---
title: "Which is the better choice to select the audio output?"
description: ""
url: https://help.volumio.com/en/articles/91-which-is-the-better-choice-to-select-the-audio-output
collection: "FAQ"
updated: 2026-10-23
language: en
---

# Which is the better choice to select the audio output?



According to your Volumio device you can have ANALOG or DIGITAL OUTPUTS as audio output choices.

USB DAC: Attach an USB DAC (2.0 USB and up) using a high quality USB cable.

Suggested in particular for Tidal MQA hardware decoding and DSD native playback. Samplerate supported until 768KHz/32bit PCM.

USB DAC 5V low-noise filter \[Volumio Rivo\]: Dedicated port for a better clean digital audio signal, without power noise disturbances.

SPDIF \[Volumio Primo and Volumio Rivo\]: Attach a COAX digital DAC or Audio receiver. Samplerate supported until 192KHz/24bit PCM.

ANALOG RCA \[Volumio Primo\]: Using the internal Primo’s DAC D/A converter go out from RCA OUTPUT and go in to the AMP/PRE AMP.

I2S DAC/HAT: Connecting an I2S DAC/HAT to the compatible SBC board you will expand the audio outputs according to the I2S device connected. A long list of I2S drivers compatible inside PLAYBACK OPTION→I2S MENU.

AES/EBU \[Volumio Rivo\]: Attach a digital balanced XLR cable. Samplerate supported until 192KHz/24bit PCM.