On-Board HDMI Audio vs USB Audio vs Add-on DAC Card

[Bonez6972]

Hey there, I currently have a RPI running Volumio that connects to my sound system via the RPI's HDMI connector. Is there significant advantages/quality upgrades for changing this connection to USB Audio Card type device or a DAC card?

[blackshard83]

It depends on the quality of your converter.
HDMI and USB are both digital representation of data, so there is no loss during transport of the signal: the quality of their DAC and the board circuitry is crucial for a good output.
An onboard hat with a DAC is exactly the same, it just uses the internal I2S bus to connect to the raspberry.

I am a bit skeptic about the quality HDMI DACs, but I admit I have never seen one in my life.

[gkreidl]

It depends on the quality of your converter.
HDMI and USB are both digital representation of data, so there is no loss during transport of the signal: the quality of their DAC and the board circuitry is crucial for a good output.
An onboard hat with a DAC is exactly the same, it just uses the internal I2S bus to connect to the raspberry.

I am a bit skeptic about the quality HDMI DACs, but I admit I have never seen one in my life.

The OP connects it to his sound system (via HDMI) so it depends on the quality of the DACs in the sound system.