MacOS 26.4 - Playback failure after sample rate change (ref#XPA6CK)

[Wouter_Kolkman]

Hi! What’s not quite right with Roon?

· None of the above quite fits

None of the above quite fits

· None of these quite match

Tell us what's going on

· MacOS 26.4 - fails to play after change of sample rate

Tell us about your home network

· Problem also happens with playback from local SSD (using MacMini M1 as server, 2nd as Roon Bridge connected via CAT 8 direct. Server connected via WiFi to router 1m away with fibre connection)

[Wouter_Kolkman]

Hi! What’s not quite right with Roon?

· None of the above quite fits

None of the above quite fits

· None of these quite match

Tell us what's going on

· MacOS 26.4 - fails to play after change of sample rate

Tell us about your home network

· Problem also happens with playback from local SSD (using MacMini M1 as server, 2nd as Roon Bridge connected via CAT 8 direct. Server connected via WiFi to router 1m away with fibre connection)

[Wouter_Kolkman]

Additional information: DAC connected via USB; when sample rate changes there is no output available on other output devices such as Roon Server itself. Playback as normal after reboot or when changing Audio settings for the DAC e.g. Integer mode toggled and saved.

[alex_h (Alex)]

Hello @Wouter_Kolkman ,

Thanks for reaching out to our support.

Can you please share with us the screenshot of the settings of this DAC in Roon ?

Also, please try to set the resync delay to a higher value, it might help in resolving the issue.

Thanks.

[Wouter_Kolkman]

Screenshots attached.

Same DAC used with Roon for over 4 years.

[benjamin]

Hey @Wouter_Kolkman,

Thanks for the update and screenshots! This behavior, where a sample rate change hangs the audio output across the entire system, usually points to a CoreAudio lock-up or a synchronization “handshake” failure between the Mac and the DAC’s USB interface.

Since toggling Integer Mode or saving a setting “wakes” the device, you are essentially forcing Roon to re-initialize the driver handshake.

In your screenshots, I noticed Exclusive Mode was toggled No in one view and Yes in another.

• Ensure Exclusive Mode is strictly set to Yes.

Without Exclusive Mode, macOS tries to mix Roon’s audio with system sounds. When the sample rate changes, the macOS mixer and Roon may fight for control, leading to the "silence" you're experiencing.

I’d also see if trying to reduce Resync Delay to 500ms or 0ms to see if a faster transition prevents the driver from timing out. Conversely, if the Denafrips is “clicking” but not playing, keep it high.

The screenshot also shows the Max Sample Rate at 768kHz. While the Denafrips can handle this, the USB handshake at these extreme limits can be fragile on macOS.

• Temporarily set Max Sample Rate (PCM) to 192kHz and Max Sample Rate (DSD) to DSD128.
• Then, play a playlist that alternates between 44.1kHz and 192kHz. If it no longer hangs, the issue is likely the USB cable bandwidth or the Mac's handling of the highest-tier sample rates.

I would also test a hard-wired connection from your Server to your router via Ethernet.

We’ll be monitoring for your reply and results, thank you!

[Wouter_Kolkman]

Thanks for suggestions and explanations:-)

[Wouter_Kolkman]

Reducing max sample rate and sync to 0 looks positive as first impression.

[benjamin]

Thanks for letting us know @Wouter_Kolkman - how did things perform over the weekend?

[Wouter_Kolkman]

Problem still persists - reduced max sample and reduced sync delay. Used solely exclusive mode.