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How do you deal with absolute polarity?

I know there is some controversy about it, but I can clearly hear "The Wood Effect" in my system. IMO, some method for switching polarity is a must to get the best sound out of ALL your recordings.

Swapping the speaker leads was not a viable option for me. My stereo amp (Antique Sound Lab Tulip) came with a switch to invert one channel so it can be bridged for use as a monoblock. I had a friend add a switch for the other channel. By flipping both switches, I can go back and forth between "normal" and inverted polarity easily.

I listen to determine the best position for each recording and mark it.

tommylion
billbartuska
83 posts
 
Check absolute phase by disconnecting a speaker and applying current from the positive pole of a 1.5V D-cell battery to the positive speaker terminal. This should cause the speaker cone to extent outward.

Assuming that the channels in an amp that powers the speakers in a multi channel system are in phase and correctly marked this will cause all the speaker cones in the system to move outward when a positive signal from the amplifier is applied to them - and that's absolute phase.
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
The out of phase track on the XLO Test CD will provide proof that the system is either in correct absolute polarity or reverse polarity. When the system is in correct absolute polarity discs that are OOP will sound more diffuse (less focused) and lack bass response, relatively speaking. According to the Polarity Pundant about 90% of audiophile discs are in reverse polarity. 

Here's the whole story,

http://www.absolutepolarity.com

ptss
1,964 posts
 
I have a phase switch on my Spectral preamp and am always grateful for it. Without it,for example, I wouldn't even be able to tell some Harpsicord (not a favorite instrument) notes from those of a plucked violin. I listen to classical primarily and have always striven for clarity and nuance to best appreciate the gifts of the piece and the players. I find the phase reversal switch essential to full enjoyment,even for classical FM listening.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,468 posts
 
Upon setup, I was very attentive to absolute phase....I never change the leads ....too much trouble.
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
If your system is determined to be in correct absolute polarity and you don't have a polarity switch, one strategy is to reverse the leads at the speakers so that the system is now in reverse absolute polarity.  Since at least 50% of CDs are in reverse polarity, most notably the audiophile CDs, and perhaps as many as 90% are in reverse polarity, then you will be listening to the majority of your CDs in correct polarity.

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