Can anyone verify that the Integra DRX 5.4 "Direct Mode" is indeed "Direct?

Can anyone verify that the Integra DRX 5.4 "Direct Mode" will pass analog audio without A/D to D/A conversion. I have ask Integra support. But all they did was read the manual. I have read the manual. And I quote from the manual:

 Direct

This listening mode can be selected for all input signals. Processing that affects

sound quality is shut down, "and sound closer" to the original is reproduced. The

sound is reproduced with the sound field based on the number of channels

in the input signal. For example, a 2 ch signal is output only from the front

speakers.

Note that the sound adjustment is not available when this mode is selected.

I have added the quotation and underlining to the "and sounds closer" portion, because this is what concerns me.

Why would it sound closer? Why wouldn't it sound the same? Aside from all of the plethora of reasons that could make that possible. What I am asking is this. Is a purely analog signal being converted to digital and then back to analog? I have a relatively decent turntable/tube phono pre that I would like to not have put through an A/D-D/A conversion for unnecessary design reasons. I'm sure that you can understand the reason why.

As I stated. I have asked Integra support. I can tell that they are not sure themselves. They deal with 3 different brands. I do not have much confidence of the information that I am being given.

I have read somewhere on this forum. Although I cannot find where. That all inputs are processed digitally. Does anyone know if this is indeed the case? Any information on this would be highly appreciated. Thank you, for any information that you may be able to provide.