I've been looking over the xr45 manual, and it does seem that "party mode" MAY incorporate a delay. However, I have some concerns about this:
1. If this is true, would it only apply to the digital input? When using the DVD, 6 channel input the manual states that speaker settings are ineffective (page 18 ). So, for example, Newform Research's use of the 6 channel dvd analog input is an effective way to bi-amp without adding this delay. Of course this means using the xr45's a/d converstion.
Basically, one would have to decide whether the direct digital connection with "basic" amplication is better than using the 6 channel analog input in bi-amp/party mode.
2. If this delay is indeed present in the "party mode," then the original idea to have stereo sound in all directions would be defeated. For example, if one were to do this, the front right and surround would be at least 10ms off. In other words, having the right front speaker at your left and the back surround at your right would not result in a "normal" stereo experience since there would be delay. Wouldn't the Pannisonic engineers be fully aware of this, and remove the delay for "party mode"? I know errors can be made in programming, but this would seem kind of wierd. In short, maybe this concern about a delay is really just part and parcel of the crappy mannual.
I have yet to try the bi-amp with my XR45, but I am currious about those who have. Some say the delay is audible, while others -- The Bolder Cable crew, for example -- seem to be bi-amping WITH the digital connection without any perceived delay (or so it seems since I haven't read about a delay in the Bolder circle). Indeed, Bolder Cable's mods seem predicated on the bi-amp feature of the "party mode" xr45 while also highly recommending using the digital input.
Anybody have further comments on this? I'm feeling kind of optimistic, so I'm leaning toward beleiveing that the mannual is a bit misleading and poorly written.
