What is it?
The Esparagus Audio Brick is a high-fidelity, modular audio endpoint built for makers, smart home integrators, and audio enthusiasts. It combines an ESP32 core, the TAS5825M DAC/amp, and robust connectivity (Ethernet/WiFi) into a DIN-rail mountable board that supports stereo, mono, bi-amp, or subwoofer configurations. With over-the-air updates, full DSP control, and an open software stack, it bridges the gap between DIY audio and professional installations.
The Crowd Supply campaign for backing the manufacturing of the Esparagus Audio Brick is currently underway. If you have any interest, please consider subscribing to receive updates on the campaign.
Motivation
Over the years I built several ESP32 + DAC/amp solutions (Louder-ESP, Louder Esparagus) for personal use. They worked well, but I kept running into physical layout issues (large enclosures, heat, wiring), scaling problems (multiple boards for multiple rooms), and a lack of consistent install-friendly hardware features. I wanted a device that could be deployed cleanly in larger installs, maintained more easily, and scaled without sacrifice. The Audio Brick is the result: optimized for heat, connectors, power, and modular expansion, while keeping everything open source and hackable.
On the way, I switched over to a more advanced DAC from the TAS series: TAS5825M. It is a more power-efficient version of the TAS5805M with more advanced DSP features and slightly better power capabilities.
Features
MCU Core
- ESP32 Dual Core 32-bit LX6 microprocessor running at 240 MHz
- 16 MB of flash storage
- 8 MB of PSRAM
- CH340 Serial communication / Flashing chip
Audio capabilities
- Stereo I2S DAC (TAS5825M) with built-in D-Class amp
- 2x 30W at 24V at 8Ω, THD+N = 1%
- 1x 65W at 24V at 4Ω, THD+N = 1%
- Up to 90% efficiency (>85% typical)
Peripherals
- 0.96″, 128 x 64 px OLED Screen (optional)
- WS2812B RGB status LED
- W5500 Ethernet
Other
- 90 x 90 x 40mm DIN-rail mountable case
- Plug-in connector pairs for input/output/power, to make installation and replacement easier.
- Improved thermal design for enclosed spaces.
Technical Specifications
| Item | Spec |
|---|---|
| DAC / Amplifier | TAS5825M class-D |
| Output Channels | 2 (stereo) or configurable (mono/bi-amp/sub) |
| MCU | ESP32 + PSRAM (size TBD) |
| Ethernet | W5500 |
| Power Supply | External / regulated input (voltage/amperage spec TBD) |
| Mounting | DIN-rail compatible / enclosure ready |
| Connectors | Plug-in pairs for audio I/O, power, etc. |
| Software Support | ESPHome, Music Assistant, Snapcast (experimental), LMS Protocol, etc. |
Use Cases
- Retrofitting legacy or passive speakers: give old speakers streaming, multiroom, and smart home ability without replacing them.
- Whole-house or multi-zone audio installs: DIN-rail mounting & modular Bricks let you distribute clean, manageable audio per room or zone.
- Commercial or semi-industrial environments: clean wiring, reliable connectors, and ease of replacement make maintenance and scaling feasible.
- Enthusiast setups: bi-amp, subwoofer support, and 15-band EQ let you fine-tune the system to your audio gear.
Comparison to Earlier Models
- Moves from TAS5805M to TAS5825M for better efficiency / power / features.
- Adds mechanical and thermal improvements (DIN-rail support, better heat dissipation).
- Improved connector design for maintenance & swap-out.
- Focused on scalability: multi-unit, whole-home use-cases rather than single standalone speaker boxes.
Where to Learn More / Get Involved
- Driver repos on GitHub
- Documentation & schematics on Github
- Pre-launch / Crowd Supply campaign (tbd)
- Community discussions (Discord / Hackaday)
