Looking for a high-fidelity but cost-effective audio output

ESPHome
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1

In pursuing my project ( Audio control, conferencing and multi-room audio ), I decided to tryout the ReSpeaker XMOS XVF3800 with XIAO ESP32-S3 for microphone input, TTS and music playback, and acoustic echo cancellation (AEC).

My wishlist:

  • Must: Drive two ~100 W speakers with decent audio quality. Realistically, a 2x 50 W amplifier should be sufficient.
  • Must: Cost-effective. I plan to build 7–10 satellites, so price matters. Ideally $120-150 per satellite for DAC + amplifier.
  • Nice to have: Direct Bluetooth connection for smartphone playback.
  • Nice to have: Potentiometer for volume and bass/treble control.
  • Nice to have: Quiet operation - no fan noise.
  • Nice to have: Remote control and/or integration with smart-home systems.

From what I can see, there are a few protocol options:

  1. I2S Amplifier

Typically more expensive and harder to source.

Benefit:

  • Since the signal stays digital until the power stage, this should offer excellent audio quality.

Drawbacks:

  • Requires 3-4-wire I2S cabling to each satellite.
  • Because these amps are rare, replacement or future availability may be an issue.
  1. I2S → SPDIF → SPDIF Amplifier

Benefit:

  • Cabling can be just optical or 2-core coax.

Drawbacks:

  • I2S → SPDIF conversion may introduce a bit of latency, which could complicate AEC.
  • SPDIF-input amplifiers tend to be more expensive.

The ReSpeaker seems to provide a master clock, so I2S shouldn’t be a problem.

  1. I2S → DAC → Analog Amplifier

Benefits:

  • DACs and analog amps are relatively cheap, available, and easy to replace.
  • May offer the best price/performance ratio.

Drawbacks:

  • Multiple conversions (digital → analog → power stage) might result in lower quality compared to the all-digital paths.
  • Requires reasonably good analog cabling between DAC and amplifier.

Hardware options I’ve evaluated

  1. Wondom TDA4100 DSP BT (JAB5)

Benefits:

  • 4x 100 W
  • I2S input
  • Bluetooth
  • Good features on paper

Drawbacks:

  • Some negative reviews on Wondom modules
  • TDA7498E seems doesn’t have the best reputation for hi-fi.
  • Includes a fan, though since the board is over-spec’d it may not run loudly.
  1. Wondom TAS5768 DIOP2 (AA-AB32257)

Benefits:

  • I2S amplifier based on a chipset with better specs.
  • 2x 50 W
    Drawback:
  • No Bluetooth.

Could be enough for my needs.

  1. HiFiBerry Amp4 Pro

Benefits:

  • Seems to be a qualitative option.

Drawback:

  • 2x 30 W, but should be still enough.
  • Not intended to be used with an ESP32, and the manufacturer says it should not be even attempted.
  1. I2S → SPDIF Converters (AliExpress)

Example: https://de.aliexpress.com/item/1005008112463155.html

Probably minimal difference in quality since encoding is a straightforward task.

  1. LONPOO 200 W SPDIF Amplifier

Benefit:

  • Budget-friendly SPDIF input amplifier.

Drawback:

  • TPA3116D2 is decent but not truly hi-fi.
  1. AIYIMA A80

Benefits:

  • Overkill: 2x 300 W.
  • TPA3255 has good audio reputation.

Drawback:

  • Over budget, but still cheaper than many dedicated SPDIF amplifiers.

My questions

  • What is your experience with these kinds of setups?
  • Are there better hardware options I should consider?
  • Which configuration offers the best value for money?
  • Is the I2S → DAC → analog amplifier path really worse, or is the difference negligible in practice?

Thank you!

2

Thanks for the clear write-up. I will keep following progess on this, especially about your AEC experiences.

About I2S->DAC-> analog amp
I2S and DAC are often combined on one pcb which makes it a affortable option. I’ve build a few esp speakers with different component but to be honest I didn’t notice much or any degration. Since these are not expensive I would advice to get one first to test. If it is not suitable for you then not much is lost and it is easy to swap it for a different one

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Huh impeccable timing I would say as I have been thinking of the same thought this morning :sweat_smile: are you using the esphome config provided here

Are you planning to use the I2S output from integrated esp32s3 ? I know there is a DAC / Codec on XVF3800, Is its i2s out provided through one of the pins on integrated Xiao esp32s3 ?

If this along with AEC is possible I aim to build a diy wooden enclosure for the whole thing inspired from the looks of Marshal Acton III (pic attached here for reference)

IMG_2359
IMG_23591320×1055 169 KB

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Yeah, AEC is one of the most critical components.

Thanks. I’ve ordered a Youmile PCM5102 DAC and a Hailege TPA3118D2 (2x 45 W) amp in the hope that they will meet my requirements.

I’m also thinking a lot about an I2S amp. At the core, if it breaks and there’s no replacement available, I can still fall back to the DAC path. But yeah, it’s about ~$70 more expensive.

5

I’ve been thinking about it for months :smiley:

No, the device hasn’t arrived yet.

Yes, I plan to use it for the DAC/amp/speakers. If I understand correctly, there should be two I2S interfaces - one for the microphones and one for my needs.

Same here. I’ll see how it goes - and I’m also planning something wooden to avoid plastic, and because I have zero experience with 3D printers :person_facepalming: