iirc linux has crappy audio implementation (that's why you'd need some of these for instance.) And yes Windows Direct Audio sucks too. Not too sure about all of them but for Dolby stuff for example you specifically need some licensed software also. I wouldn't call it min-maxing obsession to use software designed to perform audio better than perhaps a general use driver that isn't well optimized for example to play DSD, SAC, Dolby Atmos 7.1, etc..