HiFi Raspberry Pi Hat

What is it?

Raspberry Pi HiFi Hat is the lightweight implementation of the PCM5100A DAC and ultra-low-noise power circuitry in a Hat shape. It combines the power of the Raspberry Pi SBC and the Hi-Fi audio capabilities of TI’s best-known Hi-Fi DAC. It has two flavors: 1X is a traditional DAC that works with any Raspberry Pi out there, while 2X is specifically designed for Raspberry Pi 5 and implements two stereo DACs, which Raspberry Pi 5 users can use independently. Using two of them, you can have up to 4 stereo outputs, totaling 8 channels of audio.

Why did I build it

I did a few audio projects in the past, some using ESP32, some using larger Orange Pi and Raspberry Pi devices. Each has its pros and cons, and with each iteration, I'm trying to focus on the details that were working best for me while actually using them.

What is special about the Raspberry ecosystem is, of course, its community support. Being a not-so-strong software developer, I often have to rely on the work that other people did and baked into the base Raspbian image. Attaching a DAC, Ethernet, and IR reader is as simple as adding 3 lines into config.txt file. All the device tree definitions, kernel drivers, and dependency packages are already in place, believe it or not.

Sure, compared to the ESP32 platform, it is not as lightweight. It requires more power, it takes some time to boot. But when it comes to rapid development, there is nothing like the Raspberry Pi.

Use cases

HiFi Raspberry Hat is a flexible, open-source audio platform designed to fit into both smart homes and custom audio projects.

• Smart Home Audio, TTS & Automation Node. Integrates with Home Assistant and Music Assistant for high-quality playback, text-to-speech, and event-driven announcements. Functions as both an audio endpoint and a networked automation node for sensors, triggers, and smart home workflows.
• Multi-Room Audio Infrastructure. Use HiFi Raspberry Hat as a Snapclient server and endpoint for perfectly synchronized distributed audio. Ideal for open, vendor-neutral whole-home or commercial audio systems.
• Standalone Network Player & Streaming Hub. Run LMS/Squeezelite for a self-contained streaming device supporting Spotify Connect, AirPlay, and Logitech Media Server — no external computer required.
• Embedded Audio Processing & DSP Platform. Execute real-time digital signal processing, filtering, effects, or audio analysis directly on-device. Suitable for smart speakers, alert systems, acoustic sensing, and custom audio interfaces.
• Networked Sensor & Interface Controller. Combine audio output with GPIO control, sensors, buttons, displays, or actuators. Ideal for interactive installations, smart appliances, voice feedback devices, or industrial status systems.
• Educational Platform for Systems & Networking. A practical teaching platform for embedded Linux-style workflows without full SBC overhead — covering networking, streaming protocols, real-time processing, IoT architectures, and open-source audio systems.
• Rapid Prototyping for Connected Products. Designed for fast iteration of networked hardware products — from smart audio devices and notification systems to interactive kiosks and connected consumer electronics.
• Open Platform for Custom Products & DIY Builds. With fully open firmware and tooling, HiFi Raspberry Hat provides a flexible foundation for personal projects, research platforms, or commercial device development.

Features

	HiFi Raspberry Hat 1X	HiFi Raspberry Hat 2X
Image
Compatible with	Every Pi	Raspberry Pi 5
DAC	PCM5100A 32-bit Stereo DAC	Dual PCM5100A 32-bit Stereo DAC
Output	2.1 VRMS Line level output -100 dB typical noise level	2X 2.1 VRMS Line level output -100 dB typical noise level
IR input	✅	✅
RGB LED	❌	❌
Onboard Serial Bridge	❌	❌
Wizznet W5500 Ethernet	❌	❌
Mechanical dimensions (WxHxD)	65mm x 30mm x 15mm	65mm x 30mm x 15mm
Power requirement	5V from the host Pi	5V from the host Pi

⚠️ HiFi boards require an external amplifier or active speakers; you can't connect passive speakers to it.

💡 Need to connect speakers as well? Check out Amped Raspberry Hat

💡 Need only speakers output? Check out Loud Raspberry Hat

💡 Need more powerful DSP? Check out Louder Raspberry Hat and Louder Raspberry Hat Plus

Raspberry Pi HiFi

Raspberry Pi HiFi is a first-in-line product that uses the legendary PCM5100 series DAC with supreme audio quality. It exposes a 2.1V RMS level output that you can plug into a stereo amplifier. Spend as much as you need on the external amp to deliver the sound you like (personally, I prefer late '80s audio gear).

Board Pinout

How to use

You need nothing more than an SD card with a Raspbian image and a USB-C power brick. You can use any distribution you like. The only change you need to make to enable hardware is to add 3 lines to the /boot/config.txt

dtoverlay=gpio-ir,gpio_pin=17 dtoverlay=hifiberry-dac

Other software options

The project repository provides a few examples with build instructions, including Volumio setup instructions, among others.

Hardware

Please visit the hardware section of the project repo for board schematics and PCB designs. Note that PCBs are shared as multi-layer PDFs as well as Gerber archives.

IR reader

Please follow this guide to configure an IR reader

Sponsorship & Community Support

If you’re working on an open-source project, an educational initiative, or any pro-bono/volunteer effort, feel free to reach out for sponsorship details. I’ll do my best to provide discounts or even free boards.

Custom Design & Consultation

If you’re interested in a custom design based on or inspired by my boards, I also offer contract design work and consultation when needed.