While this adapter does improve the sound quality, if you are using cheap, tinny earphones, then you will probably not hear much of a difference. Take note that sound quality also depends upon your speaker system and sound gear. However, the noise is practically in audible a normal listening levels. It does not eliminate it completely because faint noise can be heard if the volume on an amplifier is turned up to uncomfortable levels. During moments of silence during the sound playback, the noise was distractingly audible. The Pi had a constant background noise (white noise) when playing sound. Cymbals, glass, and trebles sound better. Bass is almost missing with the Pi’s built-in audio. “What audio quality can be expected compared to the Pi’s audio?” It is also compatible with other operating systems and computers, not the Pi alone. I have not experienced any incompatibility issues. Since RetroPie is Linux, compatibility is 100%. This adapter has a black aluminum shell that feels somewhat sturdy.

If plugged into a top USB port, it becomes difficult to plug any other USB device into the port immediately below.

It still works, but it causes the bulk of the adapter to bend downward enough to restrict it to a bottom USB port on the Pi. Not certain if this is by design or if it is a flaw with the product, but the USB plug on my adapter was slightly bent as seen in the image. Keep in mind that the quality might not be on par with more expensive audio gear, but this inexpensive device provides far superior audio than the Pi’s built-in audio. The idea is to plug this device into a standard USB port and hear/record audio.

Any links to Amazon are affiliate links to help readers locate the items and to help cover the time spent writing this article at no cost to readers. With a Raspberry Pi 2 Model B running RetroPie 3.4 to produce a boost in sound quality. This tutorial shows how to use the Plugable USB Audio Adapter Yes! Using a small USB audio device that plugs into any of the Pi’s USB ports, audio can be rerouted to the USB audio device for improved audio quality. Is there a way to upgrade the Pi’s audio quality? White noise, background hiss, low-volume, subdued bass, and missing trebles leave room for improvement - especially when using the Raspberry Pi with audio-enjoyment software, such as RetroPie and Kodi.

The Raspberry Pi 2 is a convenient miniature computer for a multitude of weekend projects, but its audio output quality is lackluster.

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