Replacing Sonos with Sendspin and Android Tablets
An open-source approach to synchronized multi-room audio using existing hardware.
1Breaking Proprietary Audio Barriers
The author transitioned from a Sonos multi-room audio system to an open-source alternative called Sendspin. While proprietary systems like Sonos or WiiM offer convenience, they often force users into vendor lock-in. Sendspin provides a common language for hardware, enabling synchronized audio playback across diverse devices without requiring specific brand-name speakers.
2Leveraging Existing Home Hardware
Instead of purchasing new equipment, the project repurposed wall-mounted Android tablets already serving as Home Assistant dashboards. These tablets utilize their built-in speakers for ambient music and podcasts. By turning these existing devices into audio targets, the setup avoids the need for expensive, dedicated streaming hardware or complex ESP32 DIY builds.
3The Role of Music Assistant
Music Assistant acts as the central server for the Sendspin ecosystem. It manages audio streams, playback queues, and device connectivity across the network. This software backbone allows users to distribute music to various clients, functioning similarly to how proprietary apps manage their respective hardware ecosystems, but with significantly more flexibility and control.
4Simplifying Client Configuration
The Kiosk Satellite app serves as the bridge between the Android tablets and the Sendspin protocol. By enabling a simple setting within the app, the tablets are registered as available playback targets. This process is remarkably straightforward, requiring only the IP address of the Music Assistant server to establish a functional connection.
5Dual-Purpose Device Functionality
The setup maintains the tablets' primary role as Home Assistant control dashboards while adding audio capabilities. When music plays, the app displays a floating widget with album art and playback controls. A full-screen view is also available, providing track information and lyrics, which proved effective during social gatherings when connected to Bluetooth speakers.
6Performance and Synchronization Quality
In testing, Sendspin demonstrated performance comparable to established systems like Sonos, Google Cast, and Alexa. The author reported instantaneous playback across multiple targets with no desync or drop-offs during six to seven hours of continuous use. The system supports high-quality, bit-perfect audio, including FLAC files, provided the network bandwidth is sufficient.
7Flexibility in Audio Deployment
The Sendspin protocol allows for seamless switching between grouped playback and individual device streams. While Bluetooth speakers are convenient for casual listening, the author suggests using wired connections with DACs for high-resolution FLAC files. This modularity ensures that users can scale their audio quality based on their specific hardware and network capabilities.
8Future of Open Audio
This project demonstrates that multi-room audio can be achieved using spare phones or tablets rather than bespoke hardware. By combining Sendspin, Kiosk Satellite, and Music Assistant, users can build a robust, vendor-neutral system. This approach highlights the growing potential for open-source protocols to replace restrictive, proprietary ecosystems in the modern smart home.
Original article: XDA Developers — Replacing Sonos with Sendspin and Android Tablets