Direct Optical mode - How to

[alandbush]

Thx for sharing that low latency mode.
So how does it affect sound quality? What processing steps are skipped when direct mode is used?

tia

With regards to sound quality, it is difficult to compare but I have no complaints.  But then again, I have gone beyond the desire to forensically analyse the sound UNLESS there is clearly a need.

My guess as to the latency improvement is that the necessary communication between the Dialog and Phantoms to maintain synchronicity is eliminated.  I do not believe the DSP is switched to a lower latency mode, unlike for example the option available on the Kii Three speakers.  I think they maintain their sync via a cable link between speakers.

However, another useful advantage is that the Direct connnection is very robust and consistent.
I have not had a dropout or need to reboot since the change. Previously, I would find one speaker had ‘dropped out’ overnight more often than I liked.  This would often necessitate a reboot or similar.

Ok. 
Another question since it was not mentioned in the thread or I overlooked it:
When direct mode is enabled only optical in does work? So no Ethernet (AirPlay) or Bluetooth is available? 
for Musik i don’t mind the latency, for movies I do. tia

Direct optical mode is restricted to optical input only.

You can always revert back to “normal” mode for other inputs but how practical it is to switch between the two modes regularly is open to question.