Newbie Q on Phantom Optical Input

[Snoopy8]

Newbie here, first post, recently acquired stereo pair of Phantoms.  Would like to use optical from Oppo BD player to the Phantom. Some questions:

• Is connecting to Dialogue still slower (24/96) than the Phantom (24/192)?
  
• Are there still issues with crackling on the Dialogue?
  
• Are there optical cables with smaller plugs for the Phantom (access is awkward and tight)
  
• With input to 1 phantom, are there still delay issues with playing stereo between left and right?
  
• Any difference between using plastic or glass cables?
  
• Any cable recommendations...