Media playback devices | Home Assistant | Page 1

keen plinth Mar 10, 2025, 4:17 PM

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So i have a big investment into the Amazon devices "The A word" Im trying to setup a way to play different music in each room. I got music assistant working, but not through the Alexa devices. I see many people having issues with them on HA. Is there a better option that wont require a deep dive? I did buy a small Sonos and it did what i wanted, but man thats an expensive switch. Any help or input on this? Im not opposed to learning and doing some coding, just looking at what others are doing or other options.

solid gale Mar 10, 2025, 4:46 PM

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keen plinth So i have a big investment into the Amazon devices "The A word" Im trying to set...

voice-pe - https://www.home-assistant.io/voice-pe/
opensource, supports the project etc...
the built in speaker is not fantastic for music, however it has a 3.5mm output so you can pair it with any speaker you like.

keen plinth Mar 10, 2025, 5:07 PM

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does Music assistant then see this device as a playback option?

solid gale Mar 10, 2025, 5:13 PM

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keen plinth does Music assistant then see this device as a playback option?

yes, you use the home assistant media player provider

keen plinth Mar 10, 2025, 5:36 PM

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ok, just put in an order for one to test. Not bad pricing

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any idea what speakers are recommended? will it work on a receiver?

solid gale Mar 10, 2025, 5:37 PM

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yeah at the price point its fantastic

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I use one of these with a 3.5mm cable with it and its great - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01HTH3C8S

keen plinth Mar 10, 2025, 5:39 PM

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does it require power for the speaker?

solid gale Mar 10, 2025, 5:39 PM

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one note though is that if you power both devices from the same usb charger then you will need to put an isolation transformer on the 3.5mm cable to prevent ground loop. something like this - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B019FC6ZQQ

solid gale Mar 10, 2025, 5:40 PM

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keen plinth does it require power for the speaker?

both are usb powered. technically the speaker has a battery too but as its fixed in place so i just have it plugged in and on all the time

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the 3.5mm jack is a line level out i beleive

keen plinth Mar 10, 2025, 5:41 PM

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oh as a ham i know how fun groundloops are lol

solid gale Mar 10, 2025, 5:42 PM

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ah then you know why you need the isolation transformer 🙂

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its a mighty little speaker. sure, your not gunna host a rave with it but its pretty good for general music

keen plinth Mar 10, 2025, 5:43 PM

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thats what i want, something for each room. Go to the wall touchscreen and pick what you want to hear or from phone

solid gale Mar 10, 2025, 5:44 PM

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with the PE you get voice control too. so you could set up commands to transfer the music

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or track your movements with something and automatically do it

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possibilities are endless

keen plinth Mar 10, 2025, 5:45 PM

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🤔

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do a follow me

solid gale Mar 10, 2025, 5:47 PM

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a basic setup to begin with is probably best then you can automate random extras 🙂

#Media playback devices