With regard to the phase inverter, I would not fool with it unless you know, for sure that you can hear the difference. The reason I say this is that it took me years to actually hear the difference it makes, and then, only with some very high resolution equipment. Everyone says you will hear a difference in the bass. To my ear it sounded like a small timing issue. I think it is a small tweak, at best, and if it was my system I would focus on many other things first. I believe Truman's post above is correct. You should be able to just reverse polarity on both speaker cables. Also keep in mind that CD's come both ways. About 50% of discs are made phase correct and the other 50% inverted. If you didn't know this, you have already been doing a-b comparisons without even knowing it. That's why I say it is a small difference at best. As for the preamp; that is very important to get right. A lot of people over look it when, in fact, it usually makes or breaks the system. My personal preference is that if I can't afford a good preamp, I don't use one. I much prefer a passive unit or a cd player that has a digital volume control. There is a rough standard that a lot of people go by when dealing with preamps. $3000 retail cost is where active preamps start to outperform passive units. Normally, I don't like putting prices out there as a minimum guide but I have found it to be true in this case. Hope I was able to help.
