While scouring the internet in search of an ESP32 amplifier capable of running ESPHome firmware, I discovered the Louder ESP32. This neat unit comprises an external I2S DAC, perfectly able to drive 2 full-sized speakers, and a external PSRAM chip.
Sadly there was no ESPHome support yet, so with a little help from the boards developer, a little chatGPT magic and myself, I created a custom component to drive this “high power” DAC/AMP. I also filed a feature request here: TAS5805M support · Issue #2666 · esphome/feature-requests · GitHub
This board sounds great. You might want to try this yourself. I have no stock in his Tindy store, paid for this myself but it still recommend this board to anyone looking for a ESPHome capable (stereo) smart speaker.
Ehm… yes, you could also run Squeezelite-ESP32, a multimedia software that supports Spotify’s over-the-air player via SpotifyConnect, an AirPlay controller compatible with iPhone, iTunes, and even multiroom synchronization capabilities, but…why?
I have an extensive LMS setup so will be able to test synchronisation.
By the way your blog post is incorrect to say synchronisation is only available for airplay. LMS synchronizes all LMS devices if they are really LMS devices.
The Louder ESP32 is sadly no longer available. I talked to the boards designer and he is going to replace the Louder ESP32 with the Louder Esparangus. That one might get the ESP32-S3 and a mems microphone as well as a header for external LED’s.
I have tried to get the DAC working on esp-idf framework, but so far have not succeeded. Wire.h is not supported on esp-idf so I have to work around that, but my C++ knowledge it not sufficiënt for that. Anybody able to help me out?
This is the current code:
//###########################################################################
//## ESPHome custom component for the Louder ESP32 ##
//## Get it here: https://www.tindie.com/products/sonocotta/louder-esp32/ ##
//##Check the blog article on www.espthings.io\ ##
//###########################################################################
#include "esphome.h"
#include <Wire.h>
#define DEVICE_CTRL_2_REGISTER 0x03
#define PWDN_PIN 33
#define I2C_ADDR 0x2D
class TAS5805 : public Component, public Switch {
public:
void setup() override {
pinMode(PWDN_PIN, OUTPUT);
digitalWrite(PWDN_PIN, LOW);
delay(200);
digitalWrite(PWDN_PIN, HIGH);
Wire.begin();
Wire.beginTransmission(I2C_ADDR);
if (Wire.endTransmission() != 0) {
ESP_LOGE("TAS5805", "TAS5805 not found at address 0x2D");
return;
}
Wire.beginTransmission(I2C_ADDR);
Wire.write(DEVICE_CTRL_2_REGISTER);
Wire.write(0x02);
Wire.endTransmission();
delay(50);
Wire.beginTransmission(I2C_ADDR);
Wire.write(DEVICE_CTRL_2_REGISTER);
Wire.write(0x03);
Wire.endTransmission();
ESP_LOGI("TAS5805", "TAS5805 initialized.");
}
void write_state(bool state) override {
uint8_t value = state ? 0x03 : 0x00;
Wire.beginTransmission(I2C_ADDR);
Wire.write(DEVICE_CTRL_2_REGISTER);
Wire.write(value);
Wire.endTransmission();
publish_state(state);
}
};
Which is switched on/off in esphome by:
switch:
- platform: custom
lambda: |-
auto tas5805 = new TAS5805();
App.register_component(tas5805);
return {tas5805};
switches:
name: "Enable Amp"
I’ve been looking at the louder-esp32s3 as it’s currently available on tindie with the ethernet module included. I was wondering if you’re using the barrel connector (limited to 5w per channel) or if you’re using an external PSU which allows you to get up to 23w per channel?
Would appreciate some guidance as I’m not really familiar with external PSU’s for boards like this that would have two bare wires you screw into terminals?
From what I can see, the Louder Esparagus is almost identical in terms of capability but is packaged up much nicer and uses usb-pd for power but that adds on a fair bit of premium compared to using this in a more obviously DIY manner?
Would this work as a Music Assistant Target? Im keen to use music assistant with home assistant but dont have any targets. Would be good to be able to used a few of these around the house with ceiling speakers i feel.
Hey folks, I’m a developer behind the mentioned device, was just running by, but happy to answer your questions. But wanted to clarify a few basics first.
Louder Esparagus and Louder-ESP32 are very close in hardware and audio capabilities in particular, Esparagus can be considered a more premium version with a case and few extras.
Louder-ESP32 uniquely comes with S3, originally for experimentation, but looking at community interest it is here to stay.
All boards support native ESPHome install, squeezelite-esp32 and snapcast firmware, the latter being the most experimental, and the first two extensively tested and working perfectly stable.
All boards are in active development, adding new features, and updating existing ones. I’m trying to keep stock available as much as I can, and planning to do so years ahead.
All boards come in the HiFi variant (line level output), a relatively low powered Loud version (5W stereo max98357) and the Louder (25W stereo TAS5805M). New flavor is coming in Q1 with a TPA3116 amp paired with PCM5100, which is both line-level and amp on the same board.
Again, I’m happy to answer questions, absorb feedback and contribute to the community, since I’m gaining so much being a part of it
love to hear yours!