diff --git a/NEWS b/NEWS
index c07674e83..03400d83a 100644
--- a/NEWS
+++ b/NEWS
@@ -6,6 +6,8 @@ ver 0.19.10 (not yet released)
   - ffmpeg: improve seeking accuracy
 * encoder
   - opus: fix bogus granulepos
+* output
+  - fix failure to open device right after booting
 * neighbor
   - nfs: fix deadlock when connecting
 
diff --git a/src/output/OutputControl.cxx b/src/output/OutputControl.cxx
index 89428fa87..9eafdb166 100644
--- a/src/output/OutputControl.cxx
+++ b/src/output/OutputControl.cxx
@@ -184,7 +184,8 @@ AudioOutput::LockUpdate(const AudioFormat audio_format,
 	const ScopeLock protect(mutex);
 
 	if (enabled && really_enabled) {
-		if (fail_timer.Check(REOPEN_AFTER * 1000)) {
+		if (!fail_timer.IsDefined() ||
+		    fail_timer.Check(REOPEN_AFTER * 1000)) {
 			return Open(audio_format, mp);
 		}
 	} else if (IsOpen())