Normalization Issue

PROBLEM
I've got a problem with music files being normalized in Vista. This may
happen with all audio streams, but I have only noticed with music.
I've made sure that the graphs are clean (audiofile > codec > sound
renderer), that any players used aren't using limiters and loudness control
in the Sound Manager for the Realtek HD Audio ALC888 is switched off.



OBSERVATIONS

The issue seems to be related to (or at least solved by disabling) 32 bit
IEEE float.
Using Graphedit and DScaler as decoder for mp3, setting prefered connection
type to 32 bit PCM restores audio to normal.
Using Graphedit and ffdshow as decoder for wma, setting output to 32 bit PCM
restores audio to normal also.



Unfortunately, this does not change system-wide performance.
Playback through Windows Media Player which forces the use of Microsoft WMA
DMO, for example, still results in the described problem.
Seems to indicate a fundamental problem (possibly of of the Realtek ALC888)
with 32 bit IEEE float.



POSSIBLE WORKAROUNDS

* To resolve the issue I've been looking at ways to set 32 bit PCM as the
system standard, but the Realtek GUI doesn't seem to provide for it and I
have been unable to find a helpful Vista setting.

* Failing this I've been trying to tackle this at the codec level. It's been
just as unsuccesful. Windows Media Player is my main Music Player. I don't
know which codecs it uses and the Microsoft DMO's aren't directly
configureable.

* To force WMP to play my game I looked at removing all relevant codecs
except the ones that allow me to set 32 bit PCM as default. However, in
Device Manager\Sound, video and game controllers I only see "Realtek High
Definition Audio." No codecs like in XP.



QUESTIONS

Is there any way to get Vista to force 32 bit PCM system-wide?
How can I manage codecs in Vista (Premium)?
Is there any way to configure WMAudio DMO to use 32 bit PCM?