Phase inversion

[Still-One]

I have a Phase button on my pre-amp and I can seldom tell whether it sounds better swapped or not. Usually very subtle.

[Alki]

Originally Posted by Still-One

I have a Phase button on my pre-amp and I can seldom tell whether it sounds better swapped or not. Usually very subtle.

I would agree with this. As a matter of fact I no longer try any more and just enjoy the music.

[TommyC]

For some reason, when I reverse the phase in the OPPO, no sound comes out. I have to set it to normal.

[John49]

Originally Posted by Still-One

I have a Phase button on my pre-amp and I can seldom tell whether it sounds better swapped or not. Usually very subtle.

Same here with my Marantz. It is quite subtle.

[Glisse]

Originally Posted by cmalak

When you're "out of phase" the sonic presentation/imaging/staging will sound more diffused. When in right phase, images and tonality will lock-in and sound more correct and tight. Nothing harmful to equipment. You should be able to toggle back and forth to decide which is the "right" presentation.

Yes, however we are not talking out of phase, but inverted phase. Which is much more subtle and seems to affect the perceived timing of the music more than anything else. Some people are sensitive to it, others not. To me, when I do hear it, the dynamics contrast are softened.

Here is too much information:

cjwoodeffect

But the key point to focus on here is that around 50% of recordings are inverted phase. Further, there is no standard in the recording industry, so within a multitrack recording, which is nearly all of them, many of the track streams will be inverted phase.

So this is not something to lose sleep over

[antipop]

I read that the issue with the hot pin on XLR is actually different from the phase button you can found on some preamp and source.

I believe the only way to solve it is to either modify the xlr cables or to invert how the speakers are connected. Some components have a switch to allow the change, the newer Accuphase do (switch in the back, different from the phase button on the front).

I tried the phase button and I can't really hear a difference.

I'm not an expert and I'm only recalling what I've read. Someone may have better insight than I.

[imprezap2]

Hi Georges,

Front phase switch on an Accuphase amp is to invert the phase of the input, and can be selected different for every input. In XLR connection the hot pin will switch. (as per Accuphase manual)

[antipop]

Originally Posted by imprezap2

Hi Georges,

Front phase switch on an Accuphase amp is to invert the phase of the input, and can be selected different for every input. In XLR connection the hot pin will switch. (as per Accuphase manual)

I read it somewhere once and I cannot find it again. I was surprised so I mentioned it here hoping someone has the answer.

The Accuphase preamp have the phase button on the front, the amp have the switch in the back, the integrated have both.

In my case, I believe the polarity is inverted coming in the preamp and inverted again entering the amp (US DAC, JP preamp, US amp). Two wrongs make a right

If this works, then inverting the polarity when using the analog front end should be the best choice. I need to check it. I think this is what I've done.