No optical direct for Phantom Ultimate

[booshtukka]

It is not built-in, and latency will not be zero. The sales person is incorrect.

[Mohmm]

It is not built-in, and latency will not be zero. The sales person is incorrect.

On Devialet's comparison website/connectivity, it says:  1x TOSLINK® (optical)

Is this not an optical in?

[ragwo]

It is not built-in, and latency will not be zero. The sales person is incorrect.

On Devialet's comparison website/connectivity, it says:  1x TOSLINK® (optical)

Is this not an optical in?

Optical input and optical direct mode isn't the same.

[supaDean]

   
Hello everyone,

I’m a bit late to this discussion, but I do think it’s unfortunate that Optical Direct isn’t available on the Ultimate. I assume the existing TOSLINK input is intended for single-speaker use only?

I imagine this could be rectified via a Devialet firmware software update at some point. If not that is unfortunate.

This is how I use Optical Direct. Perhaps you'll find it useful: I’ve been using Optical Direct in a stereo (2-channel) Phantom Gold 108dB setup for a few years without any issues—it works beautifully for both music and TV/movie viewing. I run a TOSLINK splitter from a preamp (actually that's not 100% accurate: the signal travels from a preamp to a Mutec re-clocker then to TOSLINK splitter) to maintain separate left and right signals, then each Phantom is configured as its respective channel through the browser OS. This setup also avoids any latency issues, Wi-Fi dropout, network issues etc.

I've never run Phantoms in a stereo setup via wifi, but do so when using as single speakers for music playback without issue. I have run single Phantoms via TOSLINK without issue as well.

[trrstrl]

If you don't mind me asking, what is meant by configuring each respective Phantom through the browser OS? Does this refer to the app? If I use a Toslink splitter so that each speaker gets an optical signal, do the speakers sort out left and right, or do I need to use the app to set this up? Trying to avoid using the app whenever possible. Currently have a pair of ultimate 98 db's with optical (Toslink) from disc player into 1 speaker and an ethernet cable connected between the 2 speakers. 


Hello everyone,

I’m a bit late to this discussion, but I do think it’s unfortunate that Optical Direct isn’t available on the Ultimate. I assume the existing TOSLINK input is intended for single-speaker use only?

I imagine this could be rectified via a Devialet firmware software update at some point. If not that is unfortunate.

This is how I use Optical Direct. Perhaps you'll find it useful: I’ve been using Optical Direct in a stereo (2-channel) Phantom Gold 108dB setup for a few years without any issues—it works beautifully for both music and TV/movie viewing. I run a TOSLINK splitter from a preamp (actually that's not 100% accurate: the signal travels from a preamp to a Mutec re-clocker then to TOSLINK splitter) to maintain separate left and right signals, then each Phantom is configured as its respective channel through the browser OS. This setup also avoids any latency issues, Wi-Fi dropout, network issues etc.

I've never run Phantoms in a stereo setup via wifi, but do so when using as single speakers for music playback without issue. I have run single Phantoms via TOSLINK without issue as well.

[supaDean]

Hello. Is the method you are currently using providing a stereo signal?

To set up in Optical Direct mode, one MUST configure each Phantom I, otherwise both will receive a mono signal. While the app may provide functionality for setting up 2 Phantoms in stereo via wifi it doesn't offers this for TOSLINK / Ethernet connections. Use a web browser - it is a bit more advanced but is the best method. You would need to contact Devialet and ask if this is applicable to the Ultimate or other versions of the Phantom.

Follow these steps. Note that once in Optical Direct mode all wifi and BT functionality is no longer active.

1. Ensure firmware is at minimum version 2.11.

2. Put the Phantom in Setup Mode: Press the rear button on the Phantom three times quickly.

3. Connect via Ethernet: Wire the Phantom directly to your router.

4. Find the IP Address: Use a network tool (e.g., Network Analyzer) to find the Phantom's IP address.

5. Access the Browser: Type the IP address into a web browser (e.g., http: //172.16.1.3/).

6. Configure: Within the browser, you can adjust settings such as name, maximum volume, and channel mapping (Mono/Left/Right). I've attached a screen capture so you can see the setup screen.

Hope this info is useful to those who wish to use Optical Direct mode.

[booshtukka]

Great write up. Be aware that you will also not be able to use the app or Remote anymore, and volume will have to be controlled via the web interface unless your optical out is variable (unlikely).

[supaDean]

As mentioned in my original reply, I utilize a preamp. I would NOT go the Optical Direct route without one. The web browser interface is designed to limit the total volume output. i.e., set it and forget it. This avoids damaging the internals of the Phantom. Setting at 70% is a good starting point.