[PROBLEM] USB DAC that works with Pi Zero will not work with Pi 4B

[Tim Curtis]

I have a Lusya SA9023A USB DAC that has been working flawlessly for a couple of years with a Pi Zero W and also a Pi Zero 2 W. After upgrading to a Pi 4B (2 W couldn't deal with HD Bluetooth) I started getting the following error message:

Code:

MPD error

Failed to open "ALSA Default" (alsa);

Error opening ALSA device "_audioout"; snd_pcm_hw_params() failed: Broken pipe

Usually after a reboot the Pi 4B will play one or two songs before this message pops up, so it obviously is compatible to some extent. After the message shows it will refuse to play anymore until I reboot.

Seems strange that it works perfectly with my Zeros (32 and 64bit installations) but not with the 4B. I have tried multiple different installations and moOde versions on the 4B.

This symptom "Usually after a reboot the Pi 4B will play one or two songs before this message pops up" suggests some sort of electrical or mechanical issue with the USB ports or cable that causes loss of signal.