Amazon abilities but with digital output... Sonos?


I want something that operates like Alexa but plays on my big system without having to hit buttons etc..  I'm going to use this in a private gym.  My clients often come in alone. I want them to be able to walk in, tell Alexa (or whoever) to play Simon & Garfunkle and it plays on the main system.

 

All Alexa devices only have analog outs..  Thoughts? Ideas?

dtximages

Thanks for the input.  I do not want to use the 1/8th output jack on the alexa as that uses its internal DAC and is essentially double preamped / double volumed when you connect it to the main system..

"Main system" just means my main audio system. Instead of logging onto my Eversolo app, I want to just say "alexa play elton john" and it comes through my main 2ch system which includes all separates and speakers/subs.

 

My experience with the Bluesound Alexa integration is awful. You basically have to add the Bluesound as an Alexa "skill" which is hit or miss and always requires signing out/in to fix it.

 

I will keep the system always on so no need for plugs.

 

I just want my streamer to hear my voice like my alexas.  You would think that would have already been done on the regular.

@dtximages -  As far as I know, and from looking at the Eversolo web site, the Eversolo devices do not integrate with Amazon Alexa.  So with that out, and not wanting to use the 1/8' jack out of the Echo devices, off the top of my head, that leaves only a few options...

  1. You could try and find an older Echo Link on eBay and use the optical or coax out
  2. The Bluesound skill which you don't like.  That's ok...
  3. You didn't specify what Eversolo you have, but if it has an HDMI Input, you could hook up either a Amazon Fire TV Cube or Firestick to the input and at least use it with Amazon Music.  I believe the A8 and the A10 have HDMI input. That would also work if your preamp/receiver/processor has a HDMI input.  I've not tried other streaming services with the Fire Cube/Stick, but it might be worth a try.
  4. The WiiM Pro.  It is supposed to integrate directly with the Alexa enviroment.  I just bought one for the garage system and haven't played with that feature yet.  I do know one individual that uses it to turn on/off other AV equipment in his rack with its trigger out connection.
  5. Use a Sonos Connect as you first suggested.  I've done it at my house, but it was a bit iffy and it forces you to run two control systems (Alexa and the Sonos App).  (Oh, and make sure you set the Sonos Connect output to "Fixed" and not "Variable" or you will give yourself a few ugly suprises with the volume knob.)

 

Hope that helps....

- Jeff

 

 

Thanks Jeff, ok yeah I've been wanting to try the WiiM Pro hoping it acts like an Alexa, not having to go through the awful Alexa "skills" section.  

This is for a small gym I own where clients come and go and are often by themselves. I want them to be able to walk in and play whatever they want to play over the main system (4 Klipsch Heresys, Anthem PVA 7 amp, and whatever preamp I choose).

 

I cannot have it NOT working because the "skill" decided it wasn't going to connect.  But maybe i should just buy the biggest Amazon Echo's i can get and put about six of them throughout. I have had good luck with Echo groups in the past.

Interesting!  Just found this on Google:

 

No, you don't need an Alexa skill to use a WiiM Pro with Alexa. The WiiM Amazon Music interface is built using the Alexa Multi Room Music (MRM) API, which means it appears as a regular Alexa device. You can use voice control by linking your Alexa account in the WiiM app and then using an Echo device or the "Talk to Alexa" feature within the Alexa or Amazon Music apps.