Louder Esparagus Media Center, a Class-D esp32 based amplifier

After evaluating Sonocotta’s ‘Louder ESP32‘, the company kindly sent us their ‘Louder Esparagus’ to check out. This gadget is basically a feature-packed, boxed variant of the Louder ESP32. With it’s highly capable TAS5805M DAC, the Louder Esparagus aims to sync seamlessly with mid- to large-scale sound systems. This model delivers an impactful 25W per channel stereo output and is ideally suited to animating residential spaces or student digs. Given its power need, it relies on an included USB-C Power Delivery power supply to draw as much as 65W. This unit can operate via Wi-Fi or Ethernet and also comes with a RGB (WS2812B) status LED and an IR receiver, all housed in a chic metal casing.

Specifications

The Louder Esparagus operates based on a WROVER module, which includes an onboard PSRAM chip to accommodate the buffering essential in audio streaming.

Software

The firmware of the Louder Esparagus supports Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay, and Logitech Media Server. It can receive Bluetooth audio from local devices like smartphones, and can be readily incorporated into Home Assistant for multi-room audio setups. Its open hardware and firmware allow it to run custom software or even esphome, as detailed in a previous article.

To (re)flash the Louder Esparagus firmware, consider this user-friendly web installer: https://sonocotta.github.io/esparagus-media-center.

* Currently, there’s a minor software bug impeding effortless integration of the Louder Esparagus with Home Assistant. It’s expected to be remedied soon, but until then simply disable LED Vu in Squeezelite to bypass the issue. For more information check: https://github.com/sle118/squeezelite-esp32/issues/414

Sound

While sound quality depends largely on individual perception, and making comparisons between this $69 amp and other models in the $800+ range isn’t entirely rational, the Louder Esparagus not only delivers a powerful output but also maintains clarity. We assessed its performance using a pair of Klipsh R-50M’s and found there to be no discernible noise when the amp is at rest. We’re fairly certain the average user will find the Louder Esparagus sufficiently loud and clear to fill a living room or bedroom.

Multiroom usage

Tests show that the Louder Esparagus performs excellently in multiroom usage scenarios when used with Home Assistant and Music Assistant. When we attempted to sync audio between the Louder ESP32 and the Louder Esparagus, no issues arose.

Conclusion

Our two-week testing period has left us impressed with the Louder Esparagus. With its 25W per channel stereo output, it can vivify living rooms, bedrooms, or dormitoryspaces. Compared to the Louder ESP32 we tested earlier, this tool offers a sturdy metal casing, standard Wifi and Ethernet, and compatibility with almost any IR remote control. Retailing at just $69 and including a USB-C PD 20v/65Watt power supply, the Louder Esparagus is a sound investment. Check it out at https://www.crowdsupply.com/sonocotta/esparagus-media-center and do explore Sonocotta’s Tindie store for more intriguing gadgets.