Hi there,
I just bought the Stello U2 24/96 USB to S/PDIF Interface. I am using Windows XP SP3 and Winamp (and also Media Monkey occasionally). At present my server has the M-Audio Audiophile 2496 PCI card, and today I spent some time experimenting with the Stello, and out of frustration, my TC Electronics Firewire Konnect 8 from my home studio.
The BIG, BIG, BIG problem is this. With both the M-Audio and the TC Electronic, I can set the ASIO output to drive the S/DIF RCA output DIRECTLY and hence bypass all the nastiness of the Windows Mixer. (ie: clicking and adjusting parameters/levels of the Windows mixer - in the tray - makes absolutely no difference whatsoever to the sound - as should be the case). With the Stello U2, it is impossible to bypass it! I have loaded ASIO4ALL and tried every output option imaginable (all selecting the Stello as the Output Device) and the Windows mixer is still in the audio path - as evidenced by it adjusting volume and balance and playing Windows system sounds along with the music). And it is messing up the sound IMO. Both of the previous options (M-Audio and TC Electronic) sound significantly better than the USB Stello - which should NOT be the case, given the Stello's PLL and galvanic isolation from the PC. I am convinced its the Windows mixer messing up the works!
So..........does anyone know how to bypass the Windows mixer with this (or I guess any other) USB device? Your help would be greatly appreciated.
Robert.
