I just enabled some logs and it seems that PA simply doesn't detect the rates supported by the DAC correctly: alsa-util.c: Device default doesn't support 44100 Hz, changed to 48000 Hz. Whereas: # cat stream0 www.hirestech.com 2010 REV 1.7 Music Streamer II at usb-ehci-platform-1, full s : USB Audio Playback: Status: Stop Interface 1 Altset 1 Format: S24_3LE Channels: 2 Endpoint: 1 OUT (ASYNC) Rates: 96000, 88200, 48000, 44100, 32000 Interface 1 Altset 2 Format: S16_LE Channels: 2 Endpoint: 1 OUT (ASYNC) Rates: 96000, 88200, 48000, 44100, 32000 # -- Louis Opter