Center channel phase question.


How do you determine if the center channel of your HT is in phase with your main speakers?

Thanks.
jack_dotson
Thanks all. I think it's probably in-phase, but I'm going to roll the leads tonight just to check it out.

I haven't had any issues, but I do run my three front speakers full range and got to thinking about the phase of all speakers, especially since I use a different amp for the main channel.
"The front speakers should all be the same distance from the seating position. If the Center speaker is closer, the processor can delay the timing. Typically its 1 millisecond per foot. If you can set them equidistant with no adjustment, that is ideal. "

Another question just popped in my head. How many 1) actually follow this concept; 2) have ideal room setup/situation (unobstructed and equidistant); and 3) are willing, better yet know how, to adjust the processor to compensate for the setup shortcomings?

IMO, this is a major reason why so many audiophiles simply give up on processor based surround sound (gimmick is the word they use most often), bypass discrete MC, and concede back to 2-channel for everything (HT and music).

Basic principals like the one discussed here are essential for surround sound. Few are willing to learn why. Sad but true!
Cdwallace, I really don't think this has anything to do with my question. I was talking about checking the phase, not delays.

Delays are easy to set in most processors, especially one's like my Arcam where you just plug in the distance from the speakers to your listening position and the processor employs the correct dealys.
"Cdwallace, I really don't think this has anything to do with my question. I was talking about checking the phase, not delays."

Jack, is DSP (processor) based surround sound, when you have a speaker placed at a certain distance, and you tell the processor its placed at either further than or closer than the actual placement distance, it effects the phase of the drivers/speaker (in comparison to the other front speakers).

My comment may not have been directly related to your question, but it certainly is on topic and corresponds to the comment Steuspeed made.

Nevertheless, I'm glad your question was answered and issue resolved. I'll shut up now!
Cdwallce, I'm not trying to pick at you, so please don't take it that way, but I think your wrong. Phase, as I understand it, is when the cones move in motion with one another. You can have two speakers located at an identical distance from your listening position and still be out of phase with one another.

Of course having speakers located at different distances is of concern as well. However, this is something that virtually every processor I know of can easily account for with correct dealy settings.