Sonocotta’s Louder-ESP32-Mini is a compact version of the Louder ESP32 board that converts old speakers into WiFi (and Bluetooth) connected speakers for your Smart Home.
The board aims to replace the speaker terminals on your old speakers, and comes in two sizes: 42x42mm for small speakers, and 52x52mm for larger models. It’s powered by an ESP32-S3 wireless SoC with 8MB PSRAM and equipped with a high-quality TAS5805M DAC with DSP features.
Louder-ESP32-Mini specifications:
- Wireless Module – ESP32-S3-WROOM-N8R8
- SoC – Espressif Systems ESP32-S3
- CPU – Dual-core Tensilica LX7 up to 240 MHz with vector extension for AI/ML workloads
- RAM – 512KB SRAM, 8MB PSRAM
- Storage – 8MB flash
- Wireless – WiFi 4 and Bluetooth LE 5
- Antenna – PCB antenna
- SoC – Espressif Systems ESP32-S3
- Audio
- DAC – Stereo TAS5805M I2S DAC with built-in DSP and D-Class amp
- DSP Features – EQ, FIR, DRC, AGL, etc…
- Speaker output via two WAGO connectors
- 4Ω, 1% THD+N
- 42×42 mm model – 1x 5W
- 52×52 mm model – 1x 15W
- 8Ω, 1% THD+N
- 42×42 mm model – 1x 3W
- 52×52 mm model – 1x 8W
- 4Ω, 1% THD+N
- Misc – Reset and user buttons
- Power Supply
- 42×42 mm model – 5V via USB-C port
- 52×52 mm model – 12V via USB-C port (USB PD)
- Dimensions – 42×42 mm or 52×52 mm
As I understand it, you’d remove the standard speaker terminal cup shown in the foreground above, connect the internal wires to the WAGO connector of the Louder ESP32 Mini board, and insert it in the opening before securing it with the four screws from the original cup. Sonacotta warns users that Louder boards will connect to passive speakers only, and headphones or an external amplifier can be used (they have other products for that).
The board supports several firmware options, including Squeezelite-ESP32 for Spotify Connect, AirPlay, Bluetooth, or Logitech Media Server, Snapclient multi-room audio streaming with snapserver, and ESPHome for Home Assistant integration, although you could also roll out your own firmware. It’s basically the same as for other audio boards from the company, and you’ll find details on GitHub and the documentation website. The project is open-source hardware, and the EasyEDA schematics, Gerber files, and other files can be found on the same GitHub repo.
The Louder ESP32 Mini board can be purchased for $15 (42x42mm) or $20 (52x52mm) on Lectronz or Tindie.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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Is someone working on a version of this for car audio? Maybe work in a volume control knob that would fit where cigarette lighter mounts. Be nice fir classic cars.
BT receiver in a form of casette?…
I could not stop laughing at this, best response ever!
You know that exists, right ?
Nice write up. A viable way of converting passive speakers to active ones if the low output power is fine for the intended use.
One note: Open source Logitech Media Server is now renamed to Lyrion Media Server. Still one of the best multiroom audio options out there.
I too did a double take when I saw Squeezebox, which I use throughout my house. Did NOT know it had been refreshed as Lyrion, cool!
The ESPHome firmware is not just for Home Assistant, it’s what allows the board to use Sendspin, the new music experience protocol from the Open Home Foundation.
Very nice, so sad it suffers same design default as other models made by Sonocota that you can’t install a proper heatsink on it and so it overheats all the time 🙁
If this is ESP-32-S3 then it’s not going to support Bluetooth audio streaming given the chipset only supports BT LE not the Classic features required for regular Bluetooth audio streaming.