The ToolTip text on the + button next to the IPhase button (0.9z-7) is assumed to be known.
All assumes a Device Buffer Size in XXHighEnd of 4096; This is the base for our Buffer Size for Engine#4 (Kernel Streaming).
When Q1 is set to 1, this means a Buffer Size of 4096 ( 4096 x1). When Q1 is set to 2, the Buffer Size will be 8192 (4096 x2).
In order to use the Phase Alignment feature without plops at mainly stopping playback, the Buffer Size has to comply to a minimum length. However, this length is influence by the set Digital Volume. Notice that with a Digital Attenuation less than 10.5dBFS the feature won't be engaged at all.
Below you'll find a small table which is indicative for when you will perceive plops ("Not OK") and when not ("OK").
| -28.5dB | Q1 = 1 | -> Not OK |
| -28.5dB | Q1 = 2 | -> OK |
| -25.5dB | Q1 = 2 | -> Not OK |
| -25.5dB | Q1 = 3 | -> OK |
| -22.5dB | Q1 = 4 | -> OK |
| -18dB | Q1 = 4 | -> Not OK |
| -18dB | Q1 = 6 | -> OK |
Important :It is not said at all that your Sound Device can use even a Buffer Size of 4096. Mind you, "use", which is very different from "is". The "use" is determined by XXHighEnd, and when it can't be used you will see show up errors automatically (and Playback can't commence).
So, while doubtful whether your Sound Device can use 4096 in the first place, the table obviously shows that even with an attenuation of 28.5dBFS (which is fairly high), 4096 won't do the job.
Watch out : the feature itself will work (for SQ), but the plops will be your part when playback is stopped (or ends).
By itself the limit of -10dBFS will easily work with the Sufficient Buffer size, like Q1 being at 30 and when needed the Q1 Factor (slider next to it) to increase it further.
Notice that the higher the Buffer Size the longer it will take for the system to respond to Stop or Volume Change commands, but that there's also the (for you) possible phenomenon that the higher Buffer Size will present a better SQ (like the Phasure NOS1 DAC is made for that).
Obviously, using this feature implies the opposite of the Kernel Streaming Special Mode and its Ultra Low Latency. So, if this brings you (bar far) the better SQ, the Phase Alignment feature is not for you. But you should try it.
