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AUX-2 – No device left behind

home-assistant.io17 points1 comments
Screenshot of AUX-2 – No device left behind

Home Assistant Connect AUX-2 is a compact adapter for bringing older audio equipment and other wired devices into a Home Assistant smart home. It streams music from Music Assistant to a stereo, receiver, or powered speakers through analog or optical digital output, and can synchronize playback with compatible smart speakers using Sendspin. It does not amplify sound, accept audio input, or transmit Bluetooth audio. The device also has two RS-232 ports for controlling supported TVs, receivers, and other serial equipment; RS-485 devices require an additional USB adapter. A Grove port allows extra input/output modules, while Bluetooth supports smart-home devices.

AUX-2 connects over 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi or Ethernet, and can use 802.3af Power over Ethernet or 5 V USB-C power. Its USB-A port can connect a Home Assistant Connect ZWA-2, letting users position that Z-Wave adapter for better coverage. The unit runs ESPHome, has an unlocked bootloader for custom firmware, and requires Home Assistant 2026.9 or later; serial control works only for devices with a Home Assistant integration. Zigbee use is possible with ZHA, but is not yet widely tested and requires Home Assistant 2026.11 or later; Thread is unsupported. The listed recommended price is $69 or €59, and audio and serial cables are sold separately.

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