Kernel streaming / WASAPI (Windows)

WASAPI is Microsoft’s modern audio API. In “exclusive mode” it bypasses the Windows audio mixer and sends bit-perfect samples directly to the DAC without any format conversion or system-wide volume mixing.

Why it matters

Default Windows audio “shared mode” mixes all system audio and can resample to a common rate (typically 48 kHz), degrading hi-res sources. WASAPI exclusive mode preserves original sample rate and bit depth.

Alternatives

• ASIO – alternative low-latency API, mostly used in professional audio
• WASAPI – dominant consumer bit-perfect standard on Windows 10/11
• DirectSound – legacy, avoid for hi-fi playback

How to use

In your music player (foobar2000, JRiver, Roon), select the WASAPI or ASIO output for your DAC. Ensure Windows sound settings don’t apply “enhancements”.