Home Assistant Connect AUX-2: PoE Audio Streamer with Serial Ports for $59

Introduction: Bridging DIY and Consumer Audio

Nabu Casa, the company behind Home Assistant and Home Assistant Cloud, has released another piece of official hardware: the Home Assistant Connect AUX-2. Priced at $59, this device is positioned as an audio streamer built around the Sendspin architecture. However, unlike previous offerings that focused strictly on voice or connectivity, the AUX-2 aims to cover a broader range of setups. It is designed to connect existing speakers or amplifiers to Home Assistant, streaming music through Music Assistant, while also offering unique expansion capabilities for advanced users.

The core idea is straightforward. You connect the AUX-2 to your audio system, and it becomes a dedicated streamer within your Home Assistant ecosystem. But what sets it apart from community-built alternatives like Apollo Automation’s Cast-1 is the inclusion of Power over Ethernet (PoE), digital audio outputs, and serial ports. This makes it relevant not just for simple speaker setups, but for users with dedicated amplifiers or those who need to integrate with other serial-based devices.

Design and Connectivity: A Mixed Bag

The AUX-2 looks like a finished consumer gadget rather than an exposed development board. This is a significant step up from the raw aesthetic of many DIY audio projects. The enclosure is sleek and compact, fitting well in a home environment. However, the physical layout of the connectors is a notable compromise. The ports are arranged on opposite sides of the device. Depending on where you place the AUX-2, you may find yourself routing cables in conflicting directions. This makes cable management difficult, especially if you are trying to keep the device looking clean and decorative like the Home Assistant Green or Connect ZBT-2.

Despite the cable management issues, the audio connectivity is impressive. The device features a combined analog and digital audio output through a single 3.5 mm jack. Switching between formats only requires using a different cable. In testing, the digital output was the preferred option for new speakers, such as the IKEA SOLSKYDD. Digital connections offer better audio quality and avoid the noise caused by loose connectors or poor ground connections common in analog setups. The AUX-2 handles output switching automatically, which simplifies the user experience significantly.

Setup and Integration: Simple First, Advanced Later

One of the strongest points of the AUX-2 is its ease of setup. When connected via PoE, the device is detected by Home Assistant almost immediately. The system prompts you to add it, and the configuration process takes about half a minute. This plug-and-play experience is rare in the smart home audio space, where many devices require complex flashing or manual configuration.

For users who cannot run an Ethernet cable, Wi-Fi setup is also available via a smartphone app. However, for continuous audio streaming, PoE is highly recommended. It eliminates the need for a separate power adapter and provides a more stable network connection. This is particularly useful for ceiling speakers or fixtures where running a single cable is much cleaner than dealing with power bricks.

Serial Ports and Expansion

The AUX-2 is not just an audio streamer. It includes RS232 serial ports, USB, and Grove expansion options. This makes it a flexible platform for hardware expansion. The serial ports are exposed inside Home Assistant as a serial proxy over Ethernet. This allows for early access to serial and Modbus integrations, which is a game-changer for users with legacy HVAC systems, industrial equipment, or custom ESPHome projects.

While the primary use case is audio, the inclusion of these ports means the AUX-2 can serve as a bridge for other serial-based devices. This versatility is something you will not find in dedicated audio streamers like the Cast-1. It effectively turns the AUX-2 into a multi-purpose hub for both audio and serial communication.

Performance and Audio Quality

In terms of audio performance, the AUX-2 delivers clean, reliable streaming. The Sendspin architecture ensures low latency and high-quality audio processing. The digital output, in particular, shines when connected to capable amplifiers or active speakers. It avoids the interference and noise floor issues that can plague analog connections over long distances.

The device integrates seamlessly with Music Assistant, the recommended music platform for Home Assistant. Playback controls are responsive, and the audio stream remains stable even when the Home Assistant server is under load. For most users, the audio quality will be indistinguishable from more expensive dedicated streamers.

Who Should Buy This?

The Home Assistant Connect AUX-2 is ideal for users who want a reliable, easy-to-setup audio streamer with the added benefit of serial connectivity. It is perfect for those who have existing amplifiers or speakers and want to integrate them into Home Assistant without dealing with complex DIY setups. The PoE support makes it an excellent choice for ceiling speakers or hard-to-reach installations.

Who Should Skip It?

If you only need basic voice control, the Home Assistant Voice Preview Edition is a better fit. It is designed specifically for voice interactions and offers far-field microphones and a speaker. If you do not need audio streaming or serial connectivity, the AUX-2 is overkill. Additionally, if cable management is a top priority and you cannot deal with ports on opposite sides, you might find the design frustrating.

Conclusion

The Home Assistant Connect AUX-2 is a well-executed piece of hardware that fills a specific niche. It combines the ease of a consumer audio streamer with the flexibility of a development board. The $59 price point is competitive, especially when you consider the PoE and RS232 capabilities. While the connector layout is not perfect, the overall package is strong. For Home Assistant users looking to expand their audio and serial integration options, the AUX-2 is a worthy addition to their setup.