[RPi 3 Model B] Boot freezes on start/restart with connected USB-DAC

[master-kw]

Hi,

I have just installed my RPi3 from the scratch as a test and failed with an 'Audio issue'.

Headless installation on SSD (no microSD), works basically flawless. Only MPD, myMPD, ALSA-utils installed.

When booting or restarting the RPi3 with connected SSD and USB-A (external amplifier/DAC), the boot sequence freezes after a few seconds. Not pingable, no ssh access.

After turning off the power and unplugging the DAC, it boots normally from SSD. I can then plug the DAC in again. The DAC itself is also recognized (aplay -l) and plays music via mpMPD without errors. Just that 'boot thing'.

There are no further bugs or hints.

Required Information

G_DIETPI_VERSION_CORE=9
G_DIETPI_VERSION_SUB=7
G_DIETPI_VERSION_RC=1
G_GITBRANCH='master'
G_GITOWNER='MichaIng'
Bookworm 0
Linux DietPi 6.1.21-v8+ #1642 SMP PREEMPT Mon Apr 3 17:24:16 BST 2023 aarch64 GNU/Linux
RPi 3 Model B
PS 5V 2,5A
external SSD SanDisk Ultra 3D 250GB
DAC: nubert ampX

If there is any information missing that I don't know what you need, please let me know.

[master-kw]

I've stopped the tests due to other reasons and switched back r/Audio. :)

[MichaIng]

This is most likely a voltage issue, with the RPi drawing more voltage at boot with initial_turbo (maxed frequency) and high processing, and then the USB power draw kicking in with some peak on init.

Is there some output on the screen, in case what are the last lines?

Is the the official RPi PSU or a different one? If you have a 3A PSU, probably try with that one, to test/role out my guess.

[master-kw]

I've still 'eliminated' the project (ssd). The Raspi already struggles after a ping <IP>. No connection, nothing else on screen but a 100% packet loss.

Switch off --> unplug DAC --> power on --> perfect boot.

The PSU is from a third-party provider (I know...) but the Amp/DAC only has a data connection and - for my understanding - no power consumption. With r/Audio the (2,1A) USB-Port of my power strip is enough for a stable operation (@~700mA).

PS: I'm doing so well with DietPi that I have a lot of mind games (Odroid C1+, RasPi 3B...no Odroid, but even a RasPi 4B?). Too much to put into words here. :-) But it seems sensible to me to separate the purposes of use.