How to Connect a Denafrips DAC to Volumio Rivo+ via I2S

What You Need

• Volumio Rivo+

• Denafrips DAC with I2S (HDMI) input

• HDMI cable for I2S connection

Step 1: Connect the Hardware

1. Power off both Rivo+ and the Denafrips DAC

2. Connect the I2S (HDMI) output of Rivo+ to the I2S input of the Denafrips DAC

3. Power on the DAC first, then the Rivo+

Step 2: Set the Correct I2S Configuration on the Denafrips DAC

By default, Denafrips DACs may not use the correct I2S pin layout for Rivo+, which can cause:

• Very distorted or screeching sound

• Audio that sounds “broken”

• Incorrect left/right channel playback

To fix this, you must change the DAC I2S mode.

Required setting:

• I2S Mode: 5

• LED sequence: 1 – 0 – 1

This aligns the DATA, BCK, and LRCK signals correctly with Rivo+.

Step 3: How to Change the I2S Mode

Follow the official Denafrips instructions here:

After setting Mode 5:

• Restart the Denafrips DAC

• Restart the Rivo+

Step 4: Select Output in Volumio

1. Open Volumio UI

2. Go to Settings → Playback Options

3. Select I2S / HDMI output

4. Start playback

Important Notes

• This applies only when using I2S

• USB and S/PDIF connections do not require this configuration

• This is not a fault of Rivo+ or the DAC

• Once set, no further changes are needed

Summary

If a Denafrips DAC sounds distorted when connected to Rivo+ via I2S:

• Set the DAC to I2S Mode 5

• Confirm LED sequence = 1 – 0 – 1

• Restart both devices

This ensures full compatibility and correct sound reproduction.