If you have a recording that was done with 2 or 3 microphones, the effect can be heard. The effect has to do with the fact that audio waveforms are not always symmetrical. Take a look at an audio waveform on an oscilloscope and you will see what I mean. So the theory goes that if the waveform has some asymmetry, that there is only one way to reproduce it right.
The problem is that 50% of all CDs and LPs are 'out-of-phase', so its useful to have a switch. I knew an audiophile years ago that always reversed both speaker leads in order to determine which way was right, and then marked his recordings... a switch is a lot handier :) |
Can someome explain why one would need phase inversion? I still don't understand....
I assume that it will invert both the L and R channels. So why is it useful? |
Spectron Audio power amplifiers and pre-amplifiers have this feature on EACH CHANNEL separately - extremely useful
Rafael |
One of the first preamps to have the invert feature was the original Atma-Sphere MP-1 (1989). It is the one signal processing feature that we have on our preamps (easy enough to do since our preamps are internally fully balanced). |
The Tube Audio Design TADAC has polarity switches for each channel. It helps that it's a wonderful tube output DAC with adjustable gain and "tubyness" control. |
Spectron Musician Signature III MK2 Amp |
The focus seems to be on preamps, but I'll ofer that the Marantz SA11-S2 and SA7-S1 SACD/CD players have a polarity switch. They are excellent palyers for the money too. |
My Bent Audio TVC has both a panel button and a remote button. I find the remote to be of particular value as some recordings have phase changes from track to track. |
The PS Audio GCP-200/GCPS is an outstanding value, discrete balanced pre, XLR/RCA- I/OS PLUS polarity control(though it is misnamed phase) on the remote!
IMHO, one needs polarity on the remote because many records/CDs are mixed up, and one needs to hear it from the listening position.
Another choice that's twice as much (MSRP) is the newish Parasound JC 2 |
Aesthetix Calypso. Adjustable via remote control or face panel. |
My Audio Synthesis DAX decoder has switch. |
The Modwright 36.5 has a phase inversion switch, and would be another fine candidate in your search. Not sure which of your amps you are looking to pair it off with so I cannot speak to synergy. There are a few reviews you could read online. The phase inversion is also on the remote for the 36.5.
Good luck!
Marco |
Guys,
I really appreciate your help on this. Another fellow e-mailed me privately and suggested the Parasound Halo JC-2, which is also a very good candidate.
Regarding the audibility of absolute polarity, I have always had phase-coherent speakers and have always heard differences in my recordings when going from absolute polarity to inverted polarity. For whatever reason, I usually hear more of a difference if there is a tube component somewhere in the signal path. |
Vett93, your speakers are probably not polarity coherent (most aren't). I never heard polarity differences on that Chesky CD either, before I got my Gallo Reference 3 speakers.
I ended up with an Aesthetix Calypso linestage for this very reason (polarity switching via the remote). Plato, the Calypso offers both RCA and XLR inputs/outputs -- all of them -- another reason I like it. Dave |
What does polarity inversion do to the sound? I have a Chesky test CD that contains a phase inversion track. I cannot hear any differences?
What am I missing? |
My Bryston BP26 Preamp has that feature. |
That feature is available on Aesthetix Callisto with remote. |
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Guys, thanks, I appreciate the responses so far. I forgot to mention that I'm looking for RCA outputs as well.
I think some of the Audio Research preamps have the polarity invert feature, but I can't recall which models. |
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The excellent Lavry DAC 10 has a front panel polarity inversion capability. |
My older Klyne SK-5 preamp has a polarity invert position on the front panel. I don't know if the current models ( System 6 and System 7 ) have retained it. |
Nearly all of the Balanced Audio Technology pre-amps have polarity inversion and feature a button on the remote for that as well. I know the VK-3i does NOT have the feature, but it's my understanding that every other pre-amp in their line does have switchable polarity (phase). |
