This is not new to MC23 as it existed in earlier versions and with prior host computers. (FWIW, the present is an i7-7700K with 32G RAM and 2 SSDs connected by LAN to the files on my NAS.)
I can run DSD256 5channel files, have MC23 convert them to 176.4 PCM, convert from 5channels to 6channels, apply DiracLive VST plugin for roomEQ and output over USB to an exaSound DAC without issues.
However, if I try this with 352.8 FLAC 5channel files as above (convert them to 176.4 PCM, convert from 5channels to 6channels, apply DiracLive VST plugin for roomEQ and output over USB), I get interruptions for rebuffering every 20-60 seconds.
It seems to be correlated with peaks in disk access but not network activity although I see similar peaks with DSD. This happens regardless of whether I buffer original files in memory, decoded files in memory or neither. Other system monitors for CPU/memory/etc. are similar and unexceptional with DSD and PCM. Lower bit rates are fine.
Any thoughts?