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I²S Compatibility & Configuration Guide

 IIS or I²S Connection Finder

Unsure which I²S mode or pinout to use? This tool helps you match Holo Audio and other DACs with popular sources like Eversolo, Singxer, Matrix Audio  and more. Choose your devices and get the exact settings, modes, and connection tips in seconds.

HDMI I²S Configurator

Select your DAC and source to see the correct I²S mode.

I2S Q&A

  • I²S (Inter-IC Sound) is a digital audio transport protocol.
  • It carries only audio data and related clock signals.
  • There is no video, no control data, and no network/ARC functionality.
  • It was originally designed for internal board-level connections between DACs, transports, and DSPs.

Manufacturers sometimes output these signals over an HDMI-type connector for convenience — but the pinout is not standardized. Each brand may wire it differently.

  • HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is designed for video + audio + control data.
  • It carries:
    • Digital video (up to 8K)
    • Multichannel PCM, Dolby, DTS, etc.
    • ARC/eARC, Ethernet, CEC control signals

Even though many devices use a standard HDMI port for I²S:

✔️ They only reuse the physical connector,

❌ not the HDMI format or signalling.

  • Plugging an I²S output into a normal HDMI input (e.g. TV) will do nothing.
  • Plugging a real HDMI signal into an I²S input can damage equipment.
  • For I²S over HDMI, both devices must:
    • Use the same pin configuration, and
    • Support external I²S over HDMI format.


Missing configuration?

Couldn’t find your device or want to suggest an improvement?

You can request a new I²S configuration or submit details for other brands and models — not just Holo Audio.

Each submission helps us expand the available options, so more users can benefit from accurate and up-to-date configurations.

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