CD Player with Streaming Capabilities Brings Style and Entertainment
Stylish Hi-Fi Upgrade: EsPer-CDP - A Retro-Tech Marvel
Ever imagined pairing an ESP32, a 16-bit DAC, an antique VFD, and an IDE CD-ROM drive? It seems like an odd combination, but [Akasaka Ryuunosuke] turned this mishmash into a striking addition for your hi-fi rack - EsPer-CDP, a modern gem for your audio setup.
This device play CDs, yes, but it goes above and beyond. It scrobbles the disks to Last.fm, automatically fetches track names, lyrics for CDs, and streams internet radio. To sweeten the deal, it even acts as a Bluetooth speaker, leveraging the ESP32's prowess and DAC. Give bonus points for using a VFD, a reclaimed Futaba GP1232A02, adding a touch of vintage charm to modern technology.
When it comes to CD access, the IDE interface is utilized to issue ATAPI commands to the CD-ROM drive, pumping audio out via S/PDIF. This data makes its way through a then-discontinued WM8805 receiver - a testament to this project's evolution - before being translated into an I2S stream the ESP32 can handle like a boss.
It might lack modern conveniences like reading data CDs (MP3, MIDI), but EsPer-CDP more than makes up for it with its scrobbling capabilities and track ID, time-stamped lyrics via CDDB or MusicBrainz. This hack may require an ESP32's computing power, but it gets the job done - albeit at a slight trade-off.
Version 2 plans include reading data CDs and using a sleeker SATA CD-ROM drive. But what really stole our hearts was the old-school aesthetic and the potential addition of a DIY turntable to complete the picture. Pair it with a classic amplifier for an authentic sound, and watch this classic-meets-modern combo captivate your room.
Our heartfelt thanks go out to [Akasaka Ryuunosuke]. Inspire us like they did - send us your own creations. Our appreciation is priceless.
This DIY project by Akasaka Ryuunosuke transforms an unusual mix of gadgets into a stylish audio device, EsPer-CDP. It pairs a DIY turntable with a classic amplifier, creating a captivating classic-meets-modern combo that emphasizes the retro-tech aesthetic.
