Hello fellow Outlaws. I posted this under the "950 2 channel bypass vs 6 channel bypass" thread, but didn't get many responses. I am re-posting here with hopes that you all will help me out.

I still don't think I understand all the differences between 2-channel stereo analog bypass and 6-channel analog direct mode, for stereo sources. I hope you all can set me straight.

My DVD/CD player is a Sony ES9000. It has only stereo 2-channel outputs for analog, no 5.1 analog outputs. Can I plug these into 2 of the 6-channel analog direct inputs on the 950 and get better sound? The ES9000 probably has better DACs than on the 950. Right now I have the ES9000 stereo analog outputs plugged into the 950's stereo analog CD inputs.

I guess I thought I was already using only the ES9000 DACs by choosing analog stereo bypass mode on the 950. How is this different than using 6-channel direct with just the left and right cables plugged in?

My goal is to use the ES9000 DACs and get pure analog sound to the mains and the subwoofer to see how that sounds-- and to still have the other modes (digital) sound good and have bass set up correctly for movies or 5 channel stereo.

So, to do this I should plug the ES9000 into 2 of the 6-channel direct inputs on the 950, turn on the 80 hz crossover switch, and select 6-channel direct mode, correct?

Does anyone have a similar setup and noticed better sound this way? Maybe this is what SDWinder is describing, but I'm not entirely sure.

Two issues I with this approach: I set up the bass to use Small speakers and have a smooth crossover point in digital modes. So it seems like the bass transition may or may not be as smooth using the 80 hz crossover switch in analog direct mode. Also there is the issue of the sub being out of phase in 6-channel direct if it is in phase for other modes? If so, that seems like a problem. If I have to keep changing the phase switch between movies, 5 channel stereo, and 6 channel direct stereo music that may not be worth it. I wonder if the Outlaws could fix this by modifying the ICBM to include a phase control for sub or with a retro-fit of the 950? Ok, here is my understanding from reading this thread:

Two channel analog bypass stereo mode:
Uses only ES-9000 DACs
Double bass
Sub stays in phase with mains for this mode and digital modes
No trim controls

Six channel direct mode:
Uses only ES-9000 DACs
No double bass
Sub out of phase with mains if it is in phase for other modes
Trim controls active

Comments and education welcome!
-HTLearner