phase control on BAT VK pre amps

"09-26-14: Jfrech
Hi, I used to have a BAT VK51SE. And I did use the phase control. I could hear it on some recordings. Especially in the tightness of the bass and openness of the soundstage. A lot of times it was just hard to tell..."

I don't know if you guys are aware of this, but with regards to absolute phase like we are talking about here, not all recordings are made the same way. About 50% are recorded in phase, and the other 50% are not. That means, regardless of what equipment you have, phase button or not, half the recording you listen to will be in phase. This is not an easy thing to here even with the best equipment. I don't know, or have heard of anyone who could reliably tell the difference between the 2 settings even when they can hear a difference. Myself included.

PTSS, that was 10 years ago when I had the BAT preamp...it's not a current statement...

zd542, yeah I tend to agree with you. then I think some recordings have some instrument in phase possibly and some out...further complicating which setting is right and wrong.

A point to keep in mind is that when the setting of the phase switch is changed, not only is the polarity of the recording being inverted, but the configuration of the circuitry in the preamp is being changed. That in itself can be expected to sometimes affect the sound, to a greater or lesser degree depending on the specific design.

Also, seconding Jfrech's point, my understanding is that most recordings in most genres are produced via heavy multi-mic'ing (i.e., a lot of microphones) together with subsequent mixing and processing in elaborate electronic consoles. With the result that neither polarity setting stands much chance of being correct for all of the performers and/or their instruments.

Regards,
-- Al

The following CD has a test that will enable you to tell if you can actually hear the Wood Effect. It also contains test for proper sound stage(left and right imaging), the LEDR test, etc: (http://www.amazon.com/Chesky-Records-Sampler-Audiophile-Compact/dp/B000003GF3) Notes on the Wood Effect here: (http://mariobon.com/Glossario/Fase_Assoluta.pdf) LEDR info here: (http://www.stereophile.com/features/772/)