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Topic: KS, kernel streaming... (Read 2933 times) previous topic - next topic
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KS, kernel streaming...

Howdy, I've been hearing this a whole bonanza on this feature, however I still don't know the basics and I'm sure at least a couple of others are at least as clueless as me about it.
Up till now:
1. KS is supposed to play sound directly throe the audio card (bypassing the OS)
2. It doesn't always work (or so it seems thou on my computer (w2k + sblive) I had no problems)
3. There seems to be a rave going on about it, I presume some "pseudo audiophile" gig?

That about sums my knowledge of the issue; So, if anyone is knowledgeable on the subject, could you perhaps mend mistakes (if there are any) and add some more info.

Thanks.

KS, kernel streaming...

Reply #1 –
A lot of the audiophiles say they can hear the difference.  I think audiophiles are too quick to buy into a placebo . . .

I use KS because it's the only other alternative.  I don't like waveout because then it's affected by my wave volume (and vice versa), and I don't like DirectSound because on my soundcard, it's not as loud as WaveOut or KS.  (I prefer the louder output because the cable running from my soundcard to my stereo is a radio shack piece of trash which introduces static.  The less I have to boost the signal. then less the static is noticable.  I need to buy a new cable, but I always seem to forget.)

KS, kernel streaming...

Reply #2 –
george: Vice versa - your wave volume is affected by waveout? %-)

I think the primary reason for KS is bypassing software mixing so that the output is bit perfect. The reason for that is to preserve integrity of encoded digital streams (AC3 or something like that).

In theory mixing may requantify sound to introduce noticeable noise. I don't think one could notice that, but it does threat the comfortable feeling that each and every of the fb pipeline's 64 bits feed to the placebotalamus.

Other bonuses include lower latency and sometimes suppressing other sounds.

KS, kernel streaming...

Reply #3 –
Quote
george: Vice versa - your wave volume is affected by waveout? %-)

Actually, probably not.  In most audio players, when using WaveOut, turning the player volume down turns down the actual wave volume.  I guess Foobar wouldn't actually do that, though.

KS, kernel streaming...

Reply #4 –
Quote
fb pipeline's 64 bits feed to the placebotalamus

lol;

Any leads on instability issues? Are there any? Peter posted not to whine about KS not working, why (apart from it being experimental)? What exactly does the mixer do and why does it mangle the bits, I assume this wasn't the intension of the designers.

Thanks.

KS, kernel streaming...

Reply #5 –
I use KS and keep all volumes at the max and only adjust my computer speakers as necessary.