InnoMaker Raspberry Pi HiFi DAC Hat Infrared Audio

Description

Product Overview

The InnoMaker HiFi DAC Hat is a precision‑engineered audio expansion board that mounts directly onto the 40‑pin GPIO header of Raspberry Pi models 5, 4, 3B+, Zero and Zero W. Leveraging the Texas Instruments PCM5122 reference DAC, it achieves a remarkable 112 dB signal‑to‑noise ratio and –78 dB THD+N, ensuring pristine playback of high‑resolution audio files. Gold‑plated RCA connectors provide a robust 2.1 Vrms line‑level output, while an integrated TPA6133 headphone amplifier delivers 138 mW into 32 Ω loads for detailed headphone listening. The board includes an on‑board EEPROM for automatic configuration, a reserved infrared port for future expansion, and ultra‑low‑noise power regulation to eliminate jitter. Housed in a compact, solder‑free HAT form factor, the device measures 5.08 × 3.5 × 1.85 inches and weighs just 2.11 oz, making it ideal for tight enclosures and portable projects.

Usage

Designed for audiophiles, makers, and developers, the HiFi DAC Hat excels in home media centers, DIY streaming rigs, and professional audio testing benches. Pair it with Volumio, Moode, RuneAudio, LibreELEC or Raspberry Pi OS to stream lossless FLAC, DSD or high‑bitrate PCM from network shares, NAS devices or USB storage. Its low‑latency master‑clock mode synchronizes the Pi’s processor, eliminating jitter for critical listening environments. Whether you are building a compact hi‑fi speaker system, a dedicated music server, or a prototype for an embedded audio product, the board’s dual RCA and headphone outputs provide flexible connectivity for studio monitors, powered speakers, or high‑impedance headphones.

Why Choose Us

InnoMaker combines reference‑class audio engineering with the convenience of a Raspberry Pi HAT. The PCM5122 DAC is a benchmark component used in professional audio equipment, and our implementation adds film capacitors and gold plating to preserve signal integrity. The board undergoes rigorous testing across multiple Linux‑based audio distributions, guaranteeing plug‑and‑play operation without driver hassles. Our open‑source SDK and documented API empower developers to customize audio pipelines, while dedicated technical support ensures rapid resolution of integration challenges. The inclusion of an EEPROM means the device auto‑configures on boot, reducing setup time for both hobbyists and commercial deployments.

Key Features

• Reference PCM5122 DAC with 112 dB SNR and –78 dB THD+N for studio‑grade sound
• Gold‑plated RCA line‑level outputs (2.1 Vrms) and dedicated 138 mW headphone amp
• Plug‑and‑play HAT design – no soldering, fits all Raspberry Pi 5/4/3B+/Zero models
• On‑board EEPROM for automatic configuration across Volumio, Moode, RuneAudio, LibreELEC and Pi OS
• Ultra‑low‑noise power regulation and master‑clock mode to eliminate jitter

FAQ

Does the DAC Hat require any soldering or additional wiring?

No. The board connects directly to the Raspberry Pi’s 40‑pin GPIO header and is fully compliant with the official HAT specifications, so installation is as simple as stacking the board onto the Pi.

Can I use the HiFi DAC Hat with a Raspberry Pi Zero?

Yes. The board is compatible with Pi Zero and Zero W models, providing the same high‑quality audio performance in a smaller footprint.

What audio formats are supported?

The DAC processes PCM up to 384 kHz/32‑bit and DSD64/128, making it suitable for high‑resolution FLAC, WAV, ALAC, and DSD files streamed via supported audio OSes.

Is there a way to update the firmware or configuration?

Yes. The on‑board EEPROM can be re‑flashed using the provided open‑source tools, allowing you to modify clock settings, output levels, or enable custom DSP profiles.

Will the infrared port be usable for remote control?

The reserved IR port (GPIO26) is available for developers to integrate remote‑control functionality or other custom I/O projects, though it is not active by default.