I had issues with HACS version once and also switched to docker. That way, I could add a health check to restart the container in case something breaks.

You can check out music streaming servers such as Navidrome (Jellyfin also works) for that together with a compatible client such as symphonium This is a closed source app but the most feature complete. I use Tempo but has no android auto support I believe.

Glad to see Music Assistant is getting updates. It is the only way to keep my Sonos speakers working as the Sonos app hardly ever works for me.