How much latency does the 8c have in linear phase mode and in low latency mode?
The normal setting is Linear Phase Mode. In Linear Phase Mode the 8c uses an FIR filter that corrects the phase distortion caused by the Linkwitz-Riley 4th order crossovers at 100 Hz and 1250 Hz, thereby linearizing the phase response, which gives the 8c’s exceptional transient response and impulse response. The Linkwitz-Riley crossover delays some frequencies more than others and the FIR filter adds a bit of delay to all but the ‘slowest’ frequencies, such that all frequencies have the same amount of delay and thus arrive at the listener’s ears at the exact same moment. In Linear Phase Mode the 8c’s have a latency of around 33.2 ms. Use this mode when latency is not an issue, such as listening to music in a domestic situation, during mixing or mastering. Usually, the Linear Phase Mode works well with movies too, because latency is less than a single frame in a movie.
When in Low Latency Mode, the 8c’s don’t have a flat phase response. The latency is about 3.1 ms. Use this setting for live tracking and perhaps if lower latency is required for integration with other speakers in a home theatre.
The audible difference between Linear Phase Mode and the non-corrected phase is subtle but worthwhile. Some listeners appear to be more sensitive to it than others.