Stereo Phantoms without Dialog possible?

[ogs]

If you'd buy a Dialog then I guess it's pointless not using it... There is one potential disadvantage with the solution you described (but only if Spark and Devialet are doing it right). Without using Spark your only option would be using a digital volume, and in that case you end up loosing some signal resolution. I think (and hope) Spark controls the volume by changing the gain on the amplifiers inside Phantom after the D/A conversion, hence always using the full resolution of the digital signal applied to the DAC.

I'm afraid the volume control is digital. It is in my 250. Spark, Dialog and Phantom too I believe. The only volume control that fits your description is the one used in Tact/Lyngdorf amps where the power supply rails where adjusted to control loudness. But even here digital control is used for (the upper) part of the range.