White noise with DSD Direct on R26

I just purchased HQPlayer Embedded and am loving it so far with PCM768. I would like to try DSD, but am unfortunately running into a persistent issue.

When I switch from PCM to SDM and press play in Roon, white noise plays continuously (while music is paused, and in parallel to the music while music is playing).

  • This only happens when I have “DSD Direct” enabled in the Gustard R26. With it off, there is no noise, but I am of course limited to DSD128.
  • When I switch back to PCM and press play again, I hear a short click and the noise is gone.

Sharing my current settings attached but have played with a few others to no success.

My setup:

  • Intel NUC12WSKi7
  • Ubuntu 24.04 LTS Server
  • Playing from Roon, streaming Tidal / Qobuz
  • Playing to Gustard R26 via LAN (“DSD Direct” enabled)

Thankful for any pointers you might have.