HiFi Raspberry Hat 
HiFi Raspberry Hat (2X)
What is it?
Raspberry Pi HiFi Hat is the lightweight implementation of the PCM5100 DAC in a Hat shape. 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, totalling 8 channels of audio.
HiFi Raspberry Media Center front 
HiFi Raspberry Media Center back
The HiFi Raspberry Media Center is a cased and feature-packed version of the board that is designed specifically for Raspberry Pi Zero boards, adding onboard Ethernet, IR reader, and RGB LED indication. With a minimalistic but functional design inspired by commercial audio gear, it offers a more professional look and feel.
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 | HiFi Raspberry Hat (2X) | HiFi Raspberry Media Center | |
| Compatible with | Every Pi | Raspberry Pi 5 | Raspberry Pi Zero (W), Raspberry Pi Zero2 W |
| DAC | PCM5100A 32-bit Stereo DAC | Dual PCM5100A 32-bit Stereo DAC | PCM5100A 32-bit Stereo DAC |
| Output | 2.1 VRMS Line level output -100 dB typical noise level | 2.1 VRMS Line level output -100 dB typical noise level | 2.1 VRMS Line level output -100 dB typical noise level |
| IR input | yes | yes | yes |
| RGB LED | no | no | yes |
| Onboard Serial Bridge | no | no | yes |
| Wizznet W5500 Ethernet | no | no | yes |
| Mechanical dimensions (WxHxD) | 65mm x 30mm x 15mm | 65mm x 30mm x 15mm | 88mm x 38mm x 100mm |
| Power requirement | 5V from the host Pi | 5V from the host Pi | 5V USB-C power adapter (up to 1A) |
⚠️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 Raspberry boards are fully compatible with HiFi-Berry boards, so in most of the cases you just need to select the HiFi-Berry-DAC configuration
dtoverlay=hifiberry-dacIn 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=23
dtoverlay=w5500Firmware
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 Tindie and Elecrow ($15 MRSP, $12 at volume)
- HiFi Raspberry Hat (2X) at Tindie ($20 MRSP, $17 at volume)
- HiFi Raspberry Media Center at Tindie ($49 MRSP, $45 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.
