Don, You're right -- a direct connection will always provide better sound quality. In fact, most hearing aid users prefer using a direct audio input (DAI) cord because it allows them to receive a stronger, clearer signal than what is provided by a neckloop or headphones.
Having said that, when I don't use direct connection to my BrailleNote (using an adaptor specifically designed for my CI), I struggle to understand what I'm hearing. Like Kathy, sometimes I hear too much hiss (especially with the /s/ and /ch/ sounds) which interferes with my ability to understand what I'm hearing. I don't know if this is because of the smaller speaker size, a characteristic of Keynote speech -- or a combination of both. To be fair, I know many people with hearing loss who prefer Keynote speech to other synthesizers. Of course, each person is different and what works for one may not work for another. Lisa
