BlackWing1977
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I guess WASAPI is probably the closer to ASIO without actually having proper ASIO drivers from the manufacturer, I find the quality about the same without the weird glitches. DirectSound just sounds bad. 
AI Overview
In MediaMonkey, WASAPI is a modern audio API that offers potentially higher sound quality through bit-perfect playback in exclusive mode and lower latency, while DirectSound is a more compatible but older method that goes through the Windows sound mixer, which can modify the audio signal. WASAPI is generally preferred for modern Windows systems (Vista and later) for audiophile listening, whereas DirectSound is a fallback option, especially for older operating systems or when WASAPI's features aren't needed.
WASAPI (Windows Audio Session API)
AI Overview
In MediaMonkey, WASAPI is a modern audio API that offers potentially higher sound quality through bit-perfect playback in exclusive mode and lower latency, while DirectSound is a more compatible but older method that goes through the Windows sound mixer, which can modify the audio signal. WASAPI is generally preferred for modern Windows systems (Vista and later) for audiophile listening, whereas DirectSound is a fallback option, especially for older operating systems or when WASAPI's features aren't needed.
WASAPI (Windows Audio Session API)
- Pros:
- Bit-Perfect Playback: In exclusive mode, WASAPI gives the audio software direct control of the audio hardware, bypassing the Windows mixer and preserving the original audio signal.
- Lower Latency: This exclusive access also allows for lower latency, which is beneficial for real-time applications like DJ software.
- High-Quality Resampling: WASAPI in shared mode can use a high-quality resampler, which is still an improvement over DirectSound.
- Cons:
- Exclusive Mode Restrictions: When in exclusive mode, WASAPI blocks other applications from producing sound, as the audio hardware is exclusively controlled by MediaMonkey.
- Not on Older OS: WASAPI is not available on Windows XP.
- Pros:
- High Compatibility: DirectSound is the most compatible option and is often a reliable last resort if WASAPI doesn't work correctly.
- Better Than MME: It is a more modern and capable audio interface than the legacy MME (Multimedia Events).
- High Compatibility: DirectSound is the most compatible option and is often a reliable last resort if WASAPI doesn't work correctly.
- Cons:
- Goes Through Mixer: DirectSound sends audio through the Windows sound mixer, which can alter the audio signal.
- Higher Latency: It generally has higher latency compared to WASAPI in exclusive mode, especially on Windows Vista and later, where it's emulated.
- Goes Through Mixer: DirectSound sends audio through the Windows sound mixer, which can alter the audio signal.
- For the Best Sound Quality: Try WASAPI exclusive mode first for bit-perfect, high-fidelity audio.
- For Other Applications Sounding at the Same Time: Use WASAPI shared mode for improved latency and performance over DirectSound while still allowing other apps to make sound.
- For Older Systems or Compatibility Issues: Use DirectSound if you are on an older operating system or experience problems with WASAPI.
