Hi Res Qobuz sounds like white noise

[wlgmuzza]

Hi

K50G4 running Squeeze/Squeeze. Connection to DAC via USB.

When I play hi-res files from Qobuz it sounds like white noise but get close the speaker and you can hear some level of music way down in the noise.

Standard res files play OK, and hi-res files from the SSD play OK.

The Qobuz forum suggests an issue between the two USB interfaces. So the first question is, does the K50 process streaming hi-res files differently from locally stored hi-res files? If not, do they appear at the outbound USB interface differently?

This started about 6 weeks ago.

I have tried using the AES interface to see if it is in fact the USB interface, but for some reason that doesn’t play at all. It has worked in the past so not sure what’s going on.

Any thoughts?

Cheers

[kennyb123]

@wlgmuzza

The Qobuz forum suggests an issue between the two USB interfaces. So the first question is, does the K50 process streaming hi-res files differently from locally stored hi-res files? If not, do they appear at the outbound USB interface differently?

The K50 runs software that processes the files. Thus it would come down to how Squeeze as configured on your K50 is processing the files.

It’s my understanding that Squeeze plays files the same regardless of where they come from. It will make a call to Qobuz, retrieve the files from their servers, and then just plays them. When playing from the local drive, it makes a call to the operating system on your K50, retrieves the files, then plays them.

I just confirmed that high res from Qoboz plays just fine. What I would suggest: confirm that your USB cable is well seated. Power down both your DAC and K50, them power on your DAC and after it is fully on, start your K50. Next go to Squeeze… server settings… have it clear library and rescan everything.

[Luigi]

I think you need to check the K50’s configuration under Squeeze; perhaps a screenshot would help. I’d try setting playback to Native if you haven’t already.

[MarkCole]

Book a support session with the team muzza:

Antipodes Remote Support

UPDATED Remote Support Instructions May 2026 At Antipodes Audio, we pride ourselves on the quality of our units and support. We have created a “User Hub” named Circle Create an account and register your device on Circle Once completed, click on the “Assistance” tab and follow the instructions. You will be guided on instructions for installing AnyDesk (free version) which is what we use for remote support sessions. AnyDesk must be installed on a PC or Mac connected to the same network as you…

Alternatively pop on up to factory with the unit

[wlgmuzza]

Thanks folks, will try the recommendations before logging a call. I’ll post back here with the results.

Cheers

[wlgmuzza]

Hi folks

Tried everything on the list. Even logged into Tidal and tries to play a hi-res files. Defaulted to 16/44, but at least they played.

I’ve got Antipodes looking into it. Hopefully they’ll identify the issue with the K50 or elsewhere and we can move forwards.

I’ll report back.

Cheers

[wlgmuzza]

Kia ora team

Prince connected to my K50 and found some server plug-ins I had enabled that were probably causing the issue. One being a DSP plug-in but wasn’t using, and there was CPO something also?

Those plug-ins had been enabled for some time with no issues and then the system went rogue. Had those plug-ins caused immediate issues on selection I would have de-selected them at the time, but at that point nothing was amiss.

The local hi-res files always played, I guess they’re routed straight to the player rather than passing through the server.

Prince looked at the Squeeze forums which pointed to one of the plug-ins as a potential issue. I did the same some time ago but didn’t find anything.

Perhaps there could be a repository on the Antipodes forum / support site that catalogues known plug-ins that might be causing issues?

Anyhow, the probelm seems to be fixed.

Thanks Prince!