M5Stack Atom Echo with Speaker Kit Problem

A M5Stack Atom Echo sets up correctly and properly responds to the ‘OK Nabu’ prompt and controls HA devices. Because of the low audio volume available, I acquired the SPK device to use with the Arom Echo with the intention of using the audio output to drive a powered speaker. Unfortunately, ‘stacking’ the Atom Echo onto the SPK platform causes it to stop responding to voice commands. The device appears in HA/ESPHome and the log shows activity when switches are changed in the Atom Echo configuration page.
Is there something in the programming that needs to be changed when using the Atom Echo with the SPK base?

“the ATOM SPK is specifically designed for use with the ATOM LITE board.”