On the more affordable end is the DAC2 Pro. This features a dedicated 192kHz/24-bit DAC, low-jitter clocks, and low-noise voltage regulators, all with the purpose of producing the best sound possible at that price point. It also features a headphone amplifier for convenience.
A lot more punch
If you’re looking for something a little more special and suitable for professional use, the DAC2 HD packs a lot more punch by separating out many of the Pro’s components into discrete parts, allowing HiFiBerry to source the best quality in all cases.
Thoughtfully, HiFiBerry offers a dedicated operating system that makes installation as simple as connecting the DAC and powering up. We instantly had features such as Bluetooth and Apple AirPlay with zero effort. In both cases, the sound was impressive and rich. If you’re looking to build a whole-home audio system or something for studio work, these boards are fine choices.
Verdict
8/10 Another impressive bit of hardware design from HiFiBerry, offering both choice and quality at sensible prices. Combined with HiFiBerry OS, these boards are ideal for home audio projects.
Price
Pro: £35 / $42; HD: £90 / $108
Specs
DAC: Dedicated 192kHz/24-bit high-quality Burr-Brown
Signal-to-noise ratio: 112 dB
Sample rates: 44.1-192kHz
Compatibility: All 40-pin GPIO Raspberry Pi models
