Amped Esparagus is the next step in the line of Esparagus media center devices. It is a device based on PCM5100 HiFi DAC (just like HiFi Esparagus) but adds a powerful and efficient D-class amp (TPA3110D2) so it can drive speakers directly. It has similar power capabilities to the Louder Esparagus, but it is much simpler to set up and use, since this DAC doesn't need any configuration steps to get going, just a valid I2S audio stream. Simplicity comes at a price, it doesn't have a DSP unit either. Since it has an analog stage, you can use it either with a built-in amp or with an external amp, if prefer so.

With the Amped Esparagus, I'm implementing and testing a new updated look with every board equipped with a semi-transparent front face as standard. Behind it, there is a front-facing IR reader and 8-LED RGB strip (that can be used for audio visualization or power state). Most noticeably, there is a rotary encoder with a push-button, that allows for a quick action.