Hey Folks. HiFi Esparagus S3 version is here. In case you missed it, Hifi Esparagus is an ESP32-based device with PCM5100 DAC that you can connect to active speakers or an external amplifier. It has some extra peripherals, so it is your micro media center for a home assistant in essence.
What has changed compared to the original ESP32 version?
Well,
- It is ESP32-S3-based, so it works considerably better with ESPHome with extra CPU power and extra RAM
- It adds an onboard I2S mic, so voice-assist config is supported now.,
- It moves the IR and RGB LEDs to the front side,
- The relay driver is once again available from the back. Not that it is in high demand, but it cost me pennies to get it back,
Docs are updated, ESPHome configs are there as well. The squeezelite config is there. Snapclient build is coming soon, just need to test it. So many ways you can hook it up with Home Assistant.
In terms of your ESPHome options, there are quite a few:
- media_player component for simple and robust media playback and TTS announcements (with ducking effect)
- Sendspin media player – new experimental protocol for multi-room sync with media controls and more
- An experimental snapclient component that allows near-perfect multi-room sync and seamless integration with Music Assistant
- Another snapclient fork with an implemented 15-band software equalizer and a rich set of EQ presets
- Voice assist config, allowing local voice-controlled assist and automation. It is based on Home Assistant Voice, but lacks the XU316 co-processor to keep the price more affordable
As always, I’m glad to hear your feedback