This is the way!

It wasn't a computing power issue: simply plugging a hat into the same exact pi B2 fixed the issue.

I've tried to Google for an article about this but I didn't get lucky. Essentially it was something about how the jack output was driven using pwm that was causing hissing and crackling if I remember right.

And I concur that it's a good everything streamer if you use the HDMI output or a hat with an audiophile-grade audio output.

Edit: the latest pis might still have a better-driven jack output but I still won't trust it unless I test it thoroughly.

I've tried it but the audio quality was absolutely atrocious on the first pi generations at least. I got a hat from a third party for it.

Trump's reverse-Kissinger is looking fire!