DAC32 low-cost high performance music streamer

[PolyVection]

We are long-time fans of Squeezebox and have followed the SqueezeAMP, and in particular the Squeezelite-ESP32 project, with great interest.

These efforts have inspired us to design and build our own new hardware to run Squeezelite-ESP32 software. Our idea was to manufacture an inexpensive music streamer along the lines of the now discontinued Chromecast Audio puck, but with much better sound quality and running Squeezelite, so it can be used as a fully-fledged Squeezebox Player.

We also benefit from a significant advantage, because we have all of the equipment to manufacture and test the product in our facility just outside Berlin Germany. This has been key to enabling us to keep the selling price really low at just 50€ including VAT. This includes a complete fully assembled and pre-flashed product in a neat housing which is ready to use out-of-the-box. The package also includes a DC jack to USB-A cable to connect to a USB power supply of choice (a power supply is not included)

The design is based around an ESP32 module which feeds a PCM5122 DAC and runs on Squeezelite-ESP32 software. A lot of attention has been paid to internal filtering and fine tuning the layout for optimal HiFi performance. DAC32 also supports file formats of up to 24/192 resolution. Listening tests, backed up by measurements using our own audio analyser, confirm that these objectives have been met. We are particularly proud of achieving an outstandingly low signal to noise ratio of -110dB

The analogue line output is via a pair of gold-plated RCA phono sockets and is designed to connect directly to a HiFi amplifier, active speakers or soundbar.

The DAC32 Music Streamer will start shipping early March 2021

https://polyvection.com/en/product/dac32/

https://youtu.be/pmqTgcCH4zM

[CJS]

Looks like a really nice product to me, and a perfect replacement for the Logitech Squeezebox Receiver. Also the price is good.
PS: It seems there is a typo in the URL that is shown on the label at the bottom of the housing. But with the help of your username I found your website...

[Paul Webster]

I expect that this will make quite a few people happy - in particular those that want to simply buy a box and plug it in.

Is it pure Squeezelite-ESP32 ... meaning that users can simply update the firmware using the builds that the Squeezelite-ESP32 team release?

[rkrug]

> On 8 Jan 2021, at 12:40, Paul Webster <Paul.Webster.9v5o80 (AT) no-mx (DOT) forums.slimdevices.com> wrote:
>
>
> I expect that this will make quite a few people happy - in particular
> those that want to simply buy a box and plug it in.

Agreed - the only thing which is now missing on the player front is AirPlay 2 support instead of only 1. I know - not their fault, but it would be really nice and I would buy it.



>
> Is it pure Squeezelite-ESP32 ... meaning that users can simply update
> the firmware using the builds that the Squeezelite-ESP32 team release?
>
>
>
> Paul Webster
> http://dabdig.blogspot.com
> author of "now playing" plugins covering radio france (fip etc), kcrw,
> supla finland, abc australia, cbc/radio-canada and rte ireland
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Paul Webster's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=105
> View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=113633
>
>

[Apesbrain]

Very nice! Just give us an easy option to buy in the US, e.g. Amazon store. Maybe your next project can be a S/PDIF version.

[kidstypike]

WiFi only?

How would one set this device up?

[Paul Webster]

WiFi only?

How would one set this device up?

Same way as SqueezeAMP - also WiFi only.
Squezelite-ESP32 creates its own WiFi access point if it is not able to connect to a configured one ... so on initial install with nothing configured it will do the same.

[PolyVection]

WiFi only?

How would one set this device up?

We will shortly be adding a Quick Start Guide to download from our website, but Paul Webster is right, it is a very straightforward process

[Zombie]

It say 5 V, 500 mA.
Does it mean it can be connected to a 9 V, 2 A PSU?

[kidstypike]

Same way as SqueezeAMP - also WiFi only.
Squezelite-ESP32 creates its own WiFi access point if it is not able to connect to a configured one ... so on initial install with nothing configured it will do the same.

OK, thanks, I found the setup guide.