What is it?
Raspberry HiFi Plus Hat is an upgraded version of the base model that uses a more advanced PCM5122 DAC and adds an audio-grade PCM1863 ADC onboard. The main benefit of using PCM5122 is a built-in digital volume control that makes sure that audio resolution is not lost at low volume. It also has built-in DSP with 6x BQ filters, but software support in Linux for it is absent at the moment, so you might need to develop it yourself (or wait for it to be added by the community).
The HiFi Plus Hat is fairly similar functionally to HifiBerry DAC+ ADC, but developed from scratch to validate DAC/ADC schematics for the sister products based on the ESP32
Use cases
HiFi Plus 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.
With added ADC, it also allows you to ingest audio sources (vinyl or CD players) into smart home audio solutions, serving as a bridge between old audio gear and modern smart homes - Multi-Room Audio Infrastructure. Use HiFi Plus 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.
- 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.
I use it myself for testing ADC functionality on the ESP32 platform before investing into custom board. - 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 | HiFi Raspberry Hat Plus | |
| Compatible with | Every Pi | Every Pi |
| DAC | PCM5100A 32-bit Stereo DAC | PCM5122 32-bit Stereo DAC with built-in DSP |
| Output | 2.1 VRMS line-level output -100 dB typical noise level | 2.1 VRMS line-level output -112 dB typical noise level |
| IR input | yes | yes |
| ADC | ❌ | PCM1863 ADC with line-level and analog mic inputs -110 dB typical noise level |
| DSP features | ❌ | Digital volume, analog gain, 6x BQ filters, DRC |
| 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
💡Need only speakers output? Check out Loud Raspberry
💡Need more powerful DSP? Check out Louder Raspberry and Louder Raspberry Plus
How to use
HiFi Plus Hat boards are fully compatible with HiFi-Berry boards, so in most cases, you just need to select the HiFi-Berry-DAC+ ADC configuration
dtoverlay=hifiberry-dacplusadcIn terms of the optional peripheral, it is supported by most distributions and can be enabled as simply as a few lines in the /boot/formware/config.txt
dtoverlay=gpio-ir,gpio_pin=23Firmware
Works with Volumio, PiCorePlayer, HiFiBerryOS, Moode, Moopibox, or bare Raspbian OS.
The project repository provides a few examples with build instructions, including Volumio setup instructions, among others.
Documentation
Both software and hardware are fully open-sourced and can be found on the project’s GitHub. You can follow the project updates at Hackaday
Where to buy
You may support our work by ordering this product at Tindie and Elecrow
- HiFi Raspberry Hat at Lectronz, Tindie, and Elecrow coming soon ($20 MRSP, $16 at volume)
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.
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