HiFi-ESP32 Plus
The HiFi-ESP32 Plus represents the next evolution of HiFi-ESP32 boards, featuring the advanced PCM5122 DAC with built-in DSP capabilities
WIZnet - W5500
x 1
The HiFi-ESP32 (and its newer variant HiFi-ESP32-S3) from Sonocotta are audio-streaming development boards built around the WIZnet W5500 Ethernet option and high-quality I²S DACs. The boards are designed to upgrade legacy hi-fi systems with modern streaming capabilities while offering optional wired Ethernet for high-reliability networking.
Other projects by the author present on our site:
Sonocotta HiFi-ESP32 + W5500: Wired Audio Streaming IoT Gateway
Esparagus Echo: ESP32-S3-Based Voice Control Devices for Home Assistant
🔍 Key Features & Highlights
Combines ESP32 or ESP32-S3 MCU + line-level audio output via high-end DAC (PCM5100A for the original, PCM5122 for the S3 version) delivering very low noise levels.
Optional header for W5500 SPI Ethernet module, enabling wired Ethernet connectivity instead of (or in addition to) WiFi.
Shift from the original to the S3 version adds advanced DSP features (parametric EQ, DRC, crossover) thanks to the newer DAC hardware with built-in processing.
Designed for streaming use cases: e.g., connect to your stereo amplifier, stream via WiFi or Ethernet, buffer in PSRAM, and output high-fidelity line-level audio.
⚠️ Considerations & Things to Note
While the board offers optional Ethernet, installation of the W5500 module may affect mechanical fit (height, case compatibility) as noted in the documentation.
Although powerful, the board is oriented toward audio streaming — if someone wants to repurpose it for other Ethernet-heavy data tasks (e.g., industrial control, large file transfers), they may need to evaluate the SPI speed, buffer sizes, and overall networking performance.
Author provides a nice web interface for fast firmware upload to the board. It is only required to connect board with PC and one button click on this page
📋 Attribution
Board: HiFi-ESP32 & HiFi-ESP32-S3 by Sonocotta
Created by: Sonocotta (Poland)
Disclaimer: This board was developed and published by Sonocotta. We are featuring it here to inform and inspire makers in the community. All credit belongs to the original creators, and we do not claim ownership or rights over this hardware or design.