Can't start playback on Bluesound PULSE SOUNDBAR+ After BluOS 4.8.17 Update (ref#XECOVD) [Investigating]

Support
1

What best describes your playback issue?

· Music doesn't start when I press "Play"

What type of Zone is affected by this problem?

· *Network Zones* are affected.

Is the affected network Zone connected with Ethernet or WiFi?

· Ethernet

Does the issue affect all file formats?

· The issue affects *multiple/all* file formats.

Does the issue happen with local library music, streaming service music, or both?

· *Both streaming and local* *library* music are affected.

Do you encounter any playback errors with the "System Output" Zone?

· The System Output has *no problem*, it's only my other Zone.

How is the affected Zone connected to your RoonServer machine?

· Network - Ethernet

Which network audio protocol is the Zone using with Roon?

· RoonReady

Does the device show up at all in Roon Settings -> Audio?

· Yes, it shows up there, but it isn't Enabled

Does the "Enable" button unlock the Zone?

· I pressed Enable, but the Zone remains disabled

Does the device play audio from another source when using the same connection?

· The device has no problems with another audio source

Have you checked that Roon is whitelisted in any firewalls?

· I've checked the firewall and the issue remains

If the device has multiple output options, do the other options work as expected?

· Only one output type is affected while the other output type works as expected

Is the device using the latest firmware as per the manufacturer?

· Firmware is up-to-date but the issue remains

Do you have an approximate timestamp of when the issue last occurred?

· This morning 9th of February at 7:30 am or 8:30 am (European Central Time) when playing the new album "The Blue Notebooks (20 Year Edition) from Max Richter. Tracks 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. It stops by itself after several mistakes.

What are the make and model of the affected audio device(s) and the connection type?

· Bluesound Pulse Soundbar+ connected with Ethernet Cat 7 cable

Describe the issue

I am experiencing a critical issue with my Bluesound PULSE SOUNDBAR+ after updating to BluOS 4.8.17. The device is no longer able to play music from Roon, despite being a Roon Ready-certified player. This issue did not exist before the update.

Issue Description:

I have a Bluesound Home Theater system configured as a fixed Home Theater group in the BluOS iOS app (version 4.8.1). The system consists of:
• Philips 48” OLED806 Series TV
• Bluesound Pulse Soundbar+
• Bluesound SUB+ Subwoofer
• Two Bluesound Pulse M speakers (rear channels)

On January 30, 2025, I updated all four speakers to firmware 4.8.17. After completing the update, I attempted to play music from Roon, but nothing played.
• In Roon, playback tries to start, but the timeline remains at 0:00.
• After about 10–15 seconds, playback skips to the next track, where the same issue repeats.
• In the BluOS Controller app, the Soundbar+ appears connected to Roon, displays album artwork, and the timeline advances, but no sound is produced.

To troubleshoot, I performed a factory reset on all speakers, reinstalled them, and configured them as independent devices (except for the SUB+, which was paired with one Pulse M). After this:
• Both Pulse M speakers appeared as Roon Ready devices and played music from Roon Core perfectly.
• The Soundbar+ remained unable to play music from Roon, even when used as an independent device.

All devices are wired via Ethernet. The Wi-Fi connection is strong (5 GHz, -45 dB, minimal interference), but I have had poor performance over Wi-Fi in the past (dropouts, sync issues), so I prefer Ethernet.

Analysis & Diagnosis (Based on Roon RAATServer Logs):

1. The issue is isolated to the PULSE SOUNDBAR+
• Pulse M speakers work fine with Roon when separated from the Soundbar+.
• The Soundbar+ does not play music in any configuration.

2. This issue started after the BluOS 4.8.17 update
• Before updating, everything worked perfectly.
• After the update, the Home Theater group disappeared, and the Soundbar+ stopped responding to Roon.

3. RAAT (Roon Advanced Audio Transport) fails to establish a connection with the Soundbar+
• Error: "Failed to prepare Bluesound PULSE SOUNDBAR+ in 15000ms. Giving up"
• Error: "Teardown" and "Lost" appear repeatedly in logs
• Error: "failed to setup any endpoints..giving up"
→ These indicate that Roon is attempting to establish a connection, but the Soundbar+ is not responding properly, possibly due to a compatibility issue introduced in BluOS 4.8.17.

4. The issue is NOT network-related
• All devices are on Ethernet with stable network performance.
• Roon Core runs on an Intel NUC i5 (fully updated, no issues).
• Other Roon Ready devices in my setup work without issues.

Next Steps & Request for Assistance:

Given that multiple Bluesound and NAD users are reporting similar Roon issues after BluOS 4.8.17, I would appreciate guidance on:
1. Confirming whether Bluesound is aware of this issue and if a fix is in development.
2. Whether a firmware rollback to BluOS 4.8.1 is possible (since everything worked fine before the update).
3. Any potential workarounds to restore Roon playback on the Soundbar+.

I have attached an extract from my RAATServer log showing the issue in detail. If needed, I can provide full logs for further analysis.

I appreciate your time and support in resolving this issue. Please let me know how to proceed.

Best regards,
Jose Ignacio Labiano

Describe your network setup

1 Gb simetrical Optical fiber from Adamo. Modem fron Fiberhome model AN5506-01-A. Unifi Dream Router (UDR). Unifi Access Point AP-6 Long Range.

2

Hi @Mathesis_Corp_SL,
Thanks for reaching out to us about this issue. It looks like our servers are having trouble reaching your server. Can you please use the directions found here and send over a set of logs to our File Uploader?

3

Hi Daniel,

Thank you for your prompt response regarding the issue with the Bluesound Soundbar+.

A week ago, I reported the issue to Bluesound support and submitted the required logs. These logs clearly show that the SOUNDBAR+ is unable to connect with Roon, or vice versa. Yesterday, I received a response from Bluesound saying that “Since the issue occurs with the ROON software, I would highly suggest that you reach out to Roon support"

This issue began immediately after updating all Bluesound devices (configured as a Home Theater group) to firmware version BluOS 4.8.17 and had never occurred before. Logically, it seems that the issue should be resolved by the party that caused it—Bluesound—rather than Roon.

Setting that aside, here is the information you requested:

:date: Tuesday, February 11, 2025 - 1:47 AM CET (Central EU Time):

I attempted playback from Roon (ROCK installed on an Intel NUC i5) on the “Master” speaker group, controlled by the BD SOUNDBAR+ (Roon Ready), playing the following albums:

  • Four Seasons (Recomposed) by Max Richter featuring Daniel Hope.
  • Four Seasons (Recomposed) by Max Richter featuring Elena Urioste.
  • Field: Complete Nocturnes featuring Alice Sara Ott.

No track starts playing, skipping directly to the next one without progressing past 0:00. After several attempts, playback stops with an error message indicating “too many failures.”

I also tried controlling Roon from an iPad using the BluOS Controller app, but the issue persisted.

Around 3:00 AM CET, I attempted playback with other artists (Nils Frahm, Jon Hopkins, and Peter Gregson), but the same problem occurred.

:date: Tuesday, February 11, 2025 - 12:59 AM CET:

I have uploaded two ZIP files to File Uploader:

  • Mathesis_Corp_SL_RAATServer_Logs.zip
  • Mathesis_Corp_SL_RoonServer_Logs.zip

If access to my server is required, please let me know the necessary steps, such as opening specific ports, IP addresses to whitelist, or VPNs I should connect to.

I remain at your disposal and hope this information assists in resolving the issue.

Best regards,

Jose Ignacio Labiano

4

Hey @Mathesis_Corp_SL,

Thank you for the detailed follow-up! We were able to review a fresh diagnostic report from your ROCK running Roon Server, and saw the same failure when attempting playback:

Warn: [Worker (2)] [Master] [zoneplayer/raat] Failed to prepare Bluesound PULSE SOUNDBAR+ in 15000ms. Giving up

Would you be able to test out rolling back to the previous BlueOS firmware version, and see if the same issue occurs? You may need to get in touch with Bluesound directly to request this.

And my apologies if this has been glazed over already, but can you also:

  1. Reboot your ROCK
  2. Reboot your router and any network gear between your BlueOS devices
  3. Reboot your Soundbar and corresponding BluOS devices

Thank you!

5

Subject: Follow-up on BluOS Issue

Dear Benjamin,

I sincerely appreciate your assistance in clarifying this matter.

After reading your message, I immediately reached out to BlueSound to request the previous firmware version of BluOS for testing, as per your suggestion. I will provide you with feedback once I have conducted the necessary tests.

If there is anything you can do on your end to expedite BlueSound’s response, it would be greatly appreciated. Here is the link to my request with them:

#454038

Once again, thank you for your support. It finally feels like we are making progress.

Best regards,

José Ignacio Labiano

6

Hi @Mathesis_Corp_SL ,

Thanks for the update here. Do let us know once you have more info from BluOS on this, thanks!

7

Dear Noris,

Today I claimed again to Mark from Bluesound the previous firmware version to test the Soundbar, but I do not get any answer.

I am worried because as far as I know there is dozens of users experiencing the same Issue not only with the Soundbar, but the Flex 2i mini, the Node 1, and three or four devices from NAD incapable of connecting with Roon after the 4.8.17 update.

From my point of vue, Roon should also try to contact with Bluesound and NAD to solve this issue asap because all those devices are marketed as Roon Ready devices and they are not such.

As soon as I have new I will let you know. Thanks for your collaboration.

Kind regards,

Ignacio Labiano

8

What best describes your playback issue?

· Music doesn't start when I press "Play"

What type of Zone is affected by this problem?

· *Network Zones* are affected.

Is the affected network Zone connected with Ethernet or WiFi?

· Ethernet

Does the issue affect all file formats?

· The issue affects *multiple/all* file formats.

Does the issue happen with local library music, streaming service music, or both?

· *Both streaming and local* *library* music are affected.

Do you encounter any playback errors with the "System Output" Zone?

· The System Output has *no problem*, it's only my other Zone.

How is the affected Zone connected to your RoonServer machine?

· Network - Ethernet

Which network audio protocol is the Zone using with Roon?

· RoonReady

Does the device show up at all in Roon Settings -> Audio?

· Yes, it shows up there, but it isn't Enabled

Does the "Enable" button unlock the Zone?

· I pressed Enable, but the Zone remains disabled

Does the device play audio from another source when using the same connection?

· The device has no problems with another audio source

Have you checked that Roon is whitelisted in any firewalls?

· I've checked the firewall and the issue remains

If the device has multiple output options, do the other options work as expected?

· Only one output type is affected while the other output type works as expected

Is the device using the latest firmware as per the manufacturer?

· Firmware is up-to-date but the issue remains

Do you have an approximate timestamp of when the issue last occurred?

· I tried it a few days ago to no avail, currently using a set of Kef LSXII speakers as a workaround

What are the make and model of the affected audio device(s) and the connection type?

· Bluesound Pulse Soundbar+

Describe the issue

Bluesound Pulse Soundbar+ no longer supports Roon Ready after a recent update (to the soundbar). Ihave raised this with Bluesound who advised this should be escalated with yourselves.

I've seen there's a thread about this in the support forum so I assume it's an issue you are already aware of.

Describe your network setup

Virgin media hub 5, the soundbar was connected via ethernet

9

Hi,

I can confirm this is affecting other users. My Pulse Soundbar+ is also not working with Roon anymore after I did an upgrade of my Bluesound players. Roon does still see the player but anything I try playing on the device doesn’t get the through. Very annoying :confused: I hope this gets solved quickly.

kind regards,

Robin

1 Like
10

Same here. After the 4.8.17 BlueOS update, multiple resets, and reboots, Roon does not send any streams to Soundbar+. :neutral_face: Phil

1 Like
11

I am also having the same issue since update.

14

Hi All,

Thanks for the additional reports here, I’ve forwarded these to our hardware team for further investigation.

15

Hi Noris,

Since the issue described arose, I haven’t used the Bluesound equipment. Missing some music, I started playing my Roon library through the SOUNDBAR+ and satellite speakers via AirPlay this weekend. It was then that I noticed the poor sound quality and the continuous crackling noises, especially during the louder parts of a musical piece. It’s so bad that it’s better to stop listening.

I then tried listening to the same musical piece, “Choral no. 1 for organ FWV 38-40” by César Franck, performed by Olivier Latry at Notre-Dame de Paris. This time using the BluOS system itself, with streaming from Qobuz, the file being FLAC 96kHz 24bit. The result was just as poor.

I have never had this problem before. It started after the latest BluOS 4.8.17 update.

If you need me to play it via AirPlay and send you the Roon log files, please let me know.

Lastly, it has been five days, and Bluesound has not given me any response. They haven’t even sent me the file needed for the firmware version rollback. It’s deplorable.

16

I too have experienced the intermittent crackling sound while having Roon connected to my Bluesound soundbar+ through Airplay. It’s subtle but not acceptable.

Hoping Roon and Bluesound will work together to get RAAT working or simply delist this device as Roon Ready which it is not.

17

Noris,

I finally got an answer from Bluesound Support team. Here it is:

¨Hello Jose,

I have forwarded your feedback to our quality assurance team and development team for future update consideration.

Unfortunately, due to company and security policy, we are unable to provide older versions of BluOS firmware.

Regards,
Mark
The Bluesound Support Crew¨

I replied asking when they expect to have a new update that solves the issue. I also remarked that the fact of not providing an estimated date is unacceptable. The Roon Ready feature was the main reason I purchased the Bluesound equipment, and now it is gone!

Noris, can you force Bluesound to solve this from Roon? As Siamak just pointed, since January 28th they are selling equipment as Roon Ready which it is not.

1 Like
18

What’s happening?

· Other

How can we help?

· None of the above

Other options

· Other

Describe the issue

I am no longer able to play music from Roon through my Blusesound Pulse Soundbar+. The device is listed and enabled under Roon Ready in Roon settings and can be selected as an output. When I try to play music (either from NAS or streamed from Qobuz) the Soundbar switches on, an animated icon in the Roon queue indicates that music is playing, but the progress bar for the track does not advance and, after a few seconds, Roon skips to the next track.

I am running Roon Server 2.47 (version 1510) on an M4 Mac Mini. The problem started before this latest version was installed. The Mac is connected to my router by ethernet and the Soundbar is connected via wifi.

This problem has only recently occurred - the Soundbar previously worked fine with Roon and I have no issues with several other Bluesound devices (Node, Pulse, Pulse Flex, Powernode).

Describe your network setup

Sky Max Hub

19

Thanks for flagging the other thread. It does seem like I am having exactly the same issue. I have also requested support from Bluesound - awaiting a response

20

I am having the same issue. Quite a few of us are. There are now numerous threads on this issue. None appear to be resolved. It is still ongoing since Bluesound update.

21

As I already mentioned in my last post, Bluesound has refused to provide me with an earlier version of the firmware to check if my SOUNDBAR+ would still be unable to play content from Roon. Their response was: They were passing a note to the technical team for consideration in future firmware versions. They didn’t give me any date. I protested, and within a few minutes, my request had been closed. A clear case of censorship. The test with an earlier firmware version was requested by the Roon support team.

This weekend, I reset the Soundbar+ to factory settings and set it up as a standalone speaker. I didn’t even group it with the SUB+. I updated and restarted my Intel NUC with Rock. I also restarted my 1 Gb symmetric fiber optic modem (Fiberhome), my Unifi Dream Router, and my Unifi AC-6LR. All connections between them are via shielded Cat 7 LAN cables.

Unfortunately, the Soundbar+ still has the same issue. In Roon, it appears as a Roon Ready device and is activated, but it doesn’t play anything.

If anyone from Roon Support wants me to send them the log files, just let mi know

Has anyone received any timelines for when this issue will be fixed?

Best regards,

Jose Ignacio Labiano

1 Like