Developping a stereo system replacing spark + dialog

[jcd1877]

A: There is a Direct Optical Mode with very low latency, but no control over volume as the operating software is bypassed - the Phantom just plays what it gets in optical input.

Joachim showed me the following procedure to engage this mode:
1: launch Phantom app (not Spark)
2: restart Phantom (3 clicks)
3: pair Phantom with app
4: on app, tap ten times between “mute” and “night” icons
5: select Optical Direct mode
6: select channel (L/R/mix)
7: select max. output level 0dB/-12dB

How do you control the volume at the end ?
Does it disable the Bluetooth ?

This is going to be my test solution using direct optical:

• As I don't have an issue with running cables, both phantoms will be set to L or R using above procedure.
  
• The optical feeds from each Phantom will be fed from an optical splitter (https://www.cablechick.com.au/cables/ave...itter.html)
  
• The input to the optical splitter will be from a Yamaha WXC-50
  

I want to have a go at this solution for a few reasons:

• I'm so over the Spark app
  
• Although input selection is on auto - it often gets confused
  
• Desperately want to get rid of the face cream remote control - on to my second one now which has also had a repair job. They just aren't very robust in a family environment
  
• Speaking of family - they all hate having a second remote for just the Phantom volume management. Constantly get asked why our universal remote wont control them - try explaining that one!!!
  
• I love a good sounding system - but I'm no audiophile - thus I only have the whites and a dialog. System does both music and TV - therefore needs to be family friendly
  
• Because I'm not an audiophile, I'm happy to see how the volume control goes in the digital domain within the WXC-50. They can be set to either a pre-amp mode or player mode. Pre-amp mode gives you 48bit resolution volume control in the digital output.
  

If I had realised how family-unfriendly the Phantom setup was, would have done something else maybe. BUT - I do love the sound quality from such a compact setup.

So waiting on my WXC-50 to arrive. Will let you know how I go.