Give New Life to Your Old Speakers!

Repurposing outdated tech is a passion for many, and what better way to breathe new life into an old Sony speaker system than by turning it into a Bluetooth marvel? Despite being an older model that only accepts AUX input, it still delivers crisp sound. However, switching tracks manually through my phone was tiring. To solve this, I embarked on a journey to modernize my Hi-Fi system using the Raspberry Pi Zero 2W!

What You Need to Get Started

The first step in my DIY project was to figure out how to add Bluetooth capabilities to my speaker. The Raspberry Pi Zero 2W came to the rescue with its affordable price and impressive performance. Additionally, you’ll need an AUX adapter with a built-in DAC since the Pi has no direct AUX port.

I cleverly used a micro USB to USB-C adapter to connect a high-quality audio DAC—sourced from my Samsung Galaxy S21 FE—ensuring crisp, clear sound without the hassle of soldering or other modifications. With the hardware sorted, it was time to choose an operating system.

Discover the Power of moOde Audio OS

When it comes to audio-focused operating systems, the Pi offers a range of options, but I chose moOde Audio for a change. This powerhouse is designed for seamless music streaming and can be easily installed on an SD card using the Pi Imager tool.

After flashing the moOde OS, I preconfigured Wi-Fi and SSH settings for a smooth headless setup. Once the Pi booted, I connected via SSH and, though the interface started automatically, I still wanted to check for any tweaks.

Selecting the Right Audio Output

Initially, my excitement waned when I realized the Pi defaulted to HDMI audio output. To fix this, I navigated to the settings, selected the USB DAC, and adjusted the volume. Almost instantly, the familiar sound of music filled the room! With a FAT32 formatted USB drive loaded with tracks, the software effortlessly recognized it, allowing for even more playback options.

Unlocking Bluetooth Connectivity

While the web interface was an unexpected perk, I was eager to enable Bluetooth. A few simple commands had me installing necessary Bluetooth packages. Enabling Bluetooth in the settings allowed my phone to pair effortlessly.

I quickly tested the connection with a YouTube video, and voila! My speaker was now streaming audio wirelessly! A couple of hours of music and podcasts proved the setup to be reliable without any interruption.

Enjoy Wireless Freedom!

In just a few hours, I transformed my outdated Hi-Fi speaker into a Bluetooth-enabled powerhouse! While I enjoy using the moOde Audio web interface, the Bluetooth feature allows for an unparalleled listening experience without any physical connections. If you have an AUX-only speaker gathering dust, don’t miss out on this fun and simple project—grab a Raspberry Pi Zero 2W and enjoy the best of both worlds!