Winamp hangs with Kernel streaming output v3.63 Options

[Wim de Gelder]

I have a fully digital setup: Win XP32 SP3, Winamp 5.623, Trends USB UD Audio Converter 10.1, balanced SPdif (AES/EBU) to K+H O300D speakers.
The weakest link in the chain is the Windows Kmixer.
Somewhere I HAVE to be able to adjust volume and I wanted to do this with Steve Monks Kernel Streaming Output (it has a a volume control option), because Windows Kmixer is really bad sounding if you're somewhere below 100%. The ASIO pluging (understandably) doesn't have a volume control option.
But Winamp crashes when this plugin is selected. Now I'm using the standard Nullsoft Wave-out plugin, but this sounds as bad as Kmixer.

Why is my Winamp hangin with the KSO V3.63 and what am I goning to do about it?

I reinstalled Winamp, the KSO, tried a lower version etc.

Thanks in advance, Wim

[Wim de Gelder]

Thanks everyone.
I only read everywhere on the internet, and it definitaly is audible too, that Kmixer treats the sound bad. Opposite from bit perfect, especially when you put it somewhere at -50 or -30 dB.
The mixing engine in W7 is said to be better, but still is the weakest link in the audiochain. See also: http://thewelltemperedcomputer.com/Intro/S...atingSystem.htm
The only way to get good quality through WXP's Kmixer is putting the wave volume to 100% (0dB). Saratoga suggested me to make a fixed level, based upon maximum output of Kmixer but of course can only work in an elevator in the background music system. Saratoga is also telling me that Kmixer works fine. Then why did Steve Monks make the Streaming Kernel Output plugin? This seems to be more audiophile than standard Winamp, but I can't get the thing properly installed (see the start of this topic).
There are plenty of plugins, programs or extensions for the identical situation in MAC OS. There they have acknowledged this problem and came with solutions.
There are few people like Steve Monks who tried to do the same for WXP or W7, but probably the real audiophile people are all on OSX... See: http://www.amr-audio.co.uk/large_image/MAC...eger%20Mode.pdf and http://thewelltemperedcomputer.com/Lib/Ope...SampleRates.pdf.

I'm curious! Wim.

[db1989]

I only read everywhere on the internet, and it definitaly is audible too, that Kmixer treats the sound bad.

Earlier, I mentioned #8 of the Terms of Service. Did you happen to read it? Your statement does not seem to meet its criteria.

thewelltemperedcomputer.com

I suspect you are misinterpreting the conclusions of this site. If I remember correctly, a regular contributor to Hydrogenaudio named Roseval works on this site; s/he may be able to comment on your way of reading it.

Then why did Steve Monks make the Streaming Kernel Output plugin?

Non-standard output interfaces are either made for reasons other than audio quality, or by deluded/dishonest people who think/imply that the altered output method has any effect upon quality (on competent hardware). I have no idea who Steve Monks is, but I’d be charitable and assume the former until the latter is proven.

Please read #8 of the Terms of Service and observe it in subsequent replies.