DIY Whole-Home Audio Speaker with Louder ESP32
Build guide for converting a passive Tozzi One speaker kit into a WiFi-enabled active speaker using the Louder ESP32 and Squeezelite firmware for Home Assistant whole-home audio.
A complete build guide for converting passive speakers into WiFi-enabled active speakers for Home Assistant whole-home audio streaming.
What It Does
This project transforms a Tozzi One 3D-printed speaker kit (designed by audio engineer Mark Fenlon) into a networked smart speaker using the Sonocotta Louder ESP32 board as the brain and amplifier. The speaker streams audio directly via Music Assistant in Home Assistant.
Hardware
- Speaker: Tozzi One kit with Mark Audio CHN-50 driver
- Board: Sonocotta Louder ESP32 (ESP32 + integrated DAC and amp)
- Firmware: Squeezelite-ESP32 (flashed via USB-C)
Build Process
Approximately one hour per speaker with basic hand tools:
- Install the CHN-50 driver into the Tozzi One enclosure
- Attach speaker wires to the driver terminals
- Mount WiFi antenna and power connectors to the back panel
- Connect wires to the Louder ESP32 board
- Flash Squeezelite-ESP32 firmware via USB-C
- Test audio output before final assembly
Integration
The speaker streams directly to Music Assistant without complex YAML configuration. Multiple speakers can be grouped for synchronized whole-home audio playback, controlled through Home Assistant automations for music, TTS announcements, and voice alerts.
