Does anyone have a recommendation for an external speaker that I can connect to Voice PE which is also suitable for music playback? Ideally a soundbar or something which doesn't use a lot of space. I am trying to replace a Google home completely and the sound quality of that one is pretty good (as opposed to the speaker in the Voice PE).
#External speaker for Voice PE
daring aurora
frozen totem
You may replace internal speaker on PE with something better. Won't cope with good external amplified speaker for sure. But suitable for replacing Home Mini or Echo dot.
In Koala Satellite I use 5W 4 Ohm speaker, and it's okay-ish for music (like, in shower or some ambient stuff...)
Regarding 3.5mm jack - you may use anything that appeals to your ear.
daring aurora
Hmm maybe someone has an idea for a soundbar?
gilded gulch
Can really plug anything in that uses a 3.5mm jack, really just up to personal preference. I have mine hooked up to a 2000 watt sound system 😄
daring aurora
ah wow and that's permanently on?
gilded gulch
yup
granted a 2000w system isn't actually drawing 2000w, it's probably drawing like 400-500w max when actually in use and blasting with the volume way up.
otherwise it's idling at a low power level since it isn't outputting anything
vocal hearth
I spent a lot of time looking for something with a 3.5mm jack, doesn't auto shutoff, and sounds good. Was also looking to replace a google home. Sounds simple right? Nope. Everything these days is bluetooth and/or requires a battery to be constantly charged...which isn't good for them. Ended up spending way more than what I wanted and went with a Yamaha SR-C30A soundbar. Figured if I was going to be forced to spend more money, might as well get something for the TV too. HA Voice plugs in via 3.5mm and then tv uses optical. When the tv turns on/off (via HA) my RM4 Pro switches between the aux/optical inputs automatically. Also has a Bluetooth function, although unfortunately the RM4 Pro seems to be incapable of learning the IR code to switch to it despite showing that it succeeded. Not sure what's up with that. Overall happy with the sound and functions though
plucky birch
In my office I use the Creative Pebble 3 which gives decent sound. In the living room I have a similar setup as above, using a Samsung soundbar which switches to the right input using an automation in HA. I also pauses the TV when the Voice PE starts listening and switches to aux (and back to optical when the Voice PE is done)
In the kids rooms I bought cheap PC speaker sets from the thrift store (there were 2.5 EUR per set)
vocal hearth
@plucky birch
plucky birch
so now you are highjacking the thread with a screenshot instead of just posting the question?
https://github.com/TheFes/HA-configuration/blob/main/packages/00 general/voice_satellite/soundbar_and_tv_on_voice_command.yaml these are the automations I use
vocal hearth
thanks
and yeah. I'm not a fan of hijacking...so if I have no other choice I'd rather explain the reasoning
spring warren
I've seen regular computer speakers on amazon that have 3.5mm inputs and also have built-in USB hubs. So you could power the PE from the speakers and maybe reduce the mess of wires.
wary hare
In my office I use the Creative Pebble 3 which gives decent sound. In the living...
Do you have a power meter and could check the standby power of the Pebble v3? I don't want to waste too much energy for a speaker doing nothing 98% of the time. Unfortunately standby power ratings are seldomly listed in the specs.
plucky birch
Do you have a power meter and could check the standby power of the Pebble v3? I ...
I only have smart plugs, which are not reliable with low power consumption. But maybe my neighbor. I'll ask him, I need to borrow his power drill anyway
wary hare
Thanks man, once more you're the man!