
Debian 13, Ubuntu 24.04 or Raspberry Pi OS 64-bit, on a desktop, a mini PC or a Pi. One command installs the server, the audio renderer and the browser player, and starts them on boot. Run it again later to update.
On Fedora, install the server's .rpm from the
latest release with dnf, then the renderer with
install-renderer.sh. Fedora has no browser player, and updates are installed by hand.
curl -fsSL https://kalinkaplayer.com/install.sh | sudo bash
A headless box
A Raspberry Pi or a spare PC with no screen and nothing on it. Flash a ready-made image onto the card or disk: Kalinka is already on it and plays as soon as the box starts.
By cable
Plug in Ethernet and power the box on. If your network assigns addresses automatically (DHCP), the box connects and the app finds it, with no network setup. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth hardware are not required.
Over Bluetooth, from your phone
Power the box on with no cable. In the Kalinka app, tap Set up a box. The app finds the box over Bluetooth and hands it your Wi-Fi network and password; the box joins your Wi-Fi, and from then on everything goes over Wi-Fi. This optional setup method needs Bluetooth and Wi-Fi hardware, which most Raspberry Pi boards have built in.
Add a remote control: Android, Windows, Linux or any browser.
Install the app on as many devices as you like, or skip it entirely: any device on your network can open
http://<server-ip>:8000. Both are remote controls — the sound comes out of the renderer you
pick, normally the one wired to your hi-fi, or the browser itself when that suits you better.
Want a screen on the box? Run the install command with KALINKA_DISPLAY=1
in front of bash, then turn on Settings › Expert › Now-playing display on this machine.
About kiosk mode ·
Full installation guide ·
Help test it