help with absolute phase

The Bel Canto DAC also has an absolute phase switch that governs the analog outputs. The posts here have cleared up the confusion that I was having with this switch, specificaly on much of the classical music that we play.

Hey Cornfed,
How do you use the stereophile test disc to check phase. I only saw a track to check if L&R were in phase. I'd love to have an easy way to check with my sytem is in or out of absolute phase. I look forward to reading any other thoughts on this topic. Very interesting post about the phase of different labels.

There is much controversy regarding this subject which to me indicates that there is no clear right or wrong. In this context phase refers to whether your speaker cone moves outward in response to the positive half of the input signal. Some people are sensitive to this, most are not. It's easy to test your sensitivity if your preamp or D/A offers this feature. In the recording process phase integrity is rarely maintained. In fact, from track to track on most pop/rock recordings there is no consistency. It will take a serious effort on your part to accurately label a large music collection for absolute phase. I question whether it would be worth the effort. Relative phase is far more important.

would anyone know where a test disc can be purchased,none of the local dealers have them.
and thanks for all the great info!

onhwy61 makes several good points, that also address the query of chelillingworth directed to me. generally, you will be able to detect whether your system is in relative phase by checking the "channel phasing" of your speakers. this can be accomplished with stereophile test disc 2. if your channels are out of phase, then you've got some wire(s) crossed somewhere that affects both the relative and absolute phase. "sytstem phase" is testable with the stereophile test disc 1. i cannot attest to its accuracy, tho, i am usually able to detect by listening when a system is connected out-of-phase. absolute phase correctness requires more than a test disc or my ears can offer and i don't really worry about it, as, again, onhwy61 suggests.